What Are Orthopaedic Shoes?
The shoes you wear become your ground. They can give you support, stability and comfort – or put you at risk of injury or pain from blisters, corns, ankle sprains and more.
Orthopaedic shoes are shoes containing features that are designed to help your feet and legs, providing support to your lower limbs to keep you walking comfortably step after step, day after day.
We are not referring to custom-made shoes for unique foot problems – a good, supportive shoe with the right features can be considered an “orthopaedic” (foot-friendly) shoe and these are the types of shoes that we stock at My FootDr retail centres.
What Do Orthopaedic Shoes Do?
Good shoes can give you the support you need, in the area you need it. This may look like:
- Support in the arch
- Heel and forefoot cushions for better shock absorption, pressure distribution and off-loading
- Different widths to better suit an individual’s foot (we fit you with the specific shoe width you require)
- The right strapping mechanisms for best support, whether that be laces, velcro or buckles
- Seamless designs – fewer potential areas for friction and rubbing
- Firm heel counters for optimum rearfoot support and control
- Wide toe boxes to minimise the risk of damage to the toes and maximise comfort
Do I Need Orthopaedic Shoes?
While all shoes serve as a barrier between the skin of our feet and the outside world, protecting them from damage like cuts, orthopaedic shoes can also do a lot more for us. This is why we recommend these foot-friendly shoes for anyone, whether they are recovering from pain or injury, are wanting to reduce their risk of future injury, or just want to stay comfortable on their feet. We recommend these shoes in any circumstances that you’re doing a significant amount of activity on your feet – whether that’s going for daily walks or runs, at work as a nurse, tradie or other high step count role like running after the kids.
Why Is Correctly Fitting Footwear Important?
A comfortable and correctly fitted shoe is paramount to good foot health, the effectiveness of foot orthotics, and an active and happy quality of life. It can improve your comfort on your feet significantly, reduce your risk of injury from things like muscle/tendon overuse and falls, as well as help you recover from any problems or pains you may be experiencing currently.
What Shoe Brands Are Orthopaedic Friendly?
We stock a large range of orthopaedic footwear including Ziera, Propet, Saucony, Altra, Ecco, Revere, Birkenstock and more. You can view our range in our clinics or shop online. To learn more about each brand, click on the links at the bottom of the page.
Where To Get Orthopaedic Shoes
Finding the right shoes, and knowing what to look for, is not always an easy task, especially if you wear orthotics or have foot or leg problems. Orthopaedic shoes are available from most My FootDr clinics with fully trained shoe fitters capable of finding and fitting the perfect shoe for you. Call ahead to check with your local centre.
If your nearest My FootDr does not stock a shoe range, we will be happy to recommend the best shoe brands, styles and where you can purchase them locally – just ask your podiatrist.
Footwear FAQ’s
What is the best orthopaedic shoe?
The best shoe for you may be different from what the best shoe is for someone else. This depends on your foot type posture, where the areas of high pressure beneath your feet are, any areas of rubbing, whether you have bunions or other prominences, your stability on your feet, injury history, and more. The range of shoes we stock is a great start if you want to browse yourself, though we recommend taking advantage of our free trained shoe consultant to help you find the best orthopaedic shoe for your feet.
What running shoes do podiatrists recommend?
Like we mentioned in the last question, it really depends on your foot type, foot characteristics, and what kind of support you’d benefit from the most. This can also change depending on what kind of physical activities you take part in and how often.
What shoes do podiatrists recommend for plantar fasciitis?
Due to the nature of plantar fasciitis, shoes that offer a good level of arch support tend to feel best for those suffering from damage to their plantar fascia. Remember, it’s always important to consider shoes in relation to their suitability for your feet.
See all of our brands
Altra Footwear
Altra Running was founded on the belief that movement should be comfortable, natural, and sustainable. Whether you are looking for room for your toes, a more comfortable experience, or a platform for your foot to sit naturally, our shoes make room for you to move the way you were designed to move.
We are Here to Keep You Out There.
Archies Footwear
Archies Footwear is home to Australia’s top Arch Support Thongs and Slides.
Founded by former Physical-Therapist Daniel Jones, Archies Arch Support Thongs and Slides are stocked in more than 3500 locations around Australia.
Archies aim to break down the barrier between support, comfort and style, offering the best alternative to flat-soled Summer footwear.
OST1st Running Socks
We want to keep you active and doing what you love by…
Creating precision compression products targeting a variety of conditions using high-quality materials and patented technology.
Proving socks can do more than you're used to with designs specific to your needs.
How it startedAfter seeing his wife struggle with Plantar Fasciitis, our founder, Dave, used his knowledge from a long career in socks and hosiery to invent a compression solution to soothe her feet. That product, the FS6 Performance Foot Sleeve, was our first product and revolutionized the compression industry.
Compression Zone Technology®Starting with the FS6, we’ve patented a way to target specific areas with different levels of pressure. Instead of a tube of graduated compression, our products have the right level of compression just where you need it.
