Everyday Orthotics · Walking shoes
Custom Orthotics for Walking Shoes
Support for every step of the daily walk.
Walking is one of the most widely recommended forms of physical activity, and many people walk several kilometres a day for fitness, recreation or transport. Over that distance, repeated heel contact and push-off can aggravate heel, arch and forefoot complaints.
A walking orthotic is designed to support the foot through each phase of the walking cycle, fitting securely within a supportive walking shoe.
Book an Orthotic AssessmentBring the walking shoes you use most often to your appointment.
What walking asks of your feet
Each step loads the heel, rolls the foot through the arch and pushes off from the forefoot. Over a long walk, fatigue of the supporting muscles can allow the arch to lower and pressure to build.
Support
A semi-rigid shell supports the arch through midstance, sharing load that would otherwise fall on the plantar fascia and heel.
Alignment
Rearfoot posting moderates excessive motion at heel contact, helping the foot follow a more consistent path through each step.
Cushioning and efficiency
Heel lifts, a cushioned bottom cover and a shock-absorbing base help manage the repeated impact of longer walks.
Evidence
What the research indicates
Orthotic research continues to develop, and individual responses vary. We base our prescriptions on your assessment and use published evidence to guide, rather than overstate, expected outcomes.
- In a randomized trial of people with plantar fasciitis, foot orthoses were associated with short-term improvements in function, with more modest differences over the longer term.
- Systematic review evidence indicates that foot orthoses produce small but consistent changes in rearfoot motion and lower-limb loading during walking.
- Because individual responses vary, walking orthotics are prescribed for comfort and load distribution rather than as a guaranteed resolution of symptoms.
Selected references
- Landorf KB, Keenan AM, Herbert RD. Effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis: a randomized trial. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006.
- Mills K, Blanch P, Chapman AR, McPoil TG, Vicenzino B. Foot orthoses and gait: a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature pertaining to potential mechanisms. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2010.
Technical specifications
How the device is built
The lab standard below is the starting point for your device. Your chiropodist adjusts materials, posting and shell rigidity according to your assessment, body weight and level of activity.
Healthflex
Control level ModerateLab standard description
- Semi-rigid Subortholene shell
- Moderate control and moderate shock absorption
- Vinyl top cover in bone
- Extrinsic rearfoot posting with white crepe rearfoot posts and EVA arch filler
- 1/8 inch (approx. 3 mm) PPT HP heel lifts
- Heel seat depth of 3/8 inch (approx. 9.5 mm)
- 1/16 inch (approx. 1.5 mm) PPT bottom cover
This is an example only. The actual design and materials of your device will be based on your chiropodist’s assessment.
Applications
Walking shoes and footwear for moderate- to high-impact activity, including step and aerobic exercise.
Impact Sport
Control level 4Lab standard description
- 3.0 mm Puff top cover to toes with 1.5 mm Nyplex bottom cover
- Vacuum-formed semi-rigid polypropylene shell with Poron arch fill
- 16 mm heel cup
- Functional shell grind
This is an example only. The actual design and materials of your device will be based on your chiropodist’s assessment.
Applications
Most men’s, women’s and children’s athletic footwear where maximum shock attenuation is important.
Optional shell materials
Copolymer, XT Sprint, TL2100, Performance Rx
Recommended footwear
The right walking shoes matter
An orthotic performs best in footwear with appropriate structure, depth and fit. We can order the brands below and advise on the models best suited to your feet and your orthotic.
Walking shoes: common questions
Related orthotic services
We direct-bill most extended health plans.Billing details
Bring your footwear. Start with an assessment.
Meet with our Registered Chiropodists to discuss your feet, your daily activities and your footwear, and whether a custom orthotic is appropriate for you.
3305 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N2