Choosing the best shoes for foot pain is not as straightforward as picking the most cushioned option on the shelf. The right shoe depends on your foot shape, your condition, how you move and what you are asking the shoe to do. This guide explains what to look for, how to get the fit right, which features matter for specific conditions and when no off-the-shelf shoe will be enough.
The short answer: look for a firm heel counter, a sole that resists twisting, a roomy toe box, a removable insole and secure fastening - then get the fit right by measuring both feet standing, later in the day, with your usual socks and orthotics. Everything beyond that depends on what your feet actually need.
Choosing the best shoes for foot pain is not as straightforward as picking the most cushioned option on the shelf. The right shoe depends on your foot shape, your condition, how you move and what you are asking the shoe to do. This guide explains what to look for, how to get the fit right, which features matter for specific conditions and when no off-the-shelf shoe will be enough.
The short answer: look for a firm heel counter, a sole that resists twisting, a roomy toe box, a removable insole and secure fastening - then get the fit right by measuring both feet standing, later in the day, with your usual socks and orthotics. Everything beyond that depends on what your feet actually need.
What to Look for in a Supportive Shoe
A supportive shoe is not defined by its price or its brand. It is defined by its structure. These are the features that determine whether a shoe will actually support the foot through a full day of movement.
No single feature compensates for the absence of another. A shoe with a firm heel counter but no torsional rigidity will still allow excessive foot movement. A shoe with a roomy toe box but poor fastening will let the foot slide forward and create pressure at the toes despite the extra room.
What to Look for in a Supportive Shoe
A supportive shoe is not defined by its price or its brand. It is defined by its structure. These are the features that determine whether a shoe will actually support the foot through a full day of movement.
No single feature compensates for the absence of another. A shoe with a firm heel counter but no torsional rigidity will still allow excessive foot movement. A shoe with a roomy toe box but poor fastening will let the foot slide forward and create pressure at the toes despite the extra room.
Getting the Fit Right
The most supportive shoe in the world will not function well if it does not fit. Shoe fitting is more involved than most people assume, and getting it wrong is one of the most common causes of foot pain that has nothing to do with an underlying condition.
Follow these steps when trying on shoes:
Table 1 — What to Look for in a Supportive Shoe
Feature | Why it matters | How to check |
Firm heel counter | Holds the heel in position and prevents excessive inward roll | Squeeze the back of the shoe — it should resist compression |
Torsional rigidity | Prevents the shoe from twisting along its length, which affects how load travels through the foot | Hold the toe and heel and try to twist in opposite directions — minimal movement is ideal |
Appropriate bend point | The shoe should flex where the foot flexes — at the ball, not the middle | Bend the shoe — it should fold at the forefoot, not across the arch |
Roomy toe box | Allows the toes to sit naturally without compression, which reduces pressure on joints and nails | Press your thumb between your longest toe and the end of the shoe — there should be roughly a thumb’s width |
Removable insole | Allows a custom orthotic to replace the standard insole without cramping the foot | Lift the insole — it should come out cleanly |
Secure fastening | Laces, straps or a buckle that holds the heel back in the shoe and prevents the foot from sliding forward | Check that the fastening can be adjusted across the width of the foot, not just tightened at one point |
- Measure both feet, standing. Feet are rarely identical in size. Always fit to the larger foot.
- Measure later in the day. Feet swell throughout the day and are at their largest by late afternoon. A shoe that fits in the morning may feel tight by evening.
- Wear the socks and orthotics you will actually use. Trying shoes on without orthotics and then adding them later changes the fit entirely.
- Check the width, not just the length. There should be no pinching across the widest part of the foot. Many people wear shoes that are the right length but too narrow.
- Check heel hold. Walk around - the heel should stay back in the shoe without slipping. A heel that lifts with each step will cause blisters and reduce the shoe's ability to control foot movement.
- Assess the toe box standing. Toes should lie flat, not curl or compress against the end or sides of the shoe.
Feet change with age. Arches can flatten, feet can widen and foot length can increase. A shoe size worn for decades may no longer be what you need. Having both feet measured properly - not assumed - is worth doing before committing to any new footwear.
Choosing Shoes for Your Condition
Different foot conditions place different demands on footwear. The features that help one condition can be wrong for another. These condition-specific guides cover what the foot needs, what to look for and what to avoid.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the base of the foot from the heel to the toes. When it is overloaded, the attachment point at the heel becomes inflamed and painful - particularly with the first steps of the morning or after periods of sitting.
