Sport-Specific Orthotics · Golf shoes
Custom Orthotics for Golf Shoes
A stable base for the swing and the walk.
The golf swing begins at the feet. Weight transfers from the trail foot to the lead foot through a rapid rotation, while the feet must remain stable against the ground. Over eighteen holes, golfers also commonly walk several kilometres on uneven terrain.
A golf orthotic is designed to fit the lower volume of a golf shoe while supporting balance through the swing and comfort over the course of a round.
Book a Sport Orthotic AssessmentBring your golf shoes to your appointment.
What your sport asks of your feet
The feet anchor rotation during the swing and absorb repeated load while walking. Both tasks are affected by fatigue as a round progresses.
Support
Arch and heel support can help maintain a consistent foot position at address and through the transfer of weight, particularly later in a round.
Alignment
Controlling excessive pronation of the trail and lead foot may improve stability during rotation. Your assessment considers both feet, as they perform different roles in the swing.
Cushioning and efficiency
A low-profile cushioned top cover improves comfort while walking without raising the foot within the shoe or reducing ground feel.
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 study of experienced golfers, wearing custom flexible orthotics daily for six weeks was associated with an increase in club-head velocity and reduced the decline in performance associated with fatigue over nine holes.
- A companion study reported measurable changes in gait elements in golfers wearing custom orthotics, along with reported improvements in balance.
- These studies were small, so results should be interpreted with caution; they are consistent, however, with the broader evidence that orthoses can influence lower-limb mechanics.
Selected references
- Stude DE, Gullickson J. Effects of orthotic intervention and nine holes of simulated golf on club-head velocity in experienced golfers. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2000.
- Stude DE, Gullickson J. The effects of orthotic intervention and 9 holes of simulated golf on gait in experienced golfers. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2001.
- 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.
Low Profile Sport
Control level 4Lab standard description
- 1.5 mm Puff top cover to toes
- 1.5 mm Poron extension to toes
- Vacuum-formed semi-rigid polypropylene shell
- 12 mm heel cup
- Extrinsic rearfoot post with nylon strike plate
- 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 lower-volume athletic footwear.
Optional shell materials
Copolymer, XT Sprint, TL2100, Performance Rx
Recommended footwear
The right golf 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.
Golf shoes: common questions
Related orthotic services
Bring your footwear. Start with an assessment.
Meet with our Registered Chiropodists to discuss your feet, your sport and your equipment, and whether a custom orthotic is appropriate for you.
3305 Harvester Road, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N2