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Orthotic Friendly Sandals

Though most sandals do not have heel counters, the removable footbed allows an orthotic to be housed nicely in some models. When the insole is taken out, a molded shell remains to secure the orthotic from sliding off the sole plate.

If the custom insert is only a three-quarter length, we provide free "cut-to-shape" EVA extensions to maintain forefoot width fitting and cushioning.

A good athletic or orthopaedic shoe remains the primary footwear choice for your patient, but a sandal is often a welcomed addition to the shoe wardrobe. Limited or controlled use of the sandal during the summer months or around the house means the orthotic is being used more often…and more often usually means a happier healthier patient.

Volkswalk Heeled Sandal (4904F) $149.99 This model is referred to as a heeled sandal or open toe shoe. It’s heel counter is quite soft, yet it does act as a more solid housing for those prone to inversion sprains. The base is wider than most providing additional stability.

Volkswalk 3 Strap Velcro sandal (2582) $109.99 The most popular option by far as the Velcro is great for arthritis, extra Velcro additions are easy for edema patients and straps seem to be strategically placed to cause little interference with hammer toes and bunions.

Aravon Jamie Velcro Sandal $189.99 The priciest, but also the dressiest style with good torsional rigidity. This is part of New Balances dress shoe company, specifically trying to fill the dress casual needs of the orthotic wearer who wants strong alternatives to a runner

Bite X-Trac Velcro Sandal $139.99 An adventure, walking and off road day sandal that has a medial post, external arch support removeable liner with a flat substitute liner to aid the fit with an orthotic (esp. ¾). Very wide base, very torsionally rigid, very deep set for an orthotic.

Bite X-Tension Strap Sandal $139.99 This model is all of the above X-Trac model, except it has a fully adjustable strap that wraps the entire sandal to snug up the heel and accommodate a variety of widths in the forefoot.

Desert Primrose Slide $109.99 A sandal, with a soft, relatively thick, removeable foam footbed. The insole is secured to the shoe with strong Velcro tabs in the rear and forefoot of the sandal. Putting a similar tab on a orthotic would make it sit tightly in the sandal. Torsionally rigid, with a firm flex in the toe, as well as a nice rockered profile. Seamless at the first MTP makes it ideal for a moderate hallux valgus. The 2A fitting is uncommon to sandals and is nice for the thinner, narrower foot.

Naot Rome Slide $139.99 and up A moderate height heel on a dressy slide, this sandal has a thick removeable cork footbed that creates a deep setting for an orthotic. The full grain leather strap is soft and seamless to accommodate forefoot irregularities.

Naot Karenna Sandal $135.99 With a single wide adjustable Velcro strap at the ball of the foot, bunions are accommodated easily. The deep setting for the orthotic means that externally posted ones are well seated. The high ankle strap helps to hold the heel in place and gives extra support in the arch area.

Volkswalkers 2 Strap Velcro Slide $99.99 and up A moderate height heel on a dressy slide, this sandal has a thick removeable cork footbed that creates a deep setting for an orthotic. The full grain leather strap is soft and seamless to accommodate forefoot irregularities.

If you are not keen on your patients wearing orthotics in sandals, please give me a call and we will make sure that your referrals are fit to your specifications.

Cheers,
Phil Moore