Firm arch support to reduce the stretch on the plantar fascia with each step, good heel cushioning to absorb impact at the point of pain, and a slightly raised heel to reduce tension on the fascia and Achilles tendon.
Completely flat shoes and worn-out footwear with collapsed midsoles — both increase the load on an already irritated structure.
⚠️ Clinical Advice: If heel pain has persisted for more than a few weeks despite footwear changes, a clinical assessment is a sensible next step.
Flat feet
Flat feet exist on a spectrum, and not everyone with a low arch needs specialised footwear. The presentations that benefit most from structured footwear are those where the arch collapses significantly under load and the heel tilts inward with each step.
Motion control or stability features — a firmer midsole on the inner side, a straight last, and a firm heel counter that keeps the heel from rolling inward.
Highly cushioned, flexible shoes with little structure tend to allow the foot to overpronate further rather than controlling it.
High arches
A high arch concentrates load under the heel and the ball of the foot rather than distributing it across the arch. This can cause pain in both areas and increases the risk of stress-related injuries.
Well-cushioned design, a curved last that follows the shape of the foot, a flexible midsole that allows the foot to absorb impact, and a removable insole for custom orthotics.
Unlike flat feet, high arches do not typically require motion control — they need cushioning and contact. A custom orthotic designed to increase contact area is often a useful addition.
Bunions and hammer toes
Bunions involve a bony prominence at the base of the big toe. Hammer toes involve bent, stiff toe joints. Both create pressure points where standard footwear makes direct contact with the deformity.
A wide, deep toe box with enough room for the toes to sit without pressure, soft/flexible uppers to reduce pressure, a firm heel counter, and good arch support for overall posture.
Pointed toe boxes and any shoe that tapers significantly toward the front.
Morton's neuroma and forefoot pain
Morton's neuroma involves thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes, usually between the third and fourth. It causes burning, tingling or a sensation of standing on a marble in the forefoot.
A wide toe box that allows the metatarsal bones to spread (reduces compression on the nerve) and a rocker sole (curved profile at the forefoot) to reduce load at toe-off.
Narrow, pointed footwear and high heels, which compress the forefoot and increase nerve pressure.
Achilles tendon pain
Achilles tendinopathy involves pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually at the point where it attaches to the heel or slightly above it. The tendon is put under tension with each step, particularly at the moment the heel lifts off the ground.
A slightly raised heel to reduce the range of motion and load on an irritated tendon, and firm heel counters to prevent excessive inward heel movement.
Flat shoes and barefoot-style footwear during an active flare-up.
Arthritic feet
Arthritis in the foot can affect any joint, but the big toe joint and the midfoot are common sites. Stiff, painful joints need footwear that reduces the motion demanded of them with each step.
A rocker sole is one of the most effective footwear features for arthritic foot pain - by rolling the foot through each step rather than requiring the joints to bend, it significantly reduces load on stiff or painful joints. Extra depth accommodates swelling and deformity without creating pressure.
Soft, adjustable uppers reduce friction on tender areas. Footwear modifications such as rocker soles and build-ups can be added to existing shoes where needed.
Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
Foot care for people with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy requires particular attention because reduced sensation means pressure injuries can develop and worsen without pain as a warning signal.
The best shoes for diabetics are seamless or have minimal internal seams, with soft uppers that do not create pressure points, a deep and wide toe box, a protective sole and a removable insole that can be replaced with a custom offloading device where needed. Fit must be precise — too tight creates pressure sores, too loose allows the foot to move inside the shoe and creates friction injuries.
Check feet daily for any redness, blistering or skin breakdown. A foot that is red, hot, swollen or suddenly more painful than usual warrants urgent medical review, not a footwear adjustment.
Wide or swollen feet
Swelling in the feet and ankles is common in people with circulatory conditions, lymphoedema, heart conditions and during pregnancy. Standard widths are often insufficient, and the level of swelling can change across the day.
Adjustable fastenings - laces, velcro straps or buckles - allow the shoe to be loosened as swelling increases. Extra-depth shoes provide more room without creating external pressure.
Where swelling is significant or progressive, medical-grade footwear designed to accommodate variable volume is worth considering.
Choosing Shoes for Your Condition
Different foot conditions place different demands on footwear. The features that help one condition can be wrong for another. These condition-specific guides cover what the foot needs, what to look for and what to avoid.
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the base of the foot from the heel to the toes. When it is overloaded, the attachment point at the heel becomes inflamed and painful - particularly with the first steps of the morning or after periods of sitting.
