Footwear Mistakes That Can Damage Your Orthotics
Key Highlights
- The right footwear is essential to protect your orthotics — poor shoe choices can cause shifting, compression, and long-term damage.
- Common mistakes include wearing shoes that are too shallow, have weak heel counters, excessive mid-sole flexibility, or steep heel-toe drops.
- Always choose shoes with firm heel support, removable insoles, adequate depth, and a stable midfoot to match your orthotic’s design.
- Regularly inspect both shoes and orthotics for wear, misalignment, or discomfort to prevent damage and maintain proper function.
- Rotating footwear, consulting your orthotist before switching shoe styles, and timely shoe replacement help extend orthotic life and support comfort.
If you’ve been prescribed custom or off‑the‑shelf orthotics, you likely understand the investment in time, comfort, and mobility that comes with them. But what many people don’t realize is how your choice of footwear can significantly impact how well your orthotic works — and, in some cases, actually damage the orthotic or reduce its lifespan. This blog looks at common footwear mistakes that can damage your orthotics, why they matter, and how to make smart shoe choices that protect your orthotic investment and support your mobility.
Why Footwear Matters to Orthotics
Orthotics are designed to support, align, redistribute pressure, or correct biomechanical issues in the feet and lower limbs. However, no matter how well‑designed your orthotic device is, it can only perform as well as the shoe it’s paired with allows. The shoe, orthotic, and foot form a “functional team”. One poor element can degrade the function of the whole system.
When footwear is poorly matched to the orthotic, the following problems can arise:
- The orthotic may shift inside the shoe, reducing effectiveness or causing discomfort.
- Over time, misfit can lead to abnormal wear of the orthotic shell or liner.
- The shoe may not accommodate the depth or volume of the orthotic, leading to compression, pressure spots, or premature breakdown.
- Foot biomechanics can be altered by inappropriate shoe features (e.g., high heel, soft heel counter, flexible mid‑sole), which in turn place abnormal loads on both foot and orthotic.
Given these risks, it’s critical to recognize and avoid the most common footwear mistakes.
Common Footwear Mistakes That Can Damage Your Orthotics
Below are key mistakes users make, and how each can impact the orthotic:
1. Shoes That Are Too Shallow or Lack Depth
Many shoes do not have enough internal depth to accommodate the thickness or cover of a full‑length orthotic. According to practitioner guidance, when a full‑length orthotic is inserted, the existing insole often must be removed. If the shoe is too shallow, the orthotic may be compressed, causing fit issues or leading to heel lift (where your foot lifts out of the shoe), which can reduce stability and cause abnormal alignment.
2. Poor Heel Counter Stability
The heel counter is the firm rear part of a shoe that cups the heel and provides stability. A weak or collapsed heel counter allows movement of the foot‑orthotic‑shoe interface, increasing shear, shifting, or unwanted motion. As one fitting guide states: “A firm heel counter (squeeze the back of the shoe; supports the heel on orthotic)” is essential. Without proper heel stability, the orthotic may not remain securely positioned and could wear unevenly or lose alignment.
3. Shoes That Twist or Bend Excessively in the Midfoot
Orthotics require a stable base to work effectively. If the shoe bends or twists too easily (a flexible mid‑sole or “dish rag test” where the shoe folds under the arch), then the orthotic cannot maintain alignment or support. One guide describes that a shoe should have torsional rigidity (“should not be able to grab the front and back of the shoe and twist it”). If the shoe structure collapses or flexes too much, the orthotic may be overloaded, deformed, or lose functional benefit.
4. High Heels or Steep Heel‑Toe Drops
Shoes with high heels or exaggerated heel‑toe drops alter how your foot loads and how the orthotic functions. Orthotic design typically expects a stable heel position and a moderate drop from heel to forefoot. Footwear that deviates significantly can force the orthotic to compensate, leading to abnormal loading, discomfort, and faster wear. The “heel‑toe offset/drop” should be considered when fitting shoes for orthotics. Over time, such a mismatch can damage the orthotic base or reduce its efficacy.
