Quote:
Originally Posted by LG999
I have been wearing orthotics from various podiatrists most of my life. A good pair of orthotics can take away foot and ankle pain, improve balance and increase endurance. My first pair were made for running. I still have them. You need to buy a half size or full size larger sneaker or shoe to accommodate both your feet and the orthotic. You can have a full orthotic which covers the whole foot bed. I prefer the half orthotic that is firm plastic with high arch support and heel stabilization. They are less bulky, easy to clean and last many years. They are worth the money. A podiatrist takes molds or casts of your feet and sends them away as a sort of Rx for the orthotics to be made from. About two weeks later the podiatrist will have the new orthotics for you. He/she will have you try them on to be sure they are correct. Mine have always been. Unless the orthotics are made for a specific use, like just for running, the podiatrist will probably tell you to wear them several hours the first day and add to that each day until you are comfortable all day.
In recent years there have been an increased amount of orthopedic shoes that you can buy in shoe stores or from Amazon. There are now many brands and styles. Although they are orthapedic in nature, they are not for your specific feet or foot issue.
Dansco makes clogs for both men and women (men & women have different foot structure) Dansco clogs have high arch support and a thick sole which used to be wood but is now a different material but same configuration.
Birkenstock makes excellent sandals. They are leather with two adjustable straps. They have a thick cork footbed and rubberlike sole. There is a plastic version that can be used in the shower, locker room or as pool shoes. I use them for slippers.
Both Dansco and Birkenstock use European sizing. I wear a size 7-7.5 so I am a size 38. There is a conversion chart.
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Wow! So much good info from everyone, thank you, thank you!