Firm arch support to reduce the stretch on the plantar fascia with each step, good heel cushioning to absorb impact at the point of pain, and a slightly raised heel to reduce tension on the fascia and Achilles tendon.
Completely flat shoes and worn-out footwear with collapsed midsoles — both increase the load on an already irritated structure.
⚠️ Clinical Advice: If heel pain has persisted for more than a few weeks despite footwear changes, a clinical assessment is a sensible next step.
Flat feet
Flat feet exist on a spectrum, and not everyone with a low arch needs specialised footwear. The presentations that benefit most from structured footwear are those where the arch collapses significantly under load and the heel tilts inward with each step.
Motion control or stability features — a firmer midsole on the inner side, a straight last, and a firm heel counter that keeps the heel from rolling inward.
Highly cushioned, flexible shoes with little structure tend to allow the foot to overpronate further rather than controlling it.
High arches
A high arch concentrates load under the heel and the ball of the foot rather than distributing it across the arch. This can cause pain in both areas and increases the risk of stress-related injuries.
Well-cushioned design, a curved last that follows the shape of the foot, a flexible midsole that allows the foot to absorb impact, and a removable insole for custom orthotics.
Unlike flat feet, high arches do not typically require motion control — they need cushioning and contact. A custom orthotic designed to increase contact area is often a useful addition.
Bunions and hammer toes
Bunions involve a bony prominence at the base of the big toe. Hammer toes involve bent, stiff toe joints. Both create pressure points where standard footwear makes direct contact with the deformity.
A wide, deep toe box with enough room for the toes to sit without pressure, soft/flexible uppers to reduce pressure, a firm heel counter, and good arch support for overall posture.
Pointed toe boxes and any shoe that tapers significantly toward the front.
Morton's neuroma and forefoot pain
Morton's neuroma involves thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes, usually between the third and fourth. It causes burning, tingling or a sensation of standing on a marble in the forefoot.
A wide toe box that allows the metatarsal bones to spread (reduces compression on the nerve) and a rocker sole (curved profile at the forefoot) to reduce load at toe-off.
Narrow, pointed footwear and high heels, which compress the forefoot and increase nerve pressure.
Achilles tendon pain
Achilles tendinopathy involves pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually at the point where it attaches to the heel or slightly above it. The tendon is put under tension with each step, particularly at the moment the heel lifts off the ground.
A slightly raised heel to reduce the range of motion and load on an irritated tendon, and firm heel counters to prevent excessive inward heel movement.
Flat shoes and barefoot-style footwear during an active flare-up.
Arthritic feet
Arthritis in the foot can affect any joint, but the big toe joint and the midfoot are common sites. Stiff, painful joints need footwear that reduces the motion demanded of them with each step.
A rocker sole is one of the most effective footwear features for arthritic foot pain - by rolling the foot through each step rather than requiring the joints to bend, it significantly reduces load on stiff or painful joints. Extra depth accommodates swelling and deformity without creating pressure.
Soft, adjustable uppers reduce friction on tender areas. Footwear modifications such as rocker soles and build-ups can be added to existing shoes where needed.
Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
Foot care for people with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy requires particular attention because reduced sensation means pressure injuries can develop and worsen without pain as a warning signal.
The best shoes for diabetics are seamless or have minimal internal seams, with soft uppers that do not create pressure points, a deep and wide toe box, a protective sole and a removable insole that can be replaced with a custom offloading device where needed. Fit must be precise — too tight creates pressure sores, too loose allows the foot to move inside the shoe and creates friction injuries.
Check feet daily for any redness, blistering or skin breakdown. A foot that is red, hot, swollen or suddenly more painful than usual warrants urgent medical review, not a footwear adjustment.
Wide or swollen feet
Swelling in the feet and ankles is common in people with circulatory conditions, lymphoedema, heart conditions and during pregnancy. Standard widths are often insufficient, and the level of swelling can change across the day.
Adjustable fastenings - laces, velcro straps or buckles - allow the shoe to be loosened as swelling increases. Extra-depth shoes provide more room without creating external pressure.
Where swelling is significant or progressive, medical-grade footwear designed to accommodate variable volume is worth considering.
Shoes If You Wear Orthotics
A custom orthotic replaces the standard insole of a shoe, which means the shoe needs to be chosen with this in mind. The orthotic takes up space - typically the same volume as the insole it replaces, but sometimes more if the device is thicker or has additional posting.
