Custom Orthotics

Women tend to bring into our office with them a bag full of dress shoes, whether they be casual, flats, dress pumps or dress heels . Men and Women alike need to realize that a custom orthotics if not a shoe issue, custom orthotics are to be made for their feet. We must treat the pathology of the foot not the shoe. Let's face it women have alot more pairs of shoes then men do. Women do like their shoes, I know I do. We have to take into account the variety of function and fashionable shoes, evaluate the bio mechanics of the foot, and what specific material and unique orthotic materials and modifications are necessary for the patient. A dress shoe can be labeled from the most functional/ stable shoe to the least stable shoe. Choosing a custom orthotics for the dress shoe is very much the same as choosing for an athletic shoe. Dress shoes that have a stiff heel that holds the heel in a stable position and also allows a functional custom orthotics to increase the stability of the rear foot. To test your dress shoes or any other shoe for a stiff heel - squeeze the heel counter ( back of the heel ) together and make sure it is firm. Stability in the mid shoe for the mid-foot - hold the shoe with one hand on the toe box and the other hand on the heel box - try to twist the shoe from side to side and bend in the middle - a good shoe will not flex much / You want the shoe to not bend like a pretzel - this will prove to be a stable shoe. Shoes that have a removable original insole will allow for more room in the shoes for a custom orthotics. A loafer or dress flat shoe is the best representative of the most stable shoe- stiff heel counter and stiff upper. Women need to understand that the custom orthotics and the proper shoe will provide the best bio-mechanics control for your feet.