The Best Shoes That Orthotics Fit Into: Expert Guide from Foot Solutions Plymouth

Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be tricky, especially when you rely on orthotics. Wearing orthotics in the wrong shoes can limit their benefits, cause discomfort, and even lead to further foot pain.

That’s why it’s essential to choose shoes that orthotics fit into properly. At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we specialise in matching orthotics with supportive footwear to keep you comfortable, balanced, and pain-free.


Why the Right Shoes Matter for Orthotics


Orthotics are custom-made inserts designed to support your feet, correct posture, and relieve pressure in specific areas. But even the most advanced orthotics can’t perform their job if placed inside shoes that don’t accommodate them.


Shoes that are too shallow, narrow, or inflexible can cause orthotics to shift out of place or create pressure points. Properly fitted shoes not only hold the orthotic securely but also distribute weight evenly, improving comfort and stability.


When your footwear and orthotics work together, you experience:


  • Improved alignment and posture

  • Reduced strain on joints and muscles

  • Better shock absorption

  • Long-lasting comfort during daily activities


Key Features of Shoes That Orthotics Fit Into


Not all shoes are created equal. When choosing footwear to pair with your orthotics, look for these essential features:


Removable Insoles


Removable footbeds allow enough depth for the orthotic to fit comfortably without crowding your foot. Always take out the shoe’s original insole before inserting your custom orthotic.


Deep Heel Cup and Firm Heel Counter


A deep heel cup helps stabilise your foot, while a firm heel counter prevents slipping and enhances balance, crucial for orthotic effectiveness.


Wide Toe Box


Shoes with a spacious toe box prevent irritation and give your toes room to move naturally. This reduces friction and pressure on sensitive areas.


Supportive Midsole


The midsole should be firm yet cushioned, ensuring the shoe provides structure while absorbing impact.


Adjustable Lacing or Straps


Shoes with laces, Velcro, or adjustable straps allow you to customise the fit around your orthotics, keeping everything snug and secure.


Best Types of Shoes for Orthotic Inserts


Different lifestyles require different types of footwear. Here are some of the most compatible shoe categories for orthotic wearers:


Athletic Shoes


Trainers and walking shoes are often the best choice for orthotics. Look for models with firm midsoles, removable insoles, and good arch support. These shoes are ideal for active individuals managing plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or overpronation.


Casual Shoes


Loafers, slip-ons, and casual sneakers can work well if they have depth and structure. At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we stock stylish everyday shoes that combine comfort with practicality.


Dress Shoes


Professional doesn’t have to mean painful. Choose dress shoes designed for orthotic use; many brands now produce elegant styles that maintain arch support and stability.


Sandals


Modern orthotic-friendly sandals feature contoured footbeds, adjustable straps, and arch support, making them perfect for warmer months without sacrificing comfort.


Common Mistakes When Choosing Shoes for Orthotics


Even with the right information, many people still make avoidable errors when pairing shoes with orthotics. Avoid the following:


  • Buying shoes that are too tight or shallow can cause orthotic misalignment.

  • Ignoring professional fitting advice and relying on guesswork.

  • Continuing to wear worn-out shoes that have lost structure and cushioning.

  • Choosing style over support, fashion matters, but your feet matter more.


How Foot Solutions Plymouth Can Help


At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we do more than sell shoes; we provide full-service solutions for foot comfort and performance. Our certified specialists offer:


  • Personalised fittings to ensure your orthotics sit perfectly inside your chosen footwear.

  • A wide range of orthotic-friendly brands, including athletic, casual, and dress options.

  • Comprehensive foot assessments, analysing your gait, arch type, and pressure points.

  • Custom orthotic fabrication, ensuring every insert is tailored to your needs.

  • Ongoing advice on foot health and maintenance to protect your investment.

Every fitting appointment is tailored to your lifestyle, whether you’re walking, working, or training.


The Benefits of Wearing Proper Orthotic Shoes


When your shoes and orthotics are perfectly matched, the results speak for themselves:


  • Alleviation of plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, and arthritis

  • Enhanced posture and reduced fatigue

  • Better balance and stability

  • Prevention of future injuries

  • Prolonged lifespan of your orthotics

It’s more than comfort, it’s a foundation for healthy movement and long-term mobility.


Visit Foot Solutions Plymouth Today


You don’t have to compromise on style or comfort when wearing orthotics. At Foot Solutions Plymouth, our expert team helps you find shoes that orthotics fit into, perfectly balancing support, fit, and design.


We’ll guide you through each step, from gait analysis to shoe selection, ensuring that every pair enhances your orthotic performance and keeps your feet healthy for years to come.


📍 Visit Foot Solutions Plymouth or call to schedule a professional fitting. Discover a better way to walk, move, and live comfortably every day.


Helpful Resources



A man is holding a pair of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Steve Morgan

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
A man holding a pair of shoes in front of a foot solutions sign

Colin Haylock MBE

March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
A woman is holding two pairs of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Heather Paine

March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”