What does oversplint footwear mean?
Oversplint footwear is designed to fit around a foot while it is wearing an orthosis or splint.
These shoes usually provide more internal volume and a wider opening than conventional footwear so the device can enter the shoe without being forced.
What devices may need oversplint footwear?
Examples can include ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), supramalleolar orthoses (SMOs) and other lower-limb supports that increase the width, depth or overall volume of the foot-and-ankle area.
Why can standard shoes be difficult with an AFO?
An AFO can increase both foot width and rear-foot volume. It can also raise the foot within the shoe and make a conventional opening too narrow.
Sizing up in length alone does not necessarily solve these problems.
What features are useful in an oversplint shoe?
- a very wide opening;
- additional internal depth;
- removable insoles where intended;
- adjustable fastening;
- a stable sole;
- enough heel and rear-foot space for the orthosis;
- a toe box that does not compress the foot or device.
Should the shoe be much longer than the foot?
No. Extra length is not a substitute for adequate width and depth.
The aim is to accommodate the orthosis while maintaining a sensible relationship between foot length, shoe length and the position of the sole.
How should the orthosis sit inside the shoe?
The orthosis should sit fully into the shoe without being twisted, compressed or forced forwards.
The shoe fastening should then secure the combined foot and orthosis without excessive pressure.
Important: Do not cut, heat, reshape or otherwise modify a prescribed AFO or SMO simply to make it fit inside a shoe. If footwear and orthosis are incompatible, seek advice from the clinician or orthotic service.
Can removable insoles create more room?
Where the shoe is designed with a removable insole, taking it out can create additional depth.
Do not remove components that are not intended to be taken out.
How often should fit be checked in children?
Children can grow quickly, and the orthosis itself may also be replaced or adjusted.
Check for toe room, pressure marks, fastening range and changes in walking whenever growth or orthotic changes occur.
What signs suggest the shoe is not working well with the orthosis?
- persistent pressure or red marks;
- the orthosis not sitting fully into the shoe;
- the heel being pushed upwards or forwards;
- fastenings unable to close securely;
- the shoe sole distorting;
- new rubbing or skin irritation.
When should professional advice be sought?
Professional review is appropriate if fit remains difficult, pressure develops, gait changes noticeably or the shoe appears to alter the position or function of the orthosis.
