How To Choose Comfortable Shoe Orthotics:

One of the wonderful aspects of investing in custom comfortable shoe orthotics is how much more comfortable shoes and boots are to wear! In Dr. Horowitz’s experience, this tends to be more true when the orthotics are manufactured with semi-rigid materials rather than rigid plastics. A high degree of biomechanical correction is available with semi-rigid orthotics and they tend to be better tolerated than rigid ones.

During your initial examination, Dr. Horowitz will ask you to show her the shoes and or boots that you normally wear. Based on your activity levels and how you spend your time on your feet, she helps you to decide which shoes are best for your feet, and the best custom orthotics that will fit into them. Since every person’s feet are different (and some people’s right and left feet may function differently from each other), the type of orthotics and accommodations Dr. Horowitz adds to them vary from person to person.

1. Semi-Rigid Orthotics

The most common orthotics prescribed at Toronto Orthotics are semi-rigid orthotics and are made up of layers of soft material, reinforced with more rigid materials. Semi-rigid orthotics are often prescribed for adults with various foot conditions, athletes as well as for children to treat flatfoot and in-toeing or out-toeing disorders. They are comfortable, corrective yet well-tolerated.

2. Softer Orthotics

Soft orthotics are generally used for people with diabetic foot conditions, arthritis, and deformed feet. They allow for maximum shock absorption and aid in taking the pressure off areas of the feet that are sore. Soft orthotics are typically made with softer, cushioning materials.

3. Rigid Orthotics

Rigid orthotics are designed to control function and are used primarily for walking or dress shoes. They are often composed of a firm material, such as plastic or carbon fiber. Originally, rigid orthotics were designed to force the foot and ankle joint into alignment and are most useful when used to correct biomechanical dysfunction with various types of deformities. However, Dr. Horowitz has found that they are less comfortable and generally not as well tolerated as semi-rigid or flexible orthotics.

The Difference at Toronto Orthotics Foot and Leg Pain Clinic:

At Toronto Orthotics, we believe that custom shoe orthotics should be comfortable to wear and that people are more likely to consistently wear and benefit from them if they are made from semi-rigid or more flexible materials, rather than very rigid ones.

Toronto Orthotics Foot, Leg and Back Pain Clinic

Relief from Plantar Fasciitis, Foot, Leg and Lower Back Pain

For more information on choosing your comfortable shoe orthotics or to make an appointment, submit the form and press send.