Let us begin by clarifying a misnomer...orthotic shoes. Orthotics are custom inserts that go into a shoe to address a medical foot condition. So “orthotic shoes” is not exactly correct as orthotics refers to the custom footbed that goes into the shoes and not the shoes themselves. “Orthopedic shoes” refers to the actual shoe that has orthopedic features, one of which includes “removable footbeds” so that it can accommodate “orthotics.”
Orthopedic shoes and orthotic shoes have been used interchangeably as both the shoe and orthotic insert address an underlying foot condition.
Custom Orthotics
Many people who suffer from foot conditions go to their podiatrist who prescribes an orthotic to the patient. The patient goes to a local orthotics shop to get a custom orthotic made for them. Once they have them, they would remove the off-the-shelf footbed and replace it with their custom orthotic. This often results in better comfort and foot health for the patient. The challenge is that not all footwear has a removable footbed. It is important to buy an orthopedic shoe with a removable footbed to insert your custom orthotic in. Placing the orthotic into a non-orthopedic shoe would only solve half the problem. Some online orthopedic stores have identified “removable footbed” as a sort option to identify which shoes can accommodate an orthotic. One such store has a selection of over 900 shoes that have removable footbeds
Orthopedic Shoes
Orthopedic shoes are shoes that may have an off-the-shelf footbed with arch support (not custom) but also have many other features. These features include cushioning, wide toe box, many sizes, and widths to accommodate varying feet and adjustability. These shoes are designed to address specific foot conditions that include plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and many others. Orthopedic shoes can be found at your local orthopedic shoe store or online at HealthyFeetStore.com. We carry over 1200 different styles of Orthopedic, Therapeutic and Diabetic footwear and offer free shipping, free exchanges, and easy returns.
Custom Orthotics + Orthopedic Shoe = Orthotic Shoes
Once a custom orthotic is married to an orthopedic shoe then it can rightfully be called an orthotic shoe. Foot health is about both what is under your foot (orthotic) and what is around your foot (orthopedic shoe). Together is the ideal solution to resolve painful foot conditions and maintain good foot health. These two components together are what many often refer to as an Orthotic Shoe. Hopefully, this clarifies the misnomer.
The best place to start if you suspect you need a custom orthotic is with your Podiatrist. They will be able to do a full assessment of your foot health and determine if a custom orthotic is necessary. Oftentimes, it may be necessary but sometimes they may suggest an off-the-shelf orthotic that has appropriate arch support and orthopedic shoe. Custom orthotics are quite helpful but can be expensive and not always necessary. Consult with your Podiatrist for your specific foot condition.