Overview
Orthopaedic footwear
Orthopaedic footwear are special shoes, boots, or trainers that are prescribed for you. They’re provided when regular footwear is not suitable for your needs.
Wearing footwear that does not fit properly is the most common cause of foot problems for people with reduced sensation or blood flow to their feet, such as those with diabetes.
Getting your footwear
You’ll be provided with 1 pair of footwear at first. They will be made to fit your feet correctly, and may also include insoles. Insoles are an important part of your footwear and should only be removed if your podiatrist or orthotist advises you to.
You’ll have a review appointment to check how you’re managing with your footwear. During this appointment, your orthotist will assess the fit and your progress to decide if you need a second pair.
Wearing your footwear
At first you should wear your footwear for short periods of time around your home.
You should gradually increase the time you wear your footwear if there are no issues, and continue to wear them as advised by your orthotist.
They should be the only footwear you wear. It’s important that you wear them inside and outside the house.
Make sure you wear socks, stockings or tights when wearing your footwear, and change them every day. They should not have bulky seams or elasticated tops, and should be the right size for your feet. Some shops sell suitable products, and you can also buy these online.
Important
Make sure you check your feet each day after wearing your footwear to check for early signs of any problems.
Contact the orthotics service immediately if you notice any redness or blisters.
Care instructions
It’s your responsibility to make sure your footwear is properly maintained.
Keep your footwear clean and polished. If your footwear has suede or nubuck materials, you can buy special products to clean them.
If your footwear gets wet, let them dry naturally, away from direct heat.
Do
- check your footwear each day to make sure there is no damage to the insole or lining
- check for signs of any wear and tear, such as worn soles, heels, or rough seams
- make sure nothing sharp has pierced the outer sole, such as nails, or glass
- check the inside of your footwear before wearing them, to make sure nothing small has fallen into them
Repairs
If you notice any wear or damage, contact the orthotics service so that your footwear can be repaired.
The orthotist that provided your footwear will advise you about any repairs or changes to your footwear to make sure they still match your prescription.
If your footwear cannot be repaired, they'll discuss replacement options with you.
Resource number: 4385/VER2
Last reviewed: July 2025
Next review due: July 2028
