What is the difference between regular shoes and orthopaedic shoes?

 When humans started wearing shoes, it was just bark sandals and a simple wraparound of leather.

Humans invented shoes for the sole purpose of protection. Later on, comfort became another concern for shoe designs. As a result, we have myriads of designs and innovations in footwear today.

Not all shoes are alike, and neither do all designs offer a similar amount of comfort. The differing levels of comfort between stilettos and sneakers are obvious. However, you would be surprised to know that footwear that is used for road running can’t be used for trail running. In addition to this, there are athletic shoes, tennis shoes, gym shoes, runners, sports shoes and specialty footwear like orthopaedic shoes for women.

Brands invest millions of dollars in R&D, however, those expensive kicks, flats and sports shoes are not designed to address a particular foot condition. You might feel tempted to take home the newly launched shoes endorsed by your favourite celebrity. However, those shiny new shoes might not be of great help for sore feet treatment.

There are countless reasons for sore feet like bunions, hammer toes, diabetic footwear , plantar fasciitis, fallen arches and more. Regular shoes are not designed to address all these foot conditions. This is why you need to search for specialty orthopaedic sandals or shoes.

What are the benefits of wearing orthopaedic shoes over regular shoes?
People who are diagnosed with foot pain or discomfort can find a great amount of relief by wearing orthopaedic shoes. These shoes are designed uniquely to offer countless benefits that are hard to achieve with regular shoe design:
Orthopaedic shoes are spacious and most comforting for those with toe deformities.
People seek sore feet treatment when their heels hurt. The culprit can be the Achilles tendon. You can easily reduce the amount of irritation at the heel region with orthopaedic shoes.
Alignment issues can also be addressed with specially designed orthopaedic shoes.
Global brands have regular shoes for normal foot mechanics.I n instancesof faulty arches, the required stabilising is only achieved with orthopaedic shoes.
rthopaedic shoes are also highly beneficial for those with painful joint motion, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic neuropathy.

Orthopaedic shoes are also designed to accommodate a removable custom orthotic liner that provides the desired amount of relief at pressure points. Orthotic liners cannot be inserted in regular shoes. Your foot doctor will recommend a uniquely designed, wide and comfortable orthopaedic pair of footwear that can accommodate the liners and address the above mentioned foot conditions.

What are the features that differentiate orthopaedic shoes from regular shoes?
The design features that address the issues like bony toes, fallen arches, and heel irritation are hard to find in regular shoes. Orthopaedic shoes are designed to address faulty foot mechanics. Here are the features that make orthopaedic shoes different from your conventional footwear:
Wider and deeper toe box
Extra firm and deep heel cup
Stabilising and shock absorbing
Rocker bottom sole
Velcro straps and seamless design
Removable orthotics liner

How do you know you need specially designed orthotic sandals?
Foot issues are common in adults. Rest and some at-home remedies are good enough to get relief. However, if the pain doesn’t subside after a week, you must pay attention to your footwear. If you feel it’s time to change the footwear and get something more comfortable, then it’s best to book an appointment with a toe doctor. Here are the top signs that you need custom orthotics or orthopaedic shoes to address certain foot conditions:
You have high arches or flat feet
You are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis
You are dealing with arthritis
Foot pain is affecting your mobility
You observed swollen, sore or painful heels
You need specialised care for diabetic neuropathy
You are noticing balance and alignment issues

Where to get the best quality orthopaedic shoes?

Good cushioning, roomy interiors and hassle free fastening mechanism are some of the features of orthopaedic shoes. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on looks. The good cushioning properties of orthopaedic shoes can also complement your dress. You can enjoy a comforting pair of footwear and still look your best if you try the trendy looking slide sandals byavailable through Suncoast Podiatry.

The biomechanically designed slide sandals are immensely popular among women these days. These sandals are second to none in terms of comfort, support as well as looks. Here is a brief discussion of the features that have made slide sandals the top-trending choice for orthopaedic shoes for women.

Suede material with vast colour choices to complement your dresses.
1” of heel height with 0.5” of platform height to support the alignment
Durable rubber construction is done with Vionic technology to offer superior comfort
Adjustable D ring straps to make the sandals the top choice for looks, style and ease of use

These trendy patterns combined with biomechanical design have made these slide sandals a preferred choice. Moreover, the open toe design is also a great choice for those who want comfortable yet stylish footwear after ingrown toenail surgery.

Conclusion

Orthopaedic shoes are extremely beneficial and comfortable for foot conditions like bunions, hammer toes, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis or arthritis. All these concerns can be addressed with a wider toe box, shock absorbing and rocker bottom sole, and firm and deep heel cup, which are hard to find in regular shoes.

Depending on your foot and ankle condition, a podiatrist will tell which of the orthopaedic shoes or sandals are right for you.

Book an appointment at Suncoast Podiatry for a footwear consultation session. They are recognised as the best clinic for a Podiatrist on the Sunshine Coast.