Special needs orthopedic shoes

In addition to the kinds of orthopedic shoes that are readily available on-line and through specialist stores, there are some more specialised shoes that are built for each individual and their unique foot problem.

These shoes, which we have called "special needs" simply because each shoe has a special need or requirement for each wearer, are made to measure and order.

This kind of orthopedic shoe usually requires a high level of customisation and tradesman’s skill, and typically has an enormous impact on the mobility of its wearer.

Examples of orthopedic shoes of this type include, shoes with a built up heal, shoes that remove the need for callipers, and shoes that compensate for a misshapen foot, or the omission or addition of toes.

Most of these specialist orthopedic shoe types can be prescribed by a doctor or physician and the manufacturers or cobblers usually employ an orthotic expert. For examples of the kinds of shoes that these companies can make, see www.specialfootwear.co.uk.

To get a general idea of the health of your feet, you can take a foot imprint and then look at the page foot print to find out if your feet are normal, pronated, or supinated.