Orthotic Shoes vs Orthotics: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been looking into better foot support, you may have come across the terms orthotic shoes and orthotics. While they are often discussed together, they are not the same thing.

In simple terms, orthotic shoes are footwear designed with supportive features, while orthotics are devices that sit inside your shoes. Understanding the difference can make it easier to decide what may suit your everyday needs.

If you have ongoing foot pain or have been advised to use a specific orthotic device, it is also important to follow advice from a qualified podiatrist or other health professional.

Orthotic Shoes - Making Every Step More Comfortable

Orthotic shoes are footwear designed with features intended to provide support, comfort and a suitable fit for the wearer. Depending on the design, these features may include:

• A structured footbed

• Arch support

• Cushioning

• Heel stability

• A deeper foot area

• A suitable toe box

• Space that may accommodate an additional insole

Unlike a custom orthotic device, an orthotic shoe is the shoe itself. You do not necessarily need a prescription to purchase this type of footwear. For people looking for supportive footwear for everyday activities, walking or general wear, choosing the right shoe can be an important part of creating a comfortable footwear routine.

You can explore Archline's range of orthotic shoes to compare different styles and features.

Orthotics - Make Every Step More Comfortable

Orthotics are devices that are worn inside footwear. They can be made from different materials and designs depending on their intended use. There is an important difference between custom prescription orthotics and commercially available shoe inserts.

Custom orthotics are designed specifically for an individual, usually following an assessment by a podiatrist or another qualified health professional. In contrast, non-prescription inserts are commercially produced and available in a range of shapes and designs.

The American Podiatric Medical Association provides further information about the difference between custom orthotics and shoe inserts.

So, while both orthotic shoes and orthotics can be associated with foot support, they approach footwear support in different ways.

Orthotic Shoes vs Orthotics: The Main Difference

The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at where the support comes from.

The important point is that an orthotic shoe is not automatically a custom orthotic.

Can Orthotic Shoes Be Used With Orthotics?

Sometimes, yes.

However, whether a particular shoe can accommodate an orthotic depends on both the footwear and the device. Things that may matter include:

• The internal depth of the shoe

• Available width

• The shape of the footbed

• Whether the existing insole can be removed

• The thickness of the orthotic

• How the orthotic sits inside the shoe

If you already use prescription orthotics, it is worth checking whether the footwear is suitable for your particular device rather than assuming any supportive shoe will work. This is one reason fit and compatibility can be just as important as the label used to describe a shoe.

When Might Someone Need Prescription Orthotics?

Not everyone who wants supportive footwear needs custom orthotics. Prescription orthotics may be recommended for some people following an individual assessment. They can be designed around a person's specific foot structure, movement and requirements.

If you have persistent or significant foot pain, have been diagnosed with a foot condition, or have previously been advised to use prescription orthotics, speak with a podiatrist about your individual needs.

It is better to seek professional advice than to assume that a standard shoe, insert or orthotic device is appropriate for a particular condition.

When Might Orthotic Shoes Be a Practical Option?

For someone who is simply looking for supportive footwear, an orthotic shoe may be a practical choice. You might be comparing footwear based on:

• Overall comfort

• Walking requirements

• Footbed design

• Cushioning

• Fit

• Toe-box space

• Shoe depth

• Everyday use

• Whether you need to accommodate an additional insert

The advantage is that the supportive features are considered as part of the overall shoe design, rather than relying entirely on a separate device. However, the right choice will always depend on the individual and what they need from their footwear.

Can You Wear Orthotic Shoes Without a Prescription?

Yes, purchasing an orthotic-style shoe does not automatically mean you need a prescription. However, this is different from using a prescription orthotic device.

If you're unsure about the distinction, our guide explains more about wearing orthotic shoes without a prescription and what to consider when choosing your footwear.

Do Orthotic Shoes Need Removable Insoles?

Not necessarily. A removable insole can be useful in some situations, particularly if you need additional space inside the shoe for another insert or orthotic device.

However, whether you actually need a removable insole depends on your footwear and individual requirements. If you're comparing different designs, our guide to choosing shoes with removable insoles explains why this feature may be useful.

Which Should You Choose: Orthotic Shoes or Orthotics?

There isn't one answer that applies to everyone.

Orthotic shoes may be worth considering if:

• You are looking for supportive everyday footwear

• You want support incorporated into the shoe

• You are looking for comfortable footwear for walking or daily activities

• You don't currently use a prescription orthotic

• You want to compare footwear based on fit and construction

Professional advice about orthotics may be more appropriate if:

• You have ongoing or significant foot pain

• You have a diagnosed foot or movement-related issue

• You have already been prescribed orthotics

• You have been advised to use a particular type of orthotic device

The two options aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. In some cases, suitable footwear and an orthotic device may be used together.