Inside and Outside Orthopedic Shoes

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 11, 2009 – If you are looking for an orthopedic shoe that will help relieve pain in your feet (or prevent certain foot deformities or injuries from getting worse), it’s important to look for key characteristics in each area of the shoe: the outsole, the insole and the upper.  Think of it as your orthopedic shoe checklist.  
The Outsole.  When it comes to the outsole of an orthopedic shoe, look for features that promote a smooth ride from heel to toe.  A flared outsole will give the foot stability, while a sole made from polyurethane will absorb shock and help give the foot traction that will prevent slips and falls.  The outsole should have a slight heel (somewhere between ¾ of an inch and 1 ½ inches), which will lift the foot slightly without throwing the foot’s natural position off balance.  
The Insole.  Insoles should be removable so that you can adjust the size of the shoe when the foot swells and accommodate orthotic devices.  Removable insoles will also help you keep your shoes clean and dry.  A plastizote foam lining will mold to the foot’s shape and should reduce pressure on high-stress areas of the foot.
The Upper.  The shoe’s upper should be made from a breathable material.  Look for canvas shoes, or shoes with mesh air-circulation pockets.  Leather shoes normally allow air to circulate (although beware of leather shoes that are lined with a plastic non-breathable material) but they can also cause the foot to sweat.  Extra padding around the tongue and collar of the shoe increases comfort and prevents irritation of the foot in these sensitive areas.  Shoes that close with Velcro make for easy size adjustments.  
A good example of a quality orthopedic shoe that meets the above requirements is the Beata by Mephisto.  This Women’s slide-on sneaker comes with a removable anatomical footbed that is designed to fit the contours of the bottom of your foot.  This footbed provides excellent shock absorption, but it can be replaced by orthotics if you need customized support.  The sneaker is designed with bi-lateral stabilizers and is lined with waterproof (yet breathable!) GORE-TEX.  A rubber sole provides excellent traction, and the shoe is designed with a slight heel and arch support, which should help to reduce heel and arch pain.