By Noel Paine
I am a longtime runner and have experience assessing people for orthotics and actually making them and fitting them into many types of footwear. I also wore orthotics for several years before gaining more foot strength and not needing them anymore. Orthotics can be a permanent supportive device or something that is only needed for a period of time to help the foot.
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“A foot orthotic is a device that can be discreetly inserted into the shoe to support, align, prevent, and/or accommodate foot abnormalities and improve how the foot functions.” – Canadian Pedorthic Association
Many runners find out about orthotics when they develop an injury from training or stemming from muscle imbalances or foot issues. Many people who develop such injuries as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures and iliotibial band syndrome are prescribed orthotics to help address the injury.
What is a Shoe Orthotic?
The type of orthotic you get will depend not only on the amount of help/support your foot needs but also on factors like your weight, your foot type, flexibility the type of running shoe you like to wear and many other factors. Making an orthotic is part science and part art.
A Pedorthist or a Podiatrist who has training in assessing the foot and lower leg and in the craft of making an orthotic, will make an impression of your foot by using foam, plaster casts, computer scans or other methods to ensure the orthotic fits your foot. They also gather information about how to support or correct your foot to alleviate aches and pains while standing, walking or running.
Orthotics can be thin, thick, made from foam or hard plastic and can be covered in nothing, foam or even leather. What your orthotic will look like and how big it will be will depend on your foot, your foot needs and the person making your orthotic.
Fit with an Orthotic
Regardless of the orthotic the running shoe should fit properly in terms of length, and width and not be too tight or sloppy and your heel should sit deep enough in the shoe that you are not sitting too high in the shoe. It should be comfortable and feel natural to walk and run in with the orthotic.
Things to look for in a good shoe (for your orthotic)
I had a large orthotic for a foot that needed a lot of help when I was a young runner. I often had a hard time finding the right shoe. Take your time, ask questions and do your research. When you go in to get an orthotic, bring in the running shoe you use.
Guidance from the Canadian Pedorthic Association
Shoes for orthotics are shoes that can be worn with an orthotic device such as an insole, insert, or brace. However, for bulky items like braces, a more specialized orthotic accommodating shoe may be required. The “best” shoe is the one that provides the most comfort. Knowing the elements of shoe construction can assist you in selecting a shoe that will significantly reduce your pain level and improve your overall daily function.
There are several key characteristics to look for:
Other sites that have some guidance in finding the best shoes for orthotics:
Top Shoes for those Who Use Orthotics
Neutral cushioned shoes for orthotics. This is when the shoe is merely a platform, and the orthotic takes care of all the support.
1.New Balance 990v6
Men's
Women's
Also Available at
Zappos ; New Balance
Okay I am not starting off with the sexiest running shoe, but this shoe has lots of volume, is stable, comes in a lot of width options, is durable and has been around for a long time in the New Balance line up. The cushioning is more on the firm side and look is a little old school but love this shoe. I used to bring this shoe out for someone with a large orthotic or someone who needed a good solid, stable platform for the orthotic to sit on.
2. New Balance Fresh Foam 880v14
Men's
Women's
Also Available at
Zappos ; New Balance
This is another great New Balance option if your orthotic fits properly in it. Take out the insole (most of the time you will need the extra room if you orthotic is full length and cushioned). This shoe is not as firm as the 990 above) bit also not as soft as some others in the NB lineup.
3. Saucony Tempus Wide
Men's
Women's
Also Available at
Daves Running ; The Walking Co.
This shoe from Saucony is described as structured cushion. It is a stable neutral, durable cushioned shoe. The underfoot midsole contouring Saucony has designed for this shoe is supposed to let you sit deeper into the footbed and allows the shoe to hug your foot which could be good for an orthotic wearer.
The shoe is APMA Certified - The American Podiatric Medical Association, APMA Seal of Approval/Acceptance Program recognizes products that have been found beneficial to foot health and of significant value when used in a consistently applied program of daily foot care and regular professional treatment.
A shoe to help an orthotic (needs more support)
Often an orthotic needs a super stable platform and even some help to keep the foot stable or from overpronating.
4. Brooks Beast GTS 23
Men's
This shoe was also another go to for when I needed something classified as a stability shoe/motion control but would also allow an orthotic to sit flat and have extra support.
Love this shoe. The shoe is very well cushioned and durable and has a guiderail system that hugs the foot and keeps it stable on all sides. The shoe is a little heavier than some other less stable cushioned running shoes but the extra weight is worth it if this shoe works for you!
5. Saucony Omni 22
Men's
Women's
The Omni is the most stable shoe in the Saucony lineup and can provide a stable platform with extra support for the person (with an orthotic) that needs it. Saucony uses what is called a Hallow-Tech guidance system that is supposed to keep you centered and stable while running. I like this shoe, years ago there used to be another step up in support called the Saucony Stabil but it no longer exists.
6. ASICS GT-1000 12
Men's
Women's
This shoe is less firm and stable than the two previous shoes but provides a lighter weight, stability shoe option for runners who have an orthotic and need a bit of help. Asics uses its LITETRUSS® technology is placed on the midsole’s inside angle to reduce pronation. If you like the feel of this model but still need more support try the Asics GT-2000.
These two shoes, mild and moderate stability shoes from Asics always offered a responsive ride for a runner while also providing support. I loved bringing this shoe out for the appropriate foot. Caution though if you have a big or thick orthotic, these shoes have good depth, but are not really deep at the heel.
Extra Fitting Tips for Orthotics
For extra help go to a specialty running shop like Aerobics First in Canada where knowledgeable staff can help advise you or get advice from your orthotic provider who may even carry running shoes!
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