5. Shoes with Non‑Removable Insoles or Tight Toe Boxes
If the shoe insole cannot be removed (so the orthotic sits on top of the factory insole), it can reduce the internal volume and alter the tilt or height of the foot inside the shoe. Fit becomes compromised, leading to instability or altered alignment. One discussion notes that if your orthotic makes the shoe feel too tight, you may need a larger shoe or trim the insole. Similarly, narrow toe boxes restrict forefoot space, leading to compression, discomfort, and abnormal mechanics. The toe box should allow natural splay of the toes when an orthotic is present.
6. Using the Wrong Shoe Style for Orthotics
Dress shoes, flats, sandals, or slip‑ons often lack adequate support, depth, fastenings, heel stability, and internal volume required for orthotics. Many orthotics fit best in supportive athletic or lace‑up shoes with removable insoles and sufficient internal space. When people try to fit orthotics into incompatible shoes, they risk shifting, discomfort, reduced function, and device damage.
7. Ignoring Wear and Tear of the Shoe
Even the best footwear will degrade over time. The heel counter may weaken, the mid‑sole may compress, the outsole may wear unevenly, and the internal shape may shift. These changes affect how the orthotic sits and functions. Failure to replace worn shoes can lead to accelerated orthotic wear or decreased effectiveness.
How to Recognize Damage to Your Orthotics
Knowing when your orthotic has been compromised by footwear misuse is as important as avoiding the mistake in the first place. Look out for:
- Uneven wear of the orthotic shell or top cover (thinning in unexpected places).
- Increased foot, heel, or arch pain when using the orthotic (which was previously comfortable).
- Foot slipping inside the shoe during walking or standing (suggesting heel lift or poor fit).
- The orthotic no longer sits flat inside the shoe or appears “tilted” or “dragged”.
- You notice your gait or posture has changed, e.g., more compensation, limping, or fatigue.
- Visible deformation of the orthotic, such as warping, cracking, or “squashing” under load.
If you detect any of these signs, it’s advisable to consult your orthotist or podiatrist, review both the shoe and orthotic fit, and possibly replace the orthotic or switch shoes.
Footwear vs Orthotic Compatibility: What to Ask For
When selecting footwear to use with your orthotics, ask the following questions:
- Does the shoe allow removal of the factory insole so your orthotic fits correctly?
- Does the shoe have a firm heel counter and midfoot stability?
- Is there sufficient depth and width in the shoe to accommodate your orthotic and foot comfortably?
- Does the shoe have lacing or secure fastening, and does it hold the heel firmly?
- Is the heel height moderate (≤3 cm recommended in adapted footwear guidelines) and the sole stable?
- Is the toe box roomy enough to allow your toes to spread while wearing the orthotic?
- Is the shoe appropriate for the daily environment — type of activity, terrain, standing time, dress requirements?
Footwear Mistakes & Better Alternatives
| Mistake | Why It Damages Orthotics | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Shoe too shallow or too tight | Orthotic compressed → poor positioning/heel lift | Choose a deeper shoe, remove the insole, and allow orthotic fit |
| Weak or collapsed heel counter | The heel absorbs load, and the orthotic loses stability | Firm heel counter, enclosed heel cup |
| Excessively flexible or twisting mid‑sole | Orthotic base unstable, alignment compromised | Rigid midfoot/shank, torsion control |
| High heel / steep drop | Alters foot loading, orthotic misalignment | Moderate heel height (≤3 cm), similar drop as an orthotic designed for |
| Non‑removable insole / narrow toe box | Volume insufficient → discomfort, misfit | Removable footbed, roomy toe box, correct size width |
| Incompatible dress or slip‑on shoes | Lacks lacing, support, structure | Supportive lace‑up shoe or modify dress shoe accordingly |
| Worn‑out shoe supporting orthotic | The shoe no longer supports orthotic function | Replace the shoe when the heel, mid‑sole, or structure degrades |
Tips for Daily Use & Maintenance
- Rotate your shoes: If you wear orthotics full-time, consider rotating between two pairs of shoes. This gives each shoe and orthotic system time to “recover” and maintains shoe structure longer.
