What are corrective shoes & why you may need them

All About Corrective Shoes and Why You May Need Them

If you’ve been wondering “What are corrective shoes,” you’re not the only one. When you think of corrective shoes, you probably think of big, ugly, cumbersome, and expensive shoes. But that image couldn’t be further from the truth. Corrective shoes improve posture and gait, help people recover from foot and leg injury while allowing them to walk, and relieve pain, but they can also be very stylish. If you’ve been to the doctor for foot pain and discovered you have a condition for which corrective shoes are recommended, we at The Active Foot Store will work to fit your feet with our expertise.

There are a number of conditions that corrective shoes can help improve. The wrong kind of shoes by themselves can cause injury and discomfort and make those conditions worse. They can not only affect the feet but also other parts of the body. That’s why high-quality, comfortable shoes, especially corrective ones, are so important.

What Exactly Do Corrective Shoes Do?

Corrective shoes are special shoes for anyone suffering from foot pain or foot conditions and who cannot wear regular shoes. The shoes have a unique design with many features that regular shoes don’t have and are present to provide a specific type of support. Although there are many corrective shoes on the market today, the best ones mold to the wearer’s feet in order to give the best support and comfort. Sometimes, it is possible to get custom-made shoes for a personalized fit.

Some features of corrective shoes are more space for foot conditions and deformities, insoles, and orthotic devices. They are designed with smooth interior construction and have extra padding. Plus, they are made of breathable, attractive materials such as soft suede and durable leather.

Some different types of corrective shoes are:
• Custom-made: Personalized shoes are constructed by a podiatrist using a model of the feet.
• Healing: Surgery and ulcer treatment patients wear these shoes during recovery and while transitioning to regular shoes.
• In-depth: Athletic shoes with extra depth protect the foot from deformities and allow room for orthotics.
• External modification: Changing the shape of the sole and other parts of the outside help stabilize the foot.
• Orthotics and shoe inserts: Orthotics, insoles, and other inserts help absorb shock on certain areas of the foot that experience too much pressure.

Why You May Need Corrective Shoes

Here are some common foot conditions for which corrective shoes are typically recommended:
• Well-padded shoes and cushioned heels are best for people with heel pain. The cushioning should be shock-absorbent.
• Open-toe shoes are best for hammertoe surgery patients. Sandals and flats are a couple of examples, especially those made of lightweight, breathable material. People with hammertoes benefit from shoes with open toes or higher toe boxes.
• People with flat feet or fallen arches need stiff and straight shoes on the bottom with supportive heels, and arches are the best shoes for flat feet. They may need special insoles and orthotics.
• Rocker bottom shoes are for people who are recovering from a foot injury or surgery or who have plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, hammertoes, bunions, or neuropathy. They promote a natural gait and reduce plantar pressure, forefoot, and heel pain as well as walking stress on the foot. They have shock absorbency, arch support, and a wide toe box. Shoes that limit motion of and stabilize the foot and reduce pressure benefit from rocker bottom shoes as well.

When you’re thinking about what are corrective shoes, vionic shoes are likely to come up in your research or in conversation. These corrective shoes are made of breathable materials that don’t sacrifice durability and style. Many of them can come in several different colors or patterns, with the design typically being slippers and sandals. People with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, knee pain, overpronation, or flat feet benefit from vionics because they promote a natural gait. They are similar to rocker bottom shoes in function, but they have unique features such as a more flexible foot and high traction.

What about people who stand for long periods at work? Some shoes that are supposedly designed for work aren’t very comfortable and may not function well. For people who stand a lot at their jobs, they need to reduce foot swelling and pain as well as the risk of injury. They need shoes with cushioning (such as memory foam), traction, and stability. Corrective shoes can be right for them if they experience foot pain, strain, or injury from regular shoes. Corrective shoes can also be comfortable shoes for work for people with foot injuries, deformities, or conditions who need more mobility and comfort while on their feet at their jobs.

The Active Foot Store Difference

Come to our San Diego location for a consultation if you’ve been wondering “what are corrective shoes.” Our highly trained staff members are certified in foot fitting, and our store has a medical director who is a foot specialist. Our stylish shoes offer the highest-quality orthotics at the best price you can’t find anywhere else. We also offer medical-style pedicures and the best laser treatment for fungal nails, so your feet can look as good as they feel.