Getting orthotics - shoe crisis

[MummaBubba123]

I love my fit flops, K&S ballet pump shoes, etc.
What on earth am I going to have to wear with orthotics?
Hayelp!

[SofaKingOld]

I have orthotics too and do struggle a bit with shoes now.

They will fit in fit-flop boots and shoes (obv not the sandals). I go up half a size in ballet pumps but have to shop around as they need to be a little deeper.

My godsend this year has been doc marten sandals here They look like the old fashioned kids shoes but I've embraced it!!

I've had to change my wardrobe a bit, especially for work, but I'm lucky in that work are relatively relaxed about clothing.

I go shopping for shoes with my orthotics, if I can't fit them in then I don't buy them. Bit harsh but cheaper in the long run.

I love shoes and ended up having to get rid of most of mine

[dollyindub]

Ecco and Reiker do shoes that can be worn with orthotics. Or trainers, but make sure you remove the existing insole first whatever you buy!
Also build up the wear slowly - an hour first day, two the next etc.
Unfortunately orthotics are not designed to be worn with 'pretty' shoes and definitely not heels!

[dollyindub]

Should add that they also are not really designed for sandals either!

[mysteryfairy]

I just don't wear mine every day. I have them because of joint problems associated with hypermobility though - don't know if other reasons would require a stricter approach.

I just bought some Swedish hasbeens and they are comfortable (so far) without the orthotics. I won't wear them every day though.

Through last winter I was alternating a couple of pairs of h by Hudson boots, some Ash boots and some Zara ankle boots all of which they fitted in without issue. I had a pair of zara pointed ballet flats they were fine in. On odd days I wore Bloch ballet pumps that they couldn't go in but I really noticed the discomfort so that was on work days when I knew I'd only be on my feet for car park to desk and back.

[MummaBubba123]

Just found all of your fantastically useful replies! About to watch trashy TV (sadly addicted) but will be looking up link and shopping with orthotics!!! I've hypermobility and joint problems, too. Achey hips ;) getting old!

[MummaBubba123]

Lol
I'm absolutely sure that I used to wear those DM sandal things when I was younger.

[Notoneidea]

How bulky are your orthotics? I have them, but they made me two pairs - standard, which only fit my boots, trainers, etc, and a slimline which I can get in court shoes.

I did have to go up half a size in courts but find depth of shoe is the biggest problem. Shoes with a strap and shoe boots are great as they hold your foot in when the orthotic raises it up.

[valiumredhead]

Depend wether you are fashion led or comfort led. Clarks and Hotter do removable insoles.

[Betty5313]

I have to wear an orthotic in one shoe due to having one short leg, the shoe itself needs to be quite deep for mine. The hospital won't approve me wearing ballet flats even if I get the orthotic to fit (very flat shoes not good for me, apparently!). Hotter Mary Janes are my saviour. smart enough for work and they have had the younger trendier members of the office asking where they are from. V v comfortable, wouldn't go back to heels even if I could.

love those dm sandals

[valiumredhead]

dolly interesting what you say about breaking the insoles in. I had some made last year at an eye watering £200 , thank God my health insurance paid for it, but have never been able to wear them for more than about half an hour before hobbling. Perhaps I need to do it much more slowly and build up from ten mins at a time?

[Betty5313]

mine are NHS, I had to wear for 10 minutes then build it up by 10 minutes a day.

[valiumredhead]

I have just order some Hotter shoes in the hope they will be comfortable.

[MummaBubba123]

Hotters look nice.
Anyone have a link to the Mary Janes, though? Probably best to buy them in store vs buy online / amazon. Then I can take my stylish Os with me!

[Betty5313]

I don't know how to link on my phone but the Mary Jane style at hotter is called shake.

[valiumredhead]

Those are the ones I have ordered in apple green! If they are ok I will take advantage of their 3 for 2 offer. I ordered the extra wide but didn't realise just how big they'd be and have had to go down a size too add I was swimming. They seemed a really nice shoe.

[valiumredhead]

As not add

[Ponyphysio]

There's an orthotic company called langer who make Brkenstocks and flip-flops with orthotics built in!

[magso]

Winter is easy enough - boots and deeper brogues and shoeboots will often take an orthotic ( especially those with removable insoles), but summer can be very tricky. Mary Janes in various styles (from pumps with a strap to moderate heeled ribbon tied shoes) are my usual summer fall back, along with trainers and daps for casual use. I have had orthotics for several years now so have adapted and found styles and brands that work for me. I found some straps via ebay that can be added to convert shoes to maryjanes which can be helpful too.

[princessnumber2]

Marking place. Nothing useful to add I'm afraid as I've been mainly in trainers since I got orthotics a few years ago. And then found if you can't wear any shoes, you can't really wear proper clothes so have been in the wilderness for years.

This is all very helpful.

[Pandsbear]

I now have solid orthotics to hold my feet together and I feel your pain (literally). I have fitflop trainers (the supatones), DM boots, some timberland boots and some Clarks brogues. All fit my orthotics without any problem. This is the first summer I have had them and I can see there are issues (sob) with what I am going to wear.

[Pandsbear]

And the other issue is that I can't have bare feet with my orthotics... so there is all the faff with trainer socks that I hate...

[valiumredhead]

God it's depressing isn't it?

[valiumredhead]

I have the opposite problem,I can't wear socks as the tops dig into my scars where I have metal work. Sigh...

[LyonsDemesne]

Betty did you have to take a bigger size in the Hotties ?

[valiumredhead]

Hotters come up HUGE so expect to go down a size in length and width and still have room for insoles.