Know your purpose and foot condition. Talk to your podiatrist. Your doctor can give you shopping guidelines on factors like heel height, width or shoe flexibility. And consider the activities you’ll be doing when you wear the shoe. You may be looking for orthopedic walking shoes or shoes to help with balance problems. Foot pain can sideline many older adults, but the right shoe can help people with foot problems remain active for years. Orthopedic shoes in particular may offer a solution. Did you know that your feet excrete half a pint of moisture a day? This is because your feet carry 250,000 sweat glands. A custom orthotic will allow your feet to breathe easier and assist in eliminating the moisture contained by your shoes. Not only will you have drier feet but the odour will become much more pleasant to the senses, not to mention there is less risk of fungal infections taking place.

These Mejormen shoes are noted for their easy-on, easy-off features, as well as their lightweight feel yet reliable support. “The mesh material allows for swelling, and the Velcro closure makes them easy to get on and off,” says Mehgan Susek, D.P.M., a podiatrist, wound care specialist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “It has a supportive sole that’s also well-cushioned to accommodate minor hammertoes and deformities.” Accommodative orthotics are devices like braces and splints. They are used for relief of minor foot pain and to correct minor problems with the foot. Ankle-foot Orthotics Have you been considering the use of custom orthotics, but are unsure if you really need them? Well, we have found five reasons you do need custom orthotics and how they can change the way your feet and body feel. Bunions. A bunion is an enlarged bone at the base of the big toe or tissue of the joint that has moved out of place, causing the big toe to pull toward smaller toes and changing the shape of the foot. AFOs or braces may be recommended for people who have suffered a stroke or who need support for a weakened or wasted limbs. Some people with a foot drop or arthritis can also find them helpful. Braces can be either have a flexible or rigid design, depending on the desired result. Cushioned HeelShop and try on shoes in the late afternoon or evening. Feet can swell throughout the day, so it’s best to shop toward the end of the day to avoid a tight fit. Comfort and adjustability. Hooks, loops and Velcro can help make shoes more comfortable and easier to get on and off. Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. This feature will allow the orthotic to sit deeper inside the shoe and will give it a solid base. It will also mean that your heel will fit deeper into the heel counter much better. You will be less likely to encounter fit problems by removing the insole, as well as any arch supports, felt or rubber additions before inserting any orthotics into the shoe.

The best place for older adults to shop for orthopedic shoes is a store that carries a wide variety of options. Find a shop that makes you comfortable and lets you take your time trying on shoes and walking around in them. Knowledgeable salespeople are a plus, too. Medical grade compression (20-30 mmHg) provides effective recovery for tired, aching feet and calves Pay special attention to the bony prominences of the foot and the ankle bones,” says Ware. “Senior skin is very thin.” If the shoe is flat, you can place your orthotic directly over top of the insert if it does not make the shoe fit too tight. This sporty sneaker features a wide toe box and plenty of room for common foot deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes, says Dr. Andersen, adding that while the shoe is designed for running, it’s a great option for walking as well. The shoe also features a soft mesh upper for flexibility and breathability, and its neutral cushion allows users to wear an insert if needed.A heel flare is inserted into a shoe to resist turning inward or outward and to provide stability to the foot. Inner Sole Excavation

Diabetes. This disease can cause foot-related complications, such as nerve damage and poor blood circulation, which can result in diabetic ulcers on the bottom of the feet. Women are more likely to suffer from foot aliments due to their footwear. Women wear more varieties of footwear than men that fluctuated in sizes and fittings. They tend to shop for the best look instead of the best comfort for their feet. High heeled shoes of 2.5” or more will increase the pressure on the foot by 75%. Orthotics will help eliminate any issues caused from improper footwear and they are offered in stylish choices. Take good care of your shoes if you need to wear orthotics. Allowing them to become worn down without replacing them will only make it more challenging for the orthotic to perform effectively, since it may not fit correctly in your shoe.

Heel wedges are used to encourage the front foot to either turn inward or outward when taking a step. They also prevent the hind foot from sliding down the incline created by the wedge. Heel Flares Ankle-foot orthotics, or AFOs are made to control either your ankle’s position or motion. It is used to compensate for weakness or a deformity in the joint. AFOs are a common type of orthotic device, and they are sometimes called braces.

It can be a bit challenging to find footwear that is compatible with orthotic inserts. A standard pair of shoes may not be the right choice when you wear a corrective device. At Wide Fit Shoes, we carry a number of styles for men and women which are compatible with orthotics. Did you know that you may have one foot larger than the other? Statistics show that this is a common feature on the majority of the population. Custom orthotics are available to help give your feet an even fit. Say goodbye to uncomfortable shoes and hello to the Kuru Quantum Wide. A casual sneaker with structured stability and an extra roomy toe box for a whole new level of comfort and support. Here’s why we chose it: Individuals' medical conditions vary, and the use of our products is not guaranteed to be 100% effective for everyone.

Ikpeze TC, Omar A, Elfar JH. Evaluating Problems With Footwear in the Geriatric Population. Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation. 2015;6(4):338–340. This is a soft pad that is filled with squeezable materials that can be placed under the ball of the foot. Once it is placed in a shoe, it reduces pressure on the wearer’s foot. How to Look for Shoes for Orthotics Heel pain. The heel bone is the largest bone in the foot. Heel pain can have a variety of causes, such as heel spurs (calcium deposits) and tendonitis. Designed with women in mind, these shoes offer a perfect fit and exceptional support for all-day wear. Here’s why we chose it: