Need orthotic friendly alternatives to fugly trainers - help!

[IrritableBitchSyndrome]

I have a condition that causes me to have very unstable knees, that dislocate or sprain often. In order to partially manage this, I have orthotics (shaped insoles) that fit very well into the running shoes I have been medically advised to wear at all times. Don't get me wrong, I like trainers, and am mostly happy to wear them. However, I would also like to dress up sometimes, or look smart. I love a nice Chelsea boot, but can no longer seem to wear them. Has anyone else with orthotics/rubbish knees found alternatives? Other than a wheelchair paired with whatever the hell you want to put on your feet?

[StillMedusa]

I wear orthotics in Josef Seibel boots, which are also gorgeously supportive in their own right.. I have to wear really supportive footwear with or without my orthotics.

Heels are a no go, but I have some nice Clarks ankle boots with a heel that they also wedge in ok.

If you look a decent makes that do wider fittings, they are often deep enough for orthotics.

My DS2 however wears full height AFOs (splints) and finding smart shoes he can get them in is a bloody nightmare!

[NeuNewNouveau]

www.clarks.co.uk/p/20354331I have these boots that just about take my orthotics.

I will be watching this with interest. I am getting new orthotics in a couple of weeks and hope they will still fit. I would like some smarter work type shoes that I can get orthotics in as I really notice if I don't wear them.

[DramaAlpaca]

I also have a pair of Josef Seibel boots which I wear orthotics in. They are so comfy.

Hotter are another make that might be worth a look at. Some have removable insoles so you can put orthotics in. I have a couple of pairs I wear for work. They aren't exactly fashionable, but for running around all day I need comfort and support.

[Fozzleyplum]

I'd suggest getting some well-fitting shoes with a strap across the top - Mary Jane type style. The orthotics probably raise your foot in the shoe, so you need the strap to keep them on. If the shoe is still too shallow (I have thick orthotics so this can be a problem) then you can remove the insole that comes with the shoe.

I have Hotter shoes for work. Several German manufacturers (eg Hassia, Think!) make orthotic friendly shoes; there's a good selection on the Peter Hahn website. I can't promise that any of them are high fashion, but there are some good alternatives to trainers.

[IrritableBitchSyndrome]

Thanks for the tips. Does anyone have any shoes or boots that have shaped soles like running shoes? My orthotics have been shaped by the podiatrist to fit a running shoe type sole, hence instructions to only wear running shoes. I was so pleased to have any help at the time I agreed happily, but now am thinking... what if I need to go to an interview, or wedding, or funeral, or any one of a hundred things where running shoes just aren't appropriate...

[DramaAlpaca]

I ended up having to get two sets of insoles, one for trainers and one for everyday shoes & boots. It was annoying because of the expense, but I hadn't any alternative really. That said, I haven't tried but I think my trainer orthotics would fit in my Josef Seibel boots as they are quite wide.

[VegasIsBest]

Ecco shoes and boots are fine with orthotics. Some have removable insoles to make it easier to fit your orthotics inside.

[NeuNewNouveau]

dramaalpaca can I ask how much your second pair of orthotics cost?

I finally have an NHS podiatry appointment next week for updated orthotics and am hoping to ask for two pairs, i am happy to pay extra for the second so that I can wear them in all shoes. At the moment I only have one pair that the Physio gave me a few years ago that only fit in wide shoes.

[Ethelswith]

DD has orthotics that she wears with trainers or brogue style school shoes (not every style is suitable, they need to have reasonably thick yet still flexible soles). The podiatrist saw the current ones (Clarkes) when she went for her adjustment fitting and OKed them.

The podiatrist recommended Ecco and Geox as often being orthotics friendly brands.

So perhaps you could try there and see how their boots and other shoes feel with the orthotics in?

DD just doesn't wear her orthotics with party shoes and most boots, which is OK as she does wear them for school and all other times when trainers are suitable (which means most of the time). Could you do similar?

[EmilyPunkhurst]

My orthotics work really well with DMs (although I know you wouldn't be wearing those to interviews or weddings!)

I have had Think recommended to me, but haven't bought anything from there yet.

[IrritableBitchSyndrome]

Emily - DMs would be better than scruffy trainers! If I could get DMs to work for me that would be useful, as they last a long time and can be replaced like for like. One of the issues I'm having is that I've worn to death the trainers my orthotics were fitted to, and Nike seem to have stopped making them. I've tried to find similar but have had lots of pain and injuries, so have had to go back to knackered old ones!

