What does wide-fit or orthopaedic footwear mean?
The terms wide-fit, adaptive, orthopaedic and therapeutic footwear are often used together, but they do not all describe the same thing.
Some shoes simply provide more width and depth than conventional footwear. Others are designed around specific needs such as swelling, reduced dexterity, orthotic insoles, ankle-foot orthoses or post-operative protection.
When might a wide-fit shoe be useful?
Wide-fit footwear may be useful when a standard shoe feels tight across the forefoot, toes or instep despite being the correct length.
- naturally broad feet;
- bunions or prominent toe joints;
- mild swelling;
- a need for additional internal volume;
- orthotic or cushioning insoles that take up space inside the shoe.
Width should not be increased simply by buying a longer shoe, because excessive length can affect fit and walking comfort.
What is adaptive footwear?
Adaptive footwear is designed to make shoes easier to open, put on, remove or adjust. Features may include wide-opening uppers, alternative fastening systems, removable insoles and flexible entry points.
These designs can be useful where bending, hand function, dexterity or the use of lower-limb devices makes conventional footwear difficult to manage.
What is oversplint footwear?
Oversplint footwear is specifically designed to provide additional internal space for devices such as ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), supramalleolar orthoses (SMOs) or other lower-limb supports.
The shoe still needs to fit the foot and the orthosis as a combined system. Simply choosing the largest possible size can lead to excessive movement and poor stability.
What is therapeutic footwear?
Therapeutic footwear usually prioritises adjustability, softness, internal space and comfort where standard shoes are difficult to tolerate.
It may be considered for swollen or sensitive feet, during selected stages of recovery, or where a highly adjustable closure is useful.
What if you wear orthotic insoles?
Many wide-fit shoes can accommodate an orthotic more easily than a shallow standard shoe, particularly where the original insole is removable.
The shoe should still hold the heel securely and provide enough depth so the orthotic does not make the foot feel cramped.
What features are worth comparing?
- overall width and depth;
- toe-box shape;
- removable or fixed insoles;
- type and range of fastening;
- how widely the shoe opens;
- heel counter and rear-foot hold;
- sole stability and grip;
- the intended indoor or outdoor use.
Should both shoes be the same size?
Most people buy a pair in one size, but feet are not always identical. Fit should generally be checked against the larger or more difficult foot while ensuring the other side is not excessively loose.
What matters most when trying footwear on?
Check length, width, depth and heel hold while wearing the socks, orthotics or supports that will normally be used with the shoes.
Walk indoors where possible and look for pressure, rubbing, excessive heel movement or areas where the upper is being stretched by the foot or an orthosis.
When is professional assessment helpful?
Professional fitting is particularly useful where footwear is being used around an AFO or SMO, there is significant deformity, sensation is reduced, skin is vulnerable, or repeated footwear problems are occurring.