Socks with Purpose®After the success of the FS6 Performance Foot Sleeve we turned it into the first-ever Plantar Fasciitis sock. Since then we’ve continued to build our sock line with solutions for every runner’s needs - performance, lifestyle, and pain relief.
Propet Footwear
Engineered for comfort. Designed for life. The guiding principles of our business remain the same, some 33 years later. From the introduction of our first walking shoe in 1985 to the full line of footwear we offer today; comfort, stability, style and protection, plus a wide array of sizes and widths, have been the promise of our brand. Propet continues to provide a full range of footwear options for both men and women looking for comfort with a sense of style.
ECCO Footwear
ECCO Footwear: A Perfect Blend of Comfort, Style, and Innovation
ECCO is a globally renowned footwear brand celebrated for its unique approach to combining Scandinavian design, exceptional craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology. Since its inception in 1963, ECCO has been committed to creating shoes that prioritize comfort without compromising style, making it a trusted name among discerning customers worldwide.
A Legacy of Innovation
What sets ECCO apart is its relentless focus on innovation. Unlike many other footwear brands, ECCO owns and operates its tanneries and production facilities, ensuring complete control over the quality of its products. This vertical integration enables ECCO to develop groundbreaking technologies like FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort, which seamlessly bonds the sole to the upper without the need for glue or stitching. The result is lightweight, flexible, and durable footwear that conforms to the natural shape of the foot.
ECCO is also a pioneer in leather production, supplying high-quality leather not only for its own products but also for luxury brands worldwide. The brand’s eco-friendly tanning methods reflect its dedication to sustainability, ensuring that its leathers are as kind to the planet as they are to your feet.
Comfort at Its Core
Comfort has always been at the heart of ECCO’s design philosophy. Every pair of ECCO shoes is meticulously crafted to provide support, cushioning, and flexibility. The anatomical fit of ECCO shoes mirrors the contours of the human foot, allowing for a natural walking experience. Whether you're navigating city streets, exploring the great outdoors, or attending formal events, ECCO offers footwear that feels as good as it looks.
The brand’s dedication to comfort is further enhanced by its use of premium materials, including soft, breathable leathers and innovative sole technologies. Many ECCO shoes feature removable insoles and shock-absorbing soles, catering to individuals who value personalized comfort.
Style for Every Occasion
ECCO’s versatile designs cater to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences. From sleek dress shoes and stylish boots to sporty sneakers and outdoor performance footwear, ECCO ensures that every customer finds a pair that suits their needs. The brand’s minimalist aesthetic, inspired by Scandinavian design principles, emphasizes timeless elegance and functionality.
ECCO shoes are available in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes, making them perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Their clean lines and understated designs make them a staple in any wardrobe, seamlessly transitioning from day to night.
Sustainability and Responsibility
In today’s world, sustainability is more important than ever, and ECCO is leading the way with environmentally conscious practices. The company’s water-efficient DriTan™ tanning process significantly reduces water consumption and minimizes waste, setting a new standard for sustainable leather production. ECCO also focuses on reducing its carbon footprint through innovative manufacturing techniques and ethical sourcing of materials.
Why Choose ECCO?
When you choose ECCO, you're investing in more than just a pair of shoes; you're investing in a legacy of quality, innovation, and sustainability. ECCO footwear is designed to stand the test of time, offering unparalleled comfort, style, and durability.
Explore ECCO’s extensive collection and experience the difference of footwear engineered for the modern lifestyle. Whether you're looking for functional everyday shoes, rugged outdoor gear, or sophisticated office wear, ECCO has you covered. Discover your perfect fit with ECCO and step into a world where comfort meets style.
Ziera Footwear
Ziera is passionate about how their shoes look, fit and feel. They combine years of expertise and understanding of women’s feet with premium materials to design shoes with maximum comfort and style at their heart; shoes that must look as good as their feel and live up to the everyday demands of women getting on with their busy lives.
Saucony Footwear
Saucony exists for runners. Runners drive their design and engineering. This focus and passion fuels Saucony to strive to create the best running shoes and apparel on the planet. Saucony leave work each day knowing they have done everything to make runners’ lives just a little bit better.
Revere Footwear
Revere footwear provides all day comfort, functionality and support by enhancing foot health for those experiencing heel pain, tired aching feet, sore knees and lower back pain. Designed in collaboration with leading footwear experts to provide maximum adjustability to support many foot types.
Anodyne Footwear
An anodyne, by definition, is something that brings you a sense of soothing and comfort. The comfort we desire (and in some cases, need) is unique to each of us. Anodyne believe that you deserve shoes that will meet your comfort and style needs, and allow you to maintain an active, healthy and productive lifestyle.
Birkenstock Footwear
Birkenstock have a passion for their products, an appreciation of their heritage and a genuine belief in their benefits. Their business reflects how they represent themselves – quality products that are comfortable, unique, timeless and respectful of the world around us.
