Human foot is very complex structure. It consists of 26 bones, 38 muscles, 56 ligaments and numerous nerves and blood vessels. It not surprising, though, that 50 to 75 percent of population will eventually experience foot problems during their lives. The causes for the foot problems can be roughly divided into two groups; hereditary and accidental. This article will discuss the orthopedic shoes, as they can easily prevent (or even heal) some of the common foot problems. Therefore, we will discuss the importance of orthopedic shoes for people with foot ailments.

Actually, there is no definition what the orthopedic shoes are, but these types of shoes generally have some features that would classify them as orthopedic. One of main things that denote these shoes is their comfort. The other important features they have are:

  • Size selection; alongside the standard shoes sizing, they also have classification for insole width, sometimes even sizing for toe box width (in front of the shoe).

  • Breathable uppers; they allow air circulation, but their function is to prevent the foot become damp and hot as well.

  • Removable insole; removable and shaped insole to fit healthy foot and with function to provide comfort while walking.

  • Easy fit fastenings; they include hook and loop methods in order to secure shoe, as opposed to shoe laces.

  • The heal collar; supporting the back of the foot.

  • The outer sole; they should pass the information about the surface the person is walking on, as accurate as possible.

Furthermore, let us consider some common types of orthopedic shoes:

  • Fashionable orthopedic shoes: some of the leading orthopedic shoes manufacturers realized that many people with foot problems would like to have orthopedic shoes that look nice. As an outcome, these shoes can today be found in variety of colors, decorative accents, textures etc.

  • Women's orthopedic shoes are made for various purposes; e.g., for women with wide feet, in order to eliminate various foot risks. They also have preventative measure, in order to control existing foot problems. The manufacturers, while creating this type of shoes, have this in mind; to offer a customer attractive shoes with medical functionality.

  • Propet orthopedic shoes are shoes whose primary functions are to add extra style, to be durable, lightweight and they are often equipped with adjustable fastenings

  • Orthopedic tennis shoes have some extra layers added in order to prevent common sports injuries. They are also used by the athletes with some medical conditions that require special shoes

People with diabetes have special demands regarding shoes. If the shoes they wear are not comfortable or are too tight, they can lead to some potentially dangerous injuries. Probably the most common consequence for not wearing optimal shoe is called diabetic peripheral neuropathy. It is condition where the person losses feeling in various body extremities (e.g. feet), and as a result, this condition can lead to non-felt injuries (the injuries that the person do not feel due to lack of feeling ability in injured part). Diabetic shoes, though, do not have major visual differences from regular shoes, except that they do not have high heels. Although they are made of various materials and come in different styles, their primary purpose is medical. They are also designed wider and deeper as opposed to regular shoes and finally, they have replaceable diabetic insole. Good diabetic shoes have sufficient room for feet expansion and toes movement. Most of them offer breathable materials for air circulation as well.

Although we have mentioned that medical purpose comes before style, there are numerous manufacturers of fashionable diabetic shoes such as Aertrex, Brooks Nikoya, Etonic, New Balance and others. Some top brands are Keen footwear, Drew Shoe and other, who offer wide assortment of orthopedic shoes for all human categories.

Shoes for plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia when there are microscopic tears in ligaments where they join the heel bone) must also have excellent fitting. There are various shoes designed specifically for the people with this problem. They must fulfill all the medical requirements as any other orthopedic shoes. Some notable brands are Mephisto, GentleStep, Acor, Bite, Standing Comfort, Sanita, P.W. Minor and other.