Materials and components of the orthopedic shoes

An orthopedic shoe has several different composite parts and a number of alternative materials can be used to construct each of these components. In many cases there is no right or wrong material, but simply a range of options that will suit and work differently for different individuals.

Upper (or vamp) materials

The upper or vamp of a shoe is usually made of leather as this material breathes and expands as well as reacting to temperature.

Even so, modern materials like spandex can also be used for the vamp as they offer good stretching qualities and are ideal for those who suffer from long term pressure ailment like blisters and bunions. A number of orthopedic shoes combine one or more materials to offer a natural and synthetic mix that combines the best of both worlds.

Materials for insoles

Replaceable and interchangeable insoles (as previously mentioned) can be made from a number of materials and they can be changed or switched.

Having the option to change insoles can give a different feel to the shoe and also facilitates the addition of orthotic inserts, memory foam soles and even soles offering magnetic pain relief therapy.

The best materials depends up on the user in question, but features like breath ability and even odour removal can be considerations in material selection. It is important that the insole offer both padding and support whilst giving feedback from the walking activity.

For some information about Gel insoles and orthotic shoe inserts, see our Gel insole and insert page.

The tongue and collar

The tongue of an orthopedic shoe is a frequently neglected and undervalued component in many shoe buyers eyes.


The tongue works in conjunction with the collar (which is the support area for the fastening mechanism) and it needs to be soft but resilient so that the pressure of the collar does not cause localised pressure points on the top of the foot.

This area of the foot, which runs in to (and connects with) the lower shin, is very sensitive and it does not have the same level of soft tissue padding as some other parts of the foot. Consequently the tongue should be both well padded, but also constructed in such a way that it holds it position and does not ride-away towards either the instep or the outside of the foot.

The inside surface of most tongues are made from a synthetic spongy material and in a few cases, the new material of memory foam. The tongue must always extend out and beyond the collar of the shoe.

The outsole

The outsole is the part of the shoe that comes into direct contact with the ground and it works in conjunction with the insole.
Many expensive designer shoes boast a leather sole, but rubber is generally a better material as it offers superior traction and reduces the likelihood of slipping. There are many synthetic outsole materials and some of these offer excellent performance characteristics.

Shoe Lining

For an orthopedic shoe to work well, it needs to be constructed properly, but the degree of comfort that it affords has a lot to do with the material and the thickness of the shoe’s lining.

The lining probably has the biggest single impact on avoiding localised pressure points, rubbing areas and providing general comfort. The lining works inside both the toe box and the vamp and creates the internal environment of the orthopedic shoe.

Good materials for shoe linings include plastizote foam and memory foam. The ticking (the material that surrounds the padded lining) needs to be breathable and comfortable.

Other possible orthopedic shoe features

Specialist orthopedic shoes (i.e. made for specific problems) are not covered in these basic component summaries, but it is possible to buy ready made shoes with rocker soles that can reduce foot stress due to shock. These shoes can alleviate discomfort around the ball of the foot and are popular with those who experience pain of this kind.

Shoes can also be bought that offer a flared or extended outsole. The advantage of this feature is the additional surface area of the sole and hence a greater stability when standing or walking.