NeuNew - I paid for orthotics privately over ten years ago which cost around £200, so was hoping when I saw NHS podiatrist that they could make a second pair. They would only adjust my 10 year old pair, unfortunately!

I might well end up having to save for a second pair, but haven't found a good private podiatrist since moving, yet.

[Shantotto]

Oooh good topic. Mine for OK in Nike roshes.

Along with these and my feet getting a bit bigger after pregnancy I can hardly fit into any of my shoes!

I've been after some lace up ankle boots after being told I can't wear any of my other slip on / Chelsea boot style ones as they wont hold my foot in place on the insole properly. I've got 8 hole DMs but feel they slide around a bit in there.

Anyone seen any ankle boots that could work?

[MerdeAlor]

I wear othoses in a pair of clarks ankle boots. They fit beautifully and as they are laceups can be loosened a little to accomodate them.

[WhoKn0wsWhereTheMistletoes]

With regard to trainers, it's probably worth going to a proper running shop with your old trainers and orthotics (not Sports Direct or similar). They can do a gait analysis (video your feet as you walk on a treadmill) and advise on the best trainers for you. No cost provided you buy trainers.

Marking spot as I also use orthotics but just generic ones from Boots and can get away with not wearing them all the time. I also have high insteps and very wide feet which add to the problems of shoe shopping.

[EmilyPunkhurst]

Well, if you think DMs might be a goer then you'll have loads of choice. I have ended up buying quite a few pairs and just swapping my orthotics between them.

I find the depth of the toe is often an issue with orthotics and DMs are great for that.

I also have a friend who wears Red or Dead by going up a size. Might be worth looking at?

[NeuNewNouveau]

That is a shame with regard to them only adjusting your old pair. Mine were given to me by the Physio after knee surgery (private - I paid for them) but were not adjusted to me at all. They were what the Physio thought was the best fit from the catalogue and were about £50ish.

My new Physio I am seeing for foot problems thinks I could benefit from new custom ones. I wonder whether I should take the old ones along at all then, or pretend I don't have them any more? Any thoughts? I would be willing to pay up to around £200 if they were custom for me.

[Orangesarenot]

I wear my proper orthotics in flat calf height ladies Timberland lace up boots. I wouldn't wear them to a wedding, but they are smart enough for an average work day in an office, and very comfy.

I also have off-the-shelf half orthotics that I wear in low heeled Mary Janes or T bar shoes for smarter days at work. I go for coloured and nicely styled Mary Janes to make me feel better - I've just bought a lovely new red pair. I usually get them from Clarks, Debenhams Good for the Sole or M&S. I pine after Faith, but my wobbly joints are very glad I stick to more sensible low heels!

Try also looking at lace-up low wedge ankle boots and let me know if you find any, mine are wearing out as I've had luck with those before.

[MerdeAlor]

Neu take the old off the shelf orthoses to the podiatrists. They'll prescribe you custom ones.

To prevent issues always ask for slimline, three quarter length or dress orthoses unless needed specifically for sports. They'll fit in most shoes, especially if you can remove the insole.

[MerdeAlor]

Just to note, if you wear orthoses your running trainers should be neutral, neither anti pronatory or anti supinatory. Running shop employees are nowhere near as good as a musculoskeletal podaiatrist

[MerdeAlor]

Podiatrist*

[NeuNewNouveau]

Thanks merdealors- I have 3/4 length ones but they are wide athe heel so still only fit in wide shoes. I will ask for slimline ones this time o think.

[DramaAlpaca]

NeuNew you asked how much my second pair of orthotics cost. I'm not in the UK, so I don't know how useful this will be, but they cost about €225 euro approx I think from a physio who specialises in foot problems.

Irritable I tried my trainer orthotics in my Josef Seibel ankle boots today to see if they fit, and they do. They fit better than my shoe orthotics. I've spent all afternoon today walking around town in them. They are new boots and so comfy, didn't need any breaking in at all.

[IrritableBitchSyndrome]

DramaAlpaca I am massively impressed by your commitment to assisting me

MerdeAlor - now... the podiatrist did tell me not to buy anti pronatory running shoes, but I'm almost certain the Nike Lunarglide 4 running shoes she fitted my orthotics to are anti pronatory... maybe I can google this and check.

[IrritableBitchSyndrome]

Have checked. They are...

[DramaAlpaca]

Irritable actually you've assisted me! I hadn't thought about putting my trainer orthos into my boots until I read your thread & they are a much better fit so I'm very happy