It’s no secret that orthopaedic shoes prioritize functionality. However, a common misconception is that orthopaedic footwear couldn’t possibly be stylish due to their health-centric nature. The truth is, the evolving market now offers fashionable orthopaedic shoes that combine style with supportive features, catering to those seeking treatment for foot conditions without sacrificing aesthetics.

What Does Orthopaedic Footwear Do?

Studies show that long-term use of orthopaedic footwear can help manage foot pain, particularly by relieving pressure points in the feet, providing extra cushioning and arch support, and properly aligning the feet’s positioning during movement.

Research also shows that orthopaedic shoes trends tend to help improve gait and walking patterns by letting patients take longer strides and increasing gait speed. Orthopaedic shoes can treat a wide range of foot conditions, including but not limited to:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Diabetes
• High arches and flat feet
• Bunions
• Morton’s neuroma
• Different types of arthritis

Common Misconceptions About Stylish Orthopaedic Footwear

In 2024, it’s easy to disprove the most common myths about orthopaedic shoes, most of which are centred on appearance and fashion flair. These include:

• “Orthopaedic shoes are only for seniors.” The truth is, they can also treat foot conditions common in younger people, like high arches, Achilles tendonitis, and more. There is no age bias when it comes to foot pain!

• “Orthopaedic shoes are clunky and unflattering.” The truth is, there are many sleek, flattering options that qualify as comfortable fashion footwear. And most people cannot even tell that you are wearing medically beneficial shoes unless you let them know!

• “Orthopaedic shoe types are limited.” The truth is, there are a variety of orthopaedic shoes available, including walking shoes, work shoes, athletic shoes, ballet-style flats, sandals, and more.

Where to Find Fashionable Orthopaedic Footwear

Investing in orthopaedic footwear involves some planning, but it is worthwhile.

First, schedule a foot assessment with your chiropodist. If they determine your foot health will benefit from wearing orthopaedic shoes, they can write you a prescription and make recommendations that align with your foot type, gait pattern and foot condition.

Then you can select the pair of orthopaedic shoes you will get the most use out of. For practicality purposes, choose a style that suits your life (for example, you may need work shoes more than sandals). At Feet First Clinic, we have a wide variety of orthopaedic shoes available for purchase, but you can also select the pair of your dreams from our extensive footwear catalogue.

Find Orthopaedic Shoes at Feet First Clinic!

The staff at our Toronto foot clinic can help you select the best pair of orthopaedic shoes for you. They can also determine your accurate shoe size and order shoes if we don’t have them in stock! Call us at (416) 769-3338 or book an appointment online!

Banner image courtesy of iStock, body images courtesy of whatwolf from FreePik, FreePik, wayhomestudio from FreePik and iStock!

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