Orthopaedic Footwear
Reason for wearing the footwear
The footwear will be supplied to you if there is a clinical need determined by your orthotist and you are unable to buy shoes which fit correctly (and have tried all the wider fit shoes on the market without success).
The reasons you may benefit from orthopaedic footwear will be discussed with you by the orthotist. Common reasons for needing footwear are to accommodate foot deformities and to protect feet at high risk of skin breakdown.
How do we decide what you may benefit from?
Your orthotist will ask you questions and work with you to understand why standard footwear does not meet your needs. If there are options available that may address your concerns, you will be guided in how to try these before orthopaedic footwear is considered. When orthopaedic footwear will be useful, you will be encouraged to choose what the footwear may look like. This will include the colour, style, and the fastening (either laces or Velcro). The orthotist will advise you on what features may be necessary. In order to tell the manufacturer what size and shape we need your footwear to be, we will perform an assessment of your foot. This may require taking measurements, photos, casts, or 3D scans of your feet.
What will happen once footwear has been provided?
Your footwear will be looked over by the department, but it is recommended that you also inspect what you are given to make sure you are happy. If you and your orthotist are both happy that they are appropriate for you to use, you should break your new footwear in slowly. This is even more important if your feet have a high-risk of skin breakdown, rubs, or blisters. Common causes of these problems are being diabetic, having poor sensation in your feet, and a history of foot wounds.
Like all shoes, orthopaedic footwear will ‘break in’ the more you wear them. Materials will soften and the chances of a rub will drop significantly. This is why we recommend using your footwear for small periods of time over two to three weeks to get used to them, increasing your wear by about 20 minutes per day:
| Day 1 | Wear for 20 minutes |
| Day 2 | Wear for 40 minutes |
| Day 3 | Wear for an hour |
| Day 15 | Wear for between 5 and 6 hours |
| Day 16 | Wear for between 6 and 7 hours |
| Day 17 | Wear for between 7 hours and a full day |
You must check your feet as you are breaking in the footwear looking for blisters, swelling, warmth, cuts or persistent pressure marks (which remain after 20 minutes of removing the shoes). If you are unable to get down to your feet then ask someone else to check them for you, this is especially important if you are diabetic or have poor sensation in your feet. If you find any changes you are concerned about then stop wearing your footwear and immediately contact the orthotic department.
Every day it is important to check inside your footwear before putting them on to avoid injury. Check for grit, sand, stones, pins or loose objects. The insoles can be removed, so pull them out and check underneath them. Clean and polish your footwear regularly.
Reviews, repairs and replacements
You are entitled to a maximum of two pairs of shoes. You will need to break in and wear the first pair for at least a month before a second pair may be ordered. If you are entirely happy with them then this order can be placed over the phone. However, if there are any problems, please contact the department on the number below to book a review appointment. Any further routine reviews that are required will be arranged by your Orthotist.
It is important you keep the heels and soles repaired. The hospital will repair them free of charge. Please drop in your footwear at main reception located in North Wing, labelled with your name hospital number and enclose a note stating which repairs you wish to have carried out. The footwear will be replaced when they are deemed irreparable by the orthotic department or if your shoe size has changed. Do not throw away your footwear without talking to someone from the department.
Individual patient instructions
To be completed by your orthotist
Contact numbers
We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the Orthotic Department at Dorset County Hospital: 01305 254408
About this leaflet
Author: Matthew Wood, Orthotist
Written: June 2020
Updated and approved: July 2025
Review date: July 2028
Edition: v3
If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk
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