Orthotic-friendly shoes have a removable insole, enough depth to accommodate the orthotic without cramping the foot, a firm heel counter that works with the orthotic rather than against it and a secure fastening that holds the foot in position on top of the device.
The most common mistake is buying a shoe that fits well without the orthotic and then adding the orthotic, only to find the shoe is now too tight. Take your orthotics when you shop. Try the shoe with the orthotic in place before deciding on fit.
Shoes for orthotics do not need to be bulky or clinical in appearance. Many modern supportive shoes accommodate orthotics without any visible difference. The key requirements are structural, not aesthetic.
Custom orthotics are prescribed following a foot assessment that identifies the specific mechanical issues the device needs to address. Where footwear alone is not correcting a loading problem, custom orthotics may be a worthwhile addition.
Shoes If You Wear Orthotics
A custom orthotic replaces the standard insole of a shoe, which means the shoe needs to be chosen with this in mind. The orthotic takes up space - typically the same volume as the insole it replaces, but sometimes more if the device is thicker or has additional posting.
Orthotic-friendly shoes have a removable insole, enough depth to accommodate the orthotic without cramping the foot, a firm heel counter that works with the orthotic rather than against it and a secure fastening that holds the foot in position on top of the device.
The most common mistake is buying a shoe that fits well without the orthotic and then adding the orthotic, only to find the shoe is now too tight. Take your orthotics when you shop. Try the shoe with the orthotic in place before deciding on fit.
Shoes for orthotics do not need to be bulky or clinical in appearance. Many modern supportive shoes accommodate orthotics without any visible difference. The key requirements are structural, not aesthetic.
Custom orthotics are prescribed following a foot assessment that identifies the specific mechanical issues the device needs to address. Where footwear alone is not correcting a loading problem, custom orthotics may be a worthwhile addition.
Shoes for Standing or Working All Day
Standing on hard floors for extended periods concentrates load through the heel, ball of the foot and metatarsal heads in a way that walking does not. The foot bears static load without the relief that comes from shifting weight through the gait cycle.
For people who stand or work on their feet all day, cushioning in the midsole reduces impact fatigue, a stable base prevents the foot from rolling under sustained load, a firm heel counter maintains heel position through a long shift and a secure fastening prevents the foot from sliding forward as fatigue sets in.
Rotating between two pairs of shoes on alternate days allows the midsole of each pair to recover between wears. A compressed midsole - one that has been worn without recovery time - loses much of its cushioning and support function even before it shows obvious external wear.
Shoes for Standing or Working All Day
Standing on hard floors for extended periods concentrates load through the heel, ball of the foot and metatarsal heads in a way that walking does not. The foot bears static load without the relief that comes from shifting weight through the gait cycle.
For people who stand or work on their feet all day, cushioning in the midsole reduces impact fatigue, a stable base prevents the foot from rolling under sustained load, a firm heel counter maintains heel position through a long shift and a secure fastening prevents the foot from sliding forward as fatigue sets in.
Rotating between two pairs of shoes on alternate days allows the midsole of each pair to recover between wears. A compressed midsole - one that has been worn without recovery time - loses much of its cushioning and support function even before it shows obvious external wear.
When Off-the-Shelf Shoes Are Not Enough
Even a well-chosen supportive shoe has limits. There are presentations where the foot's needs exceed what any off-the-shelf shoe can provide, regardless of brand or price point.
Therapeutic footwear and medical-grade footwear sit between standard supportive shoes and fully custom-made shoes. They offer features such as extra depth, wide width fittings, removable insoles, protective soles and adjustable fastenings that standard retail shoes do not. They are appropriate where a standard shoe is insufficient but a custom-made shoe may not yet be necessary.
Custom orthopaedic shoes are designed and manufactured for the individual foot, based on a 3D scan and a clinical assessment. They are the appropriate choice where deformity, pressure areas, significant asymmetry between feet or other factors make a standard last - even a medical-grade one - unsuitable.
Footwear modifications such as rocker soles, heel raises, metatarsal bars and build-ups can be added to existing shoes where the shoe itself is otherwise suitable but needs a functional change to address a specific mechanical problem.
When Off-the-Shelf Shoes Are Not Enough
Even a well-chosen supportive shoe has limits. There are presentations where the foot's needs exceed what any off-the-shelf shoe can provide, regardless of brand or price point.