- Inspect both shoe and orthotic regularly: Check for signs of wear: mid‑sole compression, heel counter collapse, worn outsole, discomfort, shifting. Early detection prevents bigger issues.
- Match shoes to orthotic objectives: If your orthotic is for active use (walking, work, standing long hours), make sure the shoe supports that. For dress occasions, plan ahead: use shoes compatible with shallow orthotics or request a thinner variant.
- Consult your provider when switching shoes: Even if a shoe seems fine, switching to a totally different style (e.g., from athletic to dress) may require orthotic adjustment or a different shoe size/width. One article notes that custom orthotics may not require a larger shoe if properly fitted, but if the insole makes the shoe tight, you may need one.
- Keep records of shoe‑orthotic fit: Note when you receive a new pair of shoes with your orthotic, how they feel on day one, after an hour, end of the day. Any change may signal fit issues.
- Replace shoes timely: Even with a good shoe, once structural integrity declines, the orthotic system is compromised. Consider replacing shoes when the outsole tread is uneven, the heel counter is compressible, or the shoe shifts on the foot.
- Wear appropriate footwear for the environment: If your day involves uneven terrain, standing on hard surfaces, walking outdoors in rain or ice, ensure the shoe gives stability and volume for your orthotic.
Final Thoughts
Orthotics are a vital tool to improve comfort, alignment, and mobility. But their performance is only as good as the footwear system they live in. Avoiding common footwear mistakes — such as shallow shoes, weak support, inflexible structures, inappropriate heels, or trying to force orthotics into incompatible styles — is key to preserving your device, protecting your foot/limb health, and maximizing your mobility.
If you’re looking to review your current shoe‑and‑orthotic pairing, find proper shoe styles compatible with your orthotic, or need support in fitting and maintenance, expert guidance is available. Our team at Orthotics Ltd. will help assess your footwear, orthotic fit, and ensure your investment works as it should. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I replace my shoes when wearing orthotics?
It depends on activity level, shoe quality, and wear signs. Generally, when the outsole is worn, the heel counter feels soft, or you notice shifting of foot or orthotic inside the shoe. For high‑use or work‑standing shoes, review every 6‑12 months.
2. Can I wear dress shoes or high heels with my orthotic?
Possibly, but dress styles often lack depth, removable insoles, adequate heel counters or lacing. If you must, look for dress shoes with removable insoles, sufficient depth, and moderate heel height. Otherwise, consider a thinner orthotic variant or alternate footwear for occasions.
3. My orthotic feels fine, but I changed shoes and now feel discomfort — what do I do?
Likely, the shoe is incompatible. Remove the shoe, inspect if the orthotic sits flat, if the heel counter is firm, and if the sole is stable. Consult your orthotist/podiatrist and consider a more compatible shoe or orthotic adjustment.
4. Does the shoe size need to change when I insert my orthotic?
Not necessarily. A properly designed custom orthotic should fit the shoe without requiring a larger size. However, if the orthotic makes the shoe feel tight or the shoe is too shallow, you may need a deeper shoe or a larger size.
5. Are there shoe styles I should avoid entirely when wearing orthotics?
Yes – very shallow flats, slip‑ons without heel support, shoes with weak or flexible heel counters, overly high heels, shoes without removable insoles, or shoes with overly flexible mid‑soles that twist easily. These styles may not support the orthotic’s function and could lead to device damage or foot discomfort.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8651068/
- https://forages.mgcafe.uky.edu/baleageq27
- https://treadlabs.com/blogs/insoles-reach-your-stride/debunking-myths-are-insoles-bad-for-your-feet
