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Original poster

Orthotics and summer shoes

27 replies

Pud2 · 06/08/2019 10:13

I wear bespoke orthotics as I’m very flat footed with loose joints which has led to damage to my toe joints. If I don’t wear them, I get a lot of pain in my joints. I find summer shoes to be a real challenge as they need to accommodate my orthotics as well as give good support to my whole foot. I wear trainers as much as possible but they’re no good for work or in boiling weather! Any ideas?

OP posts:
bluebell34567 · 06/08/2019 10:16

i think searching online orthopedic shoes, sandals is a good option.

Wintersnowdrop · 06/08/2019 10:17

Have you tried vionics? They have built in orthotic support. I have sandals, as well as trainers like converse and lightweight trainers.

PinkFlowerFairy · 06/08/2019 10:18

Ooh yes Im in this boat. Ove got smarter looking trainers but they aren't great with dresses and Im concerned about returning to work.

I dont think sandals work with an orthotic....

I've gone through a brogue phase - but I'm large too and makes me look a bit matronly.

PinkFlowerFairy · 06/08/2019 10:19

Built in orthotics arent any help if you have custom orthotics! It needs to be the right orthotic to correct your issue if you need custom orthotics.

Some shoes with removable insoles are great as you can replace the insole eith an orthotic.

Original poster
Pud2 · 06/08/2019 10:27

Yes, you’re right PinkFlowerFairy - the built in ones don’t work unfortunately as I need the heal bit too (slanted on the orthotic to make my feet turn out slightly). It’s a right pain on all fronts!

OP posts:
Celticrose · 06/08/2019 10:32

There is an American brand called Alegria. The insoles can be removed and also can be bought separately. I bought a couple of pairs in America and had a pair sent to me. I also got a pair from a firm called Cheerful Soles somewhere in the south west I think. Some of the shoes are quite quirky and take the matronly look of them. I have two plain black and one floral and one with an abstract pattern. They are so comfortable and are the only shoes I can walk in all day. They are on Facebook

endofthelinefinally · 06/08/2019 10:36

Hotter shoes have several styles with removable insoles so that you can put your own orthotics in. They aren't cheap, but I always wait for the sales. I bought some walking shoes and boots in July when they were half price.

lekkerkroketje · 06/08/2019 10:54

An old fashioned children's enclosed sandal might work (e.g these). Although possibly not with knee high grey socks and shorts!

LifeIsGoodish · 06/08/2019 11:37

I also have prescription orthotics and find summer footwear an even bigger challenge than the rest of the year. Mine are half-orthotics, so shoes with removable footbeds don't help.

I can, however, wear Birkenstock sandals, as long as they have an ankle strap. It takes me a couple of weeks to build up from wearing them for 15mins to wearing them for several hours, or even all day if I'm not on my feet all day.

PinkFlowerFairy · 06/08/2019 12:20

There isnt room in the sandal for the orthotics though? I wouldnt be adverse to the style (used to have red DM sandals when i coild ear them!) but there isnt room for the foot and the thick orthotic. The foot would be squished (if that makes sense) as the orthotic is like adding an insole.

Shoes with removable insoles work better as you can then replace with the orthotic.

LifeIsGoodish · 06/08/2019 12:40

No, but the contoured footbed provides enough support that I can wear them without the orthotic. Only when they have an ankle-strap, though. Without the ankle-strap my toes clench to grip the shoes, which doesn't do the rest of my body any good. That said, I wear Madrids as slippers, but then I'm not striding around all day in them.

lekkerkroketje · 06/08/2019 12:41

I guess you'd have to try them on in the shop with the orthotics. I have low/shallow (not sure what the word is!) feet so DMs only fit me if I have orthotics in. They seem to have much more more volume than Clarks or Gabor shoes, and they're leather so might be stretchable. If you have bigger feet, men's shoes might be an option because they have a larger volume at the same size, if there aren't any removable insole shoes.

LifeIsGoodish · 06/08/2019 12:41

Shoes with removable insoles work better as you can then replace with the orthotic.

I can't do that, as my orthotic is only half a footbed. I may ask for full orthotics next time.

PinkFlowerFairy · 06/08/2019 12:55

Im like Op though so really looking for ladies summer shoes/ nice work shoes - rather than mens shoes :(

lekkerkroketje · 06/08/2019 13:10

I know they're not hugely exciting and are a bit practical, but the ones I linked previously (these) are available in the men's or women's ranges. They're therefore probably made on a men's last, so will be half a size bigger with a wider heel and larger volume than an average women's shoe of the same size. That might be just enough to accommodate an orthotic even if they're not very dainty. I don't work for DMs honestly! I hope someone comes up with something nicer

I agree it's completely shit that nowhere makes practical comfortable pretty women's shoes. It's the same sexist BS as trying to get good girls school shoes with added discomfort and possibly a whiff of ableism.

endofthelinefinally · 06/08/2019 19:04

Just coming back to say that Hotter do have some nice sandals and shoes. For people with very sore feet.

Original poster
Pud2 · 06/08/2019 19:10

Thanks everyone. It is a challenge. Hotter is good but I do find them to be a bit granny-like and am a wee bit envious of those wandering around in simple sandals when I’m sweating in hefty shoes!

OP posts:
BeautifulBlackBamboo · 06/08/2019 19:47

I have Mary-Jane style shoes from Hotter which have thin leather & holes on the surface. It's the ONLY footwear for summer which can hold my custom orthotics. I have tried sandals with stick-on options which have failed. The hotter ones look 'nice' & are a decent compromise.

PinkFlowerFairy · 07/08/2019 08:02

Pud2 that is exactly how I feel. And I dont know anyone irl with this problem (hence joining your thread!)

I live in hoter/clarks enclosed shoes and feel about 101 when I go in their shop. Other friends wear skirts and dresses and look summery and feminine. I feel clumpy :(

PinkFlowerFairy · 07/08/2019 08:03

And i just know others must notice im always in trainers etc when they're in sandals...

I used to be able to wear supportive sandals /hiking sandals/lots of straps but now I need my full orthotic.

PinkFlowerFairy · 07/08/2019 08:04

And work shoes!? Im struggling a bit what to wear. Ive only had orthotics a year. I was fine with boots in winter but trainers with a dress doesnt look as smart as sandals...

Saucery · 07/08/2019 08:06

I have orthotics and have a few pairs from ://www.redordead.com/schuh-i14

Not the most delicate of sandals but I’ve had compliments about them. Fly London do fab sandals too, but I only have a non-orthotic pair of open toe ones so far.

Saucery · 07/08/2019 08:06

www.redordead.com/schuh-i14

That link, but properly.

Original poster
Pud2 · 07/08/2019 09:05

Work shoes are definitely a problem in the summer. I wear loafers which work ok. I have one particular pair I’ve had for years in blue suede - not sure what I’ll do when they eventually fall apart!

Thanks for advice re redordead and the Hotter sandal. Will have a look :-)

OP posts:
Original poster
Pud2 · 07/08/2019 09:14

I also have a very old pair of deck shoes that I wear as summer leisurewear , like these:

www.chatham.co.uk/willow-blue-silver

OP posts: