Orthopedic Shoes & Footwear in Guelph

How to Choose An Orthopedic Shoe

When it comes to selecting an orthopedic shoe for yourself, there is no such thing as the ‘best orthopedic shoe’ for everyone. Similar to regular shoes, you need to take some time to find the right footwear for your specific physical shape, biomechanical condition, and lifestyle.

Orthopedic shoes are specially designed to accommodate orthotics or orthoses, but not every shoe will work with every type of device. The important thing is to find a shoe that works in combination with your device and provides a complete footwear solution that is tailored to match your condition.

If you are struggling to choose the right orthopedic shoe, we recommend following these steps to make your decision:

Get Fitted for Your Orthotic & Your Shoe

One of the most common causes of uncomfortable orthotics is incorrectly-fitted footwear. Before you start searching for an orthopedic shoe, you should always get fitted for your orthotic first.

At Applied Biomechanics, our team includes both professional orthotists, who are trained to fit your orthotics, and pedorthists, who are trained to fit you for shoes, and we can help you accomplish both tasks together.

When getting fitted, you should have both feet measured as there can be a slight size difference and this should be taken into account. It is also generally better to have your measurements taken at the end of the day, when your feet will be swollen from your habitual pattern of sitting or standing, and to wear a typical pair of socks.

Find the Right Fit for Your Biomechanical Condition

When being fitted for a pair of orthopedic footwear, it is important to choose an option that matches your particular foot issues.

For example, if you have overpronated or flat feet, you will need a shoe that provides adequate support to prevent your ankle from rolling inwards when you walk. Conversely, if you are experiencing supination or over-arched feet, then you will be looking for a shoe with more cushioning to reduce the tendency of rolling outward.

Every person’s biomechanics will be slightly different and two people with the same condition may need different footwear, depending on a variety of factors. A professional pedorthist will be able to assist you and help you find the right fit to help improve your biomechanics.

Consider How Your Lifestyle Will Affect Your Shoe

The final factor to consider when selecting a shoe is your lifestyle. Are you someone who is very active in the outdoors and will need a more rugged shoe to deal with uneven terrain? Do you work in a professional setting and require a dressier shoe for work?

At Applied Biomechanics, we can offer various types of footwear for different situations. From athletics shoes to orthopedic sandals, hiking boots to dress shoes, we can help find a customized footwear solution that will be the correct fit for your lifestyle.