Orthotic Shoes

Our ‘Green Steps’ orthopaedic shoes feature our ‘trademark’ Footlogics (removable) orthotic to provide your feet with arch support and re-alignment.

Key Features of Orthotic (or “orthopaedic”) shoes

Green Steps sneakers are specially designed with a variety of features to ensure maximum support and comfort for the feet. These features typically include:

• Arch Support: orthotic shoes typically come with built-in arch support to evenly distribute pressure across the foot and provide stability to the arch.
• Shock Absorption: they are often equipped with cushioning materials in the insole and midsole to absorb shock and lessen impact on the feet and joints.
• Extra Depth: orthopedic shoes generally have extra depth to accommodate orthotic inserts or custom orthotics comfortably.
• Wider Toe Box: They also typically offer a wider toe box to allow more space for toes to naturally spread out, reducing pressure on bunions or other foot deformities.
• Firm Heel Counter: a sturdy heel counter is included in orthopedic shoes to stabilize the heel, offering added support and aligning the foot properly. –
• Breathable Materials: our shoes are crafted using natural, breathable materials to prevent moisture retention and lower the likelihood of fungal infections.

Together, these elements work to alleviate foot discomfort, enhance posture, and promote better overall foot health.

Who can benefit from orthopedic footwear and why?

Orthotic shoes are helpful for people with various foot conditions or those looking for extra support and comfort. Individuals who may find this type of footwear shoes beneficial include:

• Individuals with foot deformities: Those with conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can experience relief from pain and discomfort by wearing ‘ortho shoes’ that cater to their specific needs.
• Patients with orthopedic issues: People recovering from foot surgery, injuries, or conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or diabetic neuropathy often need special shoes to aid in healing and prevent further damage.
• Athletes and people who are very active: people who are athletes or live a very active lifestyle often choose to wear arch support shoes to improve their performance, prevent injuries, and reduce strain on their feet and lower limbs while exercising. In general, these sneakers offer customised support and comfort that is designed to fit the individual’s unique foot structure and address specific issues. 

How costly are orthopaedic sneakers?

The cost of orthotic shoes can vary depending on factors like the brand, materials used, and special features. While some may be more expensive than regular shoes, they are typically seen as a worthwhile investment in foot health and overall well-being.

It is important to consider the long-term benefits of these shoes such as pain relief, improved mobility, and prevention of foot problems, which may outweigh the initial cost for many people.

Green Steps sneakers are affordable, especially compared to other brands of orthotic footwear, available in Australia.

Are ‘orthopaedic’ shoes the same as ‘orthotic shoes’?

While orthopedic shoes and orthotic shoes are related, they are not exactly the same. Orthopaedic footwear is generally designed with features to support various foot conditions or provide extra comfort, while orthotic shoes are regular shoes modified with orthotic inserts to address specific foot issues. Orthotic inserts are removable insoles that help improve foot function or provide extra comfort and support.

The term “orthotic shoes” generally refers to regular shoes that have been adjusted with orthotic inserts or custom orthotics to address specific foot problems or enhance foot function. Orthotic inserts are removable insoles that offer extra support, cushioning, or corrective alignment for the feet. While orthopaedic shoes may have integrated orthotic features, orthotic shoes can encompass any kind of shoe customised with arch support inserts to cater to an individual’s requirements.

Top picks for orthotic-friendly shoe brands

Looking for shoes that can accommodate custom orthotics or inserts? Look no further than these top brands known for their orthotic-friendly designs: New Balance: With a variety of athletic and casual options featuring removable insoles, New Balance makes it easy to customize your footwear. Brooks: If you need running shoes with roomy toe boxes and removable insoles for orthotics, Brooks has you covered. Saucony: Get a comfortable fit with Saucony’s running shoes, which also come with removable insoles for your custom orthotics. Dansko: For stylish and comfortable clogs and dress shoes with plenty of space for orthotics, check out Dansko’s offerings. Hoka One shoes are a great option known for their supportive cushioning and roomy design. These shoes prioritise comfort, support, and versatility, making them popular choices for those in need of orthotic-friendly footwear. 

Should you size up when wearing shoes with custom inserts or orthotics?

It’s important to consider the fit carefully, as you may need a bigger size to ensure a comfortable fit without feeling cramped or tight.

When you add orthotic inserts or custom orthotics to your shoes, it can make them feel smaller or tighter because of the extra volume they take up. To prevent this, consider getting a slightly larger shoe size or choosing styles with more room and a spacious toe box to accommodate the added bulk without sacrificing comfort. It’s a good idea to try on shoes with your orthotics inside to make sure they fit correctly before buying them. The right fit is essential for providing the best support, stability, and comfort for your feet, especially if you’ll be wearing orthopaedic footwear for long periods.

Green Steps sneakers are especially designed to fit an orthotic insert and there’s no need to go up a size.  Our shoes already feature an arch support footbed, however, you can remove the footbed and replace it with a medically-prescribed orthosis from your podiatrist, or you can place any other Footlogics insert into the shoe.