Therapeutic footwear and medical-grade footwear sit between standard supportive shoes and fully custom-made shoes. They offer features such as extra depth, wide width fittings, removable insoles, protective soles and adjustable fastenings that standard retail shoes do not. They are appropriate where a standard shoe is insufficient but a custom-made shoe may not yet be necessary.
Custom orthopaedic shoes are designed and manufactured for the individual foot, based on a 3D scan and a clinical assessment. They are the appropriate choice where deformity, pressure areas, significant asymmetry between feet or other factors make a standard last - even a medical-grade one - unsuitable.
Footwear modifications such as rocker soles, heel raises, metatarsal bars and build-ups can be added to existing shoes where the shoe itself is otherwise suitable but needs a functional change to address a specific mechanical problem.
How Often to Replace Your Shoes
A shoe's useful life is determined by its structure, not its appearance. The outsole - the part that contacts the ground - is visible wear. The midsole - the cushioning layer - compresses with use and cannot recover fully. A shoe can look presentable on the outside while its midsole has lost most of its functional value.
Signs that a shoe needs replacing:
- The midsole feels noticeably firmer than when the shoe was new
- The outsole is worn unevenly, particularly on one side
- The heel counter has softened or collapsed
- The shoe tilts when placed on a flat surface
- Pain that was previously managed starts returning
Most athletic shoes have a useful life of around 500 to 800 kilometres of active use. A shoe worn for daily walking will wear differently from one worn for running and a shoe left in a cupboard over winter may have degraded in the midsole from compression and age even without significant mileage.
How Often to Replace Your Shoes
A shoe's useful life is determined by its structure, not its appearance. The outsole - the part that contacts the ground - is visible wear. The midsole - the cushioning layer - compresses with use and cannot recover fully. A shoe can look presentable on the outside while its midsole has lost most of its functional value.
Signs that a shoe needs replacing:
- The midsole feels noticeably firmer than when the shoe was new
- The outsole is worn unevenly, particularly on one side
- The heel counter has softened or collapsed
- The shoe tilts when placed on a flat surface
- Pain that was previously managed starts returning
Most athletic shoes have a useful life of around 500 to 800 kilometres of active use. A shoe worn for daily walking will wear differently from one worn for running and a shoe left in a cupboard over winter may have degraded in the midsole from compression and age even without significant mileage.
Funding for Therapeutic Footwear
Medical-grade and custom orthopaedic footwear may be covered in full or in part through several funding pathways. These include NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA (a referral from an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist or podiatrist is required), workers compensation and many private health funds including Medibank, HCF, BUPA and HealthShare.
Medicare does not cover therapeutic footwear or foot assessment consultations. For more information on what applies to your situation, call the clinic before your first appointment.
Funding for Therapeutic Footwear
Medical-grade and custom orthopaedic footwear may be covered in full or in part through several funding pathways. These include NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA (a referral from an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist or podiatrist is required), workers compensation and many private health funds including Medibank, HCF, BUPA and HealthShare.
Medicare does not cover therapeutic footwear or foot assessment consultations. For more information on what applies to your situation, call the clinic before your first appointment.
What Happens at a Foot Assessment
A foot assessment at Foot Balance Technology runs for 30 to 60 minutes. It covers foot posture evaluation, gait analysis using video or pressure mapping, plantar pressure analysis and a review of your footwear and medical history.
The assessment identifies the specific mechanical factors contributing to your symptoms and determines what combination of footwear, custom orthotics or modifications is most likely to help. Foot assessment appointments appointments are available at Westmead, Castle Hill and Campbelltown.
What Happens at a Foot Assessment
A foot assessment at Foot Balance Technology runs for 30 to 60 minutes. It covers foot posture evaluation, gait analysis using video or pressure mapping, plantar pressure analysis and a review of your footwear and medical history.
The assessment identifies the specific mechanical factors contributing to your symptoms and determines what combination of footwear, custom orthotics or modifications is most likely to help. Foot assessment appointments appointments are available at Westmead, Castle Hill and Campbelltown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a supportive shoe if I have foot pain?
A firm heel counter, torsional rigidity, a bend point at the forefoot rather than the middle of the shoe, a roomy toe box, a removable insole and secure fastening. These structural features determine how the shoe performs, regardless of brand or cushioning claims.
How do I choose the right shoes if I wear custom orthotics?
Look for a removable insole, enough depth to accommodate the orthotic without cramping the foot, a firm heel counter and secure fastening. Always try the shoe with your orthotic in place before deciding on fit. Shoes for orthotics need to be chosen with the device already inside them.
