Comparing Custom Orthotics and Off-The-Shelf Insoles
While Mother Nature has been a bit slow on the uptake this year, she has received the memo at last! Warmer weather is on the way, and these April showers will soon give way to sunny days. If you’re ready to store your boots and wool socks, we’re ready to help you find a great pair of sandals that will help to make your summer even more enjoyable!
If you wear orthotics, finding summer sandals in a cute, fun style can be a difficult task. It may take a little more searching, but we promise they are out there. Brands continue to come out with more stylish options year after year. Orthotic friendly sandals feature a removable footbed, and your Pedorthist can match the material choices to your orthotic so that is similar to the original footbed.
Features to look for:
Adjustable Forefoot Straps:
These straps can be tightened for stability or loosened for comfort across the forefront of your foot to accommodate toe deformities.
Ankle/ Back Straps:
This additional strap not only adds stability and keeps your foot secure within the sandal, but also minimizes the amount that your toes grip the front of the sandal.
Stable Outsole:
Sandals that have a wide, stable outsole provide a stable base of support.
If you are looking for a sandal to add to your collection, but you don’t require a pair of orthotics, the above features are still important to keep in mind. Ensure that the sandal fits you well, and are comfortable throughout the heel and forefoot. Ensure that the sandal allows adequate space for your toes.
It is always best to try on sandals to ensure that the fit works for you, but it may be important to be sized again at the beginning of each summer to ensure that you are getting the best fit from a sandal. Some sandals are only available in whole sizes (as opposed to half-sizes), and knowing whether to go up or down a size can be difficult without comparison shopping. If you have any questions about sandals that may work best for you or adjusting your orthotics to fit a pair of sandals, please reach out to your SoleScience pedorthist.
Some orthotic friendly examples:
Revere – Palm Beach Sandal
Mobils by Mephisto – Thelma
Mobils by Mephisto – Thina
Naot – Begonia
Other reputable sandal brands:
Aravon (women’s)
Dunham (men’s)
Cambrian
Finn Comfort
Mobils (women’s)
Naot Revere (women’s)
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