A good pair of shoes is a must for any mobile and active Canadian. There are different types of shoes – walking shoes, cycling shoes, basketball shoes, etc. Besides these, you have casual shoes, formal shoes, stylish shoes, dress shoes, party shoes, indoor shoes, and outdoor shoes depending on the occasion and nature of use.
Whatever type of shoe you use, you must look for proper cushioning and arch support to prevent any foot pain or injury while you use it. That is why it is better to use custom orthotics or orthopedic shoes and sandals.
Orthopedic Shoes and Sandals
Orthopedic shoes are shoes that are specially designed to support the structure of the entire leg and its parts like the ankle, heel and foot. These special-fitting shoes are different from regular or casual footwear because they have unique features that other shoes lack.
Orthopedic shoes and sandals are designed ergonomically with breathable material, extra support, and removable insoles to provide maximum strength and support for your feet. The medical benefits of orthopedic footwear are many and listed below.
Salient features of orthopedic shoes
Strong and well-structured midsole and outsole
The midsole and outsole of orthopedic footwear are designed with extra torsion. These shoes do not bend or twist easily when you walk or run, thus providing maximal support and minimizing the risk of injury during physical activity.
Removable insoles or custom orthotics
Many people use custom orthotic insoles to correct their foot deformities and to relieve foot pain. These inserts can be fitted only if the shoe has a removable sock liner.
Orthopedic shoes have removable insoles and provide ample space to fit in the orthopedic inserts.
Wide range of foot sizes and shapes
Orthopedic footwear is now available in a wide range of foot shapes and sizes. This helps you choose the right orthopedic shoe or sandal for your foot structure.
Firm heel counter
Most orthopedic or athletic shoes come with a firm heel counter. This heel counter provides stability for the rear of the foot and prevents ankle sprains by offering superior support.
Reasons why you should get orthopedic shoes or sandals
Flat feet
Some of us have flat feet with little or no arches. This condition can cause foot pain, imbalance, and even affect your gait. This is when orthopedic shoes come to the rescue by providing much needed arch support.
Orthopedic shoes with arch support are a must if you have high or low arches.
Constant foot pain
Foot pain is a nagging and repetitive problem for many. This could be caused by common foot conditions like corns, calluses, or bunions. Complex issues like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, diabetes, etc. might also cause foot aches.
All kinds of foot pain gain immense relief through the use of orthopedic footwear, especially when paired with custom foot orthotics. These stability providing shoes can offer immediate relief from pain caused by various foot and ankle conditions.
Constant back pain
Recurrent back pain may be due to wrong posture, improper weight distribution on your foot, or even due to the wrong alignment of the foot. All these foot issues may end up causing spine or disc injury. Prevent these by using therapeutic footwear after a custom consultation with a foot specialist in Calgary.
Overpronation
Overpronation occurs when the way you walk causes your feet to flatten and roll inward. This strains the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of your arches which can cause severe pain and increase the risk of a leg injury.
The use of custom orthopedic shoe insoles or orthopedic shoes can easily correct overpronation.
Under pronation
Under pronation occurs when the ankle does not roll inward while landing. Instead, the foot rolls outwards applying pressure on the ankles and toes. This under pronation, if left unmanaged, can even damage the tissues of your feet.
The use of custom foot orthotic insoles or orthopedic sandals can correct under pronation with ease.
Types of orthopedic shoes
Depending on the nature of your medical condition, a wide variety of orthopedic shoes are available to choose from. There are shoes for diabetics, flexible walking shoes, comfortable shoes for teachers, arch supporting shoes, lightweight shoes and more!
Choose the right orthopedic shoe according to your shoe size, but only after a custom consultation with a pedorthist. Choose the right material and cushion for support based on the advice of an orthopedic shoe expert. Visit our Calgary orthotics store to get a foot pain assessment.