Men's orthopaedic shoes and insoles: where to buy and what to ask
First, the doctor's recommendation
Orthopaedic shoes are chosen for a specific need: flat feet, a bunion, a heel spur, a diabetic foot or the period after an operation. The requirements differ for each case, so the final choice is best agreed with an orthopaedist. A seller can help you find the right model, but the diagnosis is made by the doctor.
Take the doctor's note with you to the clinic or the shop: it often states the type of insole, the height of the arch support and the stiffness needed.
Ready-made shoes or made to measure
- Ready-made orthopaedic shoes: cheaper and available at once, suitable for minor correction; you can try them on;
- Custom insoles from a foot cast or scan: made for your particular foot, they need time to make and a visit to a clinic or shop;
- Shoes made to order: for complex deformities, the most expensive and the slowest.
Pay separate attention to width: a wide foot or a high instep needs a different last than a standard one. A firm sole with a rocker, a removable insole and a soft upper without rough seams are typical features of such models.
What to put in your request
- Type of footwear: trainers, boots, shoes, sandals, slippers, or orthopaedic insoles alone;
- The need: for example, flat feet, if your doctor said so;
- Making: ready-made or custom from a cast;
- Size and width: UK size, insole length, wide foot or high instep;
- Season: summer, all-season, winter;
- Brand: if you have experience or a recommendation;
- City and budget: and whether you need a fitting or a foot measurement at the shop.
Example: “I need men's all-season shoes for everyday wear, UK size 9, wide foot, for flat feet (as recommended by my orthopaedist). A fitting at a shop in Toronto is preferred, budget up to $84.”
How to compare offers
Compare models with a similar purpose. Ask whether the insole is removable, whether it can be replaced with a custom one, and how long making takes. Whether you can exchange or return the shoes if they do not fit depends on the seller's terms, so ask in advance.
Describe your need on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers and shops reply with offers in the chat. They can see where they stand among the others and compete on terms. The best-value offer is shown first, with reviews of the seller next to it. Contacts stay hidden until you choose a seller. See how it works on the “How it works” page.
Common mistakes
Buying any “orthopaedic” trainers without a doctor's note. Taking the size “snug”, although corrective insoles need room. Ordering custom insoles without consulting a specialist.
For everyday choices, also look at trainers and boots.