What type of shoe is best for plantar fasciitis or heel pain?
Firm arch support, good heel cushioning and a slightly raised heel are the key features. Avoid completely flat shoes and worn-out footwear with compressed midsoles. If heel pain has not improved with footwear changes after a few weeks, a clinical assessment is the appropriate next step.
How do I know if my shoes are the right size and width for my feet?
Measure both feet standing, later in the day. There should be roughly a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, no pinching across the widest part of the foot and no heel slipping when you walk. Have both feet measured — they are often different sizes.
When are off-the-shelf shoes not enough and I need medical-grade or custom orthopaedic shoes?
When pain persists in well-fitted supportive shoes, when deformity cannot be accommodated in a standard last, when orthotics will not fit in a standard shoe, when there are significant pressure areas or when one foot is substantially different in shape or size from the other.
What should I look for when buying shoes if I have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy?
Seamless or minimal-seam construction, soft uppers, a wide and deep toe box, a protective sole and a removable insole. Fit must be precise - too tight creates pressure sores, too loose creates friction injuries. Check your feet daily for any changes in skin colour, temperature or integrity.
How often should I replace my shoes if I have a foot condition?
When the midsole feels firmer than it used to, the outsole is worn unevenly, the heel counter has softened, the shoe tilts on a flat surface or symptoms that were previously managed start returning. Most athletic shoes reach this point between 500 and 800 kilometres of use, but daily walking shoes and work shoes wear differently.
Can I get NDIS, Medicare or private health fund support for therapeutic footwear in Australia?
NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA, workers compensation and many private health funds cover therapeutic footwear in full or in part. Medicare does not cover therapeutic footwear or consultations. Contact the clinic to discuss what applies to your situation before your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features should I look for in a supportive shoe if I have foot pain?
A firm heel counter, torsional rigidity, a bend point at the forefoot rather than the middle of the shoe, a roomy toe box, a removable insole and secure fastening. These structural features determine how the shoe performs, regardless of brand or cushioning claims.
How do I choose the right shoes if I wear custom orthotics?
Look for a removable insole, enough depth to accommodate the orthotic without cramping the foot, a firm heel counter and secure fastening. Always try the shoe with your orthotic in place before deciding on fit. Shoes for orthotics need to be chosen with the device already inside them.
What type of shoe is best for plantar fasciitis or heel pain?
Firm arch support, good heel cushioning and a slightly raised heel are the key features. Avoid completely flat shoes and worn-out footwear with compressed midsoles. If heel pain has not improved with footwear changes after a few weeks, a clinical assessment is the appropriate next step.
How do I know if my shoes are the right size and width for my feet?
Measure both feet standing, later in the day. There should be roughly a thumb's width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, no pinching across the widest part of the foot and no heel slipping when you walk. Have both feet measured — they are often different sizes.
When are off-the-shelf shoes not enough and I need medical-grade or custom orthopaedic shoes?
When pain persists in well-fitted supportive shoes, when deformity cannot be accommodated in a standard last, when orthotics will not fit in a standard shoe, when there are significant pressure areas or when one foot is substantially different in shape or size from the other.
What should I look for when buying shoes if I have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy?
Seamless or minimal-seam construction, soft uppers, a wide and deep toe box, a protective sole and a removable insole. Fit must be precise - too tight creates pressure sores, too loose creates friction injuries. Check your feet daily for any changes in skin colour, temperature or integrity.
How often should I replace my shoes if I have a foot condition?
When the midsole feels firmer than it used to, the outsole is worn unevenly, the heel counter has softened, the shoe tilts on a flat surface or symptoms that were previously managed start returning. Most athletic shoes reach this point between 500 and 800 kilometres of use, but daily walking shoes and work shoes wear differently.
Can I get NDIS, Medicare or private health fund support for therapeutic footwear in Australia?
NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA, workers compensation and many private health funds cover therapeutic footwear in full or in part. Medicare does not cover therapeutic footwear or consultations. Contact the clinic to discuss what applies to your situation before your first appointment.
Reviewed by Dr Sayed Ahmed, Certified Pedorthist CM Australia
Dr Ahmed holds Australia's first PhD in Pedorthics and is the founder of Foot Balance Technology
Reviewed by Dr Sayed Ahmed, Certified Pedorthist CM Australia
Dr Ahmed holds Australia's first PhD in Pedorthics and is the founder of Foot Balance Technology
Start writing here...
Footwear Guidance: How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Foot Condition