![]() ![]() ![]() Orthotic technology has come on leaps and bounds. Most orthopaedic or supportive shoes have a removable insole, which enables you to insert your own shop-bought or custom-made orthotics. The ideal shoe should have at least a thumbnail length between the end of the longest toe (which may not be your big toe) and the end of the shoe.” A great trick is to draw around your foot on a piece of paper while standing, and see how the shape compares with the shoe. “If you have a square forefoot then a pointed shoe is not going to be your friend. “The shape of the front of the shoe should match the shape of your foot,” says Emma McConnachie, spokesperson for the Royal College of Podiatry. “However, some of the main components we look for include strong rearfoot stability (important in individuals with flat feet/fallen arches or hypermobility, and can be beneficial for those prone to bunions) a wider and deeper toe box (beneficial for people with toe clawing, cross-over deformities or bunions) – trainers tend to provide greater toebox width and depth, compared with smarter shoes a rocker bottom (for people with restrictions in ankle range of motion) or shock absorptive capabilities for individuals with highly arched feet, as such foot shapes typically possess more hypomobile foot shapes – this results in localised but heavy pressures, typically on the heel and forefoot.” “Each individual has different needs from footwear,” says Rob. Conditions such as corns and calluses can be caused by footwear that doesn’t fit properly, and other foot conditions can be seriously exacerbated by it, so it might be time to ditch the pointy heels or ill-fitting, unsupportive trainers. Some brands simply offer shoes with features such as contoured footbeds and shock-absorbing midsoles with the aim of all-day comfort and being well-fitted. “These can either be patient-specific and related to a particular condition, such as cerebral palsy, or generic but with features that may enhance stability and aid gait efficiency.” “An orthopaedic shoe is an umbrella term used to describe footwear designed to support the feet, ankles and legs,” says Rob Payne, podiatrist and clinical manager at The London Podiatry Centre. ![]()
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