Comfort shoes

The term "comfort shoe" can cover a multitude of different meanings as it has no real definition in the world of shoes.

In general however, it tends to be an expression used to mean orthopedic shoes, shoes that have a selection of width options, or shoes where the design focuses on function rather than outward appearance.

Quickly reading the details of most "comfort shoe" specifications confirms that they are actually orthopedic in design, usually with removable in-soles, quality padding and cushioned outer-soles.

In fact it would be true to say that many regular orthopedic shoe manufacturers now market and promote their products under names like "comfort shoes", or "therapy shoes", rather than orthopedic shoes which sounds medical, old fashioned and less appealing.

Different comfort or therapy shoe options

Reflexology

Some comfort shoes have in-soles that apply reflexology to the foot by having a unique profile. These shoes are said to be comfortable and encourage foot health and good circulation by providing a massaging sensation.

They are often included in a new terminology used to describe footwear which calls them "therapy shoes". Therapy shoes are increasing in popularity with all ages and they are seen by some as a way of using footwear to keep the entire body in-tune and healthy.

Memory foam in-soles

Other recent shoe designs use visco-elastic memory foam, or even memory latex foam, to provide an in-sole that is durable and returns to its natural state after every wearing. These shoes are very comfortable and the in-soles have a long life expectancy.

This technology is used in beds and mattresses and is becoming increasingly popular in comfort, therapy and orthopedic shoe manufacture.

Magnetic foot therapy

Magnetic therapy is another novel inclusion in the world of "comfort or therapy shoes" and it sees a pattern of magnets, that are intended to reduce foot pain through an electrical force field, embedded into the special in-sole.

Again, this is a form of treatment that has been used on other parts of the body in the past and it now sees an application in therapy footwear. These magnets can be included in a magnet therapy shoe, or bought in a replacement in-sole.

Conclusion

There is no legal definition for a comfort, therapy, orthopedic, or orthotic shoe or shoe insert, so all of these terms should be treated in the same way, i.e. they are guides to the design and motivation behind the shoe being functional rather than cosmetic.

In choosing any kind of "comfort" shoe, read the specification, look for the features described on this site and try to make an evaluation of the characteristics that you are looking for. Are they satisfied by the shoe in question? Does it have the features that you are looking for?

Finally, the internet (and on-line retailers) remain the biggest and best source of comfort, therapy and orthopedic shoes. Few high street chains offer this kind of quality shoe and the selections that they do have are often restricted or over priced.