by Rudo Makuyana, Sydney PodiatristÂ
I like to monitor facebook groups and see what questions people are asking about foot care. This one caught my eye recently.Â
A few red flags stood out for me in this call for orthopaedic shoe advice.
- the image looks quite fake – check out that the woman’s hand, and the different patterns on the shoe tip
- getting foot care advice from the internet is risky – what works for someone else may not be right for you
- online footwear brands promise the world at bargain prices, but are rarely decent quality
What you really need is a podiatrist’s advice on orthopaedic shoes. And the question I get asked the most is: should I get orthopaedic shoes or insoles?
The best answer is always: it depends. If you have specific foot care concerns, it’s best to see a podiatrist rather than following advice on the internet (even mine).
But some general advice on orthopaedic shoes or insoles may help steer you in the right direction.
There’s three main options when it comes to getting additional support for your foot
- orthopaedic shoes – these come with inbuilt features like arch support and extra padding and provide maximum biomechanical support for your feet
- custom orthotic insoles – these are fitted specifically for your feet and can be placed inside most shoes to provide support for conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions or flat feet.
- standard insoles – these are not fitted to you, but can provide more cushioning and stability
The pros and cons of orthotics or insoles
- orthopedic shoes – these provide the most support and eliminate the hassle of wearing orthotics, however they can be an expensive investment
- custom orthotic insoles – they are molded to your foot shape and condition, and can also be expensive
- standard insoles – they are affordable – you can grab a pair from the pharmacy for less than $50
My biggest issue with insoles
Insoles are only effective if you wear them. And I see plenty of patients who invest in quality insoles, but fail to follow the routine of adding them to different shoes each day.
We are creatures of habit, and when we are rushing out the door to work or appointments, if we can’t find our insoles, we’ll simply leave it. If you wear different shoes every day, you will soon tire of the extra few minutes it takes to grab your insoles from yesterday’s shoes and slide them in today’s shoes. I see plenty of patients who admit they aren’t wearing their insoles as often as they should.
So the problem with insoles is that they often get left sitting on the shelf instead of giving you the support you need.
My second issue with insoles
Having a pair of insoles, whether custom or off-the-shelf, will not eliminate the damage caused by crappy shoes. People think that a crappy sneaker or sandal can be improved with insoles, which is often not the case. And insoles tend to make shoes fit more snugly, which can lead to further problems due to cramped feet wearing too-tight shoes.
My last insole bugbear
And of course, insoles are not suitable for every shoe in your wardrobe. Women in particular struggle with insoles for heels, sandals or shoes with cutouts. As mentioned, they make some shoes feel too tight.
So you may find yourself skipping the insoles more often than not because they don’t fit your shoes, you’re in a rush or they aren’t suitable for your favourite shoes.
The case for orthotic shoes over insoles
Whereas if you choose orthotic shoes, you don’t have to fuss with insoles on a daily basis. With the support, stability and comfort built in, orthotic shoes have the edge over insoles most of the time. Of course some specific feet conditions require insoles, but generally, if your feet are otherwise well, you are likely better off investing in quality footwear that provides sturdiness and support. This may cost you a little more, but you’ll save money at the podiatrist later on. And you won’t have the hassle of changing your orthotics every day. If you wear sandals or even heels, you can still find products with orthotic benefits. Brands like Frankie 4 and Bared have great podiatrist approved orthotic shoes. And bonus: they’re not the sensible grandma-style shoes either. These days you can invest in high fashion shoes that look great while also providing good support (stilettos not so much, but most other shoe types have great options.)
Over time, if you aim to eliminate your flat, structureless, shapeless shoes and replace them with orthotic brands, you are likely to enjoy more everyday comfort and support, which can lead you to better foot health in the future.
To summarise: orthotic shoes or insoles
- For specific advice, see your podiatrist
- Orthotic shoes provide the best level of structure, stability and support
- Insoles tend to make shoes tighter, which can lead to discomfort and other foot problems
- Insoles don’t fit all kinds of shoes
- Many insole owners tire of the hassle of fitting them to their shoes every day
- Insoles don’t magically make poor quality shoes better for your feet
- Generally, orthotic shoes are a better choice for everyday, long-term foot support and health
- However insoles can be more beneficial for specific foot conditions
- Custom fitted insoles are superior to off-the-shelf varieties, as they are designed to address your specific foot condition
