Typically associated with the elderly and those who have medical issues related to the feet, whereas up to recently orthopaedic footwear was designed more for functionality rather than appearance, today these shoes can offer superior comfort without sacrificing on style. From the formal to the casual, finding the appropriate footwear that is supportive and which will keep you mobile and pain-free has become easier than ever.

What are orthopaedic shoes and what can they do for you?

Specifically designed shoes that aim to relieve pain and offer support to patients dealing with a series of discomfort such as foot, ankle or leg pain, orthopaedic shoes can accommodate both the mechanics and the structure of the foot, as well as the ankles and legs. This means that they can help relieve any pain in the lower back, hips and knees.

What sets these type of shoes apart from typical footwear? From offering you extra width and wider sizing options to boasting a series of features that will enhance your comfort level while wearing them, these shoes come with removable insoles, while they have non-binding and seamless uppers which prevent unnecessary rubbing, while they can accommodate problems like hammertoes and bunions. At the same time, they feature a firm and supportive heel, as well as a cushioned sole, while they can be easily fastened making them ideal for those with mobility issues.

Why you should opt for these type of shoes?

With health benefits abounding, many opt for this type of footwear for the below reasons:

They offer optimal comfort: With the ability to cater for your aches and pains, while cushioning your heel, offering support and realigning your foot, these shoes do not only provide ultimate comfort but can also offer that much-needed support.

They relieve more than foot pain: Promoting blood flow, orthopaedic shoes help keep the swelling from your ankles and feet down which can be both uncomfortable and may cause a number of dangerous health issues. In addition, by solving your foot discomfort and pain, you avoid feeling exhausted and worn out all the time, while you eliminate your chances of having any pain in other areas of your body such as your back or legs.

They can improve mobility issues: Conditions such as flat feet, bunions, hammertoes and others may greatly affect your mobility and may limit your ability to enjoy life to the full. By obtaining orthopaedic shoes you'll have access to footwear that has plenty of space for your feet and toes and may even help towards correcting any problems.

How can you obtain orthopaedic shoes?

Wondering whether you need orthopaedic footwear? Anyone suffering from conditions such as swollen feet, fallen arches, heel pain and heel spurs, flat feet, diabetes and arthritis, together with those recovering from all sorts of foot surgeries can greatly benefit from wearing these shoes.

Just like any other type of treatment, orthopaedic shoes can be prescribed by your doctor and can be obtained from most shoe shops found across Malta and Gozo. However, depending on the issue at hand, you might need to have the shoes specifically customised for your feet. This is typically done with the help of a foot and ankle specialist who takes 3D images of each foot and uses these as a guide to manufacture your shoes. Alternatively, your doctor may suggest a specific brand such as Pegada or Piccadilly.

All local stores will be happy to offer you a free consultation, while a number of them can also deliver your shoes right to your door free of charge. Yet, apart from shoes, shops also have available other accessories for you to purchase such as post-operative socks and socks for diabetics, an assortment of toe foam and shock-absorbing padding, as well as insoles that can be specifically designed for your feet.