Skip to main content
← Back to Resources

What Constitutes Good Fitting Footwear?

Expert guidance on choosing shoes that fit properly and support your foot health. Essential information for everyone, especially those wearing orthotics.

Why Proper Footwear Fit Matters

Poorly fitting footwear is one of the leading causes of foot problems, blisters, bunions, corns, and pain. For individuals wearing custom orthotics or AFOs, proper footwear fit is even more critical as it directly affects the function and comfort of your orthotic devices.

Good fitting footwear should feel comfortable immediately - you should never need to "break in" shoes by tolerating pain or blisters.

The Five Key Elements of Good Fitting Footwear

1. Length - Getting the Right Size

The Rule: There should be approximately 1-1.5cm (about a thumb's width) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe when standing.

Why This Matters:

  • Your feet swell throughout the day and during activity
  • Toes need space to spread and flex when walking
  • Prevents jamming of toes against the front of the shoe
  • Reduces risk of black toenails, blisters, and nail problems

How to Check:

  • Stand up when trying shoes - never assess fit whilst sitting
  • Press your thumb at the end of the shoe to feel for toe position
  • Try shoes later in the day when feet are slightly swollen
  • Wear the socks you'll use with the shoes

2. Width - Accommodating Foot Shape

Shoe width is often overlooked but critically important. The widest part of your foot (ball of foot) should align with the widest part of the shoe.

Signs of Correct Width:

  • No pressure or pinching across the ball of your foot
  • Foot doesn't bulge over the shoe edge
  • You can wiggle your toes freely
  • Heel doesn't slip when walking

⚠️ Warning Signs of Wrong Width:

  • Pain or numbness across the ball of foot
  • Red pressure marks after removing shoes
  • Blisters on sides of feet
  • Excessive heel slip (may indicate shoe too wide)

Note: Many shoe brands offer width fittings (D for standard men's, B for standard women's, with wider and narrower options). Don't be afraid to try different widths.

3. Toe Box - Room to Move

The toe box is the front section of the shoe that houses your toes. It should be deep enough and wide enough to accommodate all five toes comfortably without cramping.

Ideal Toe Box Characteristics:

  • Height: Enough vertical space that toes aren't compressed downwards
  • Width: Toes should be able to spread naturally
  • Shape: Follows the natural shape of your foot (not excessively pointed)
  • Flexibility: Should bend where your toes bend (at ball of foot)

For Orthotic Wearers: Extra depth in the toe box is essential to accommodate the volume of your custom insole or AFO. Look for shoes labeled "extra depth" or "orthotic friendly."

4. Heel Counter - Stability and Support

The heel counter is the rigid cup at the back of the shoe that surrounds your heel. A firm heel counter is crucial for foot stability and control.

Testing Heel Counter Firmness:

  • Squeeze the back of the shoe from both sides
  • It should feel firm and resist collapsing
  • Try to twist the shoe - minimal twisting indicates good support
  • The heel counter should cup your heel snugly without gaps

A firm heel counter prevents excessive rearfoot motion, supports ankle stability, and helps your orthotics function optimally.

5. Fastening System - Securing the Fit

How your shoe fastens significantly affects fit and adjustability throughout the day as your feet swell.

Best Fastening Options:

  • Laces: Most adjustable - can accommodate swelling and different sock thicknesses
  • Velcro Straps: Easy to adjust, good for those with limited dexterity
  • Buckles: Adjustable and secure
  • BOA System: Dial-adjusted closure, excellent micro-adjustment

⚠️ Avoid:

  • Slip-on shoes (poor stability for most people)
  • Elastic gussets (don't provide secure fit)
  • Non-adjustable fastenings when wearing orthotics

Additional Features to Look For

Removable Insole

Essential if you wear custom orthotics. The manufacturer's insole should lift out easily to make room for your custom device.

Appropriate Sole Flexibility

The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot (where your toes bend) but remain relatively firm elsewhere. Test by holding the heel and toe and trying to bend the shoe.

Adequate Arch Support (if not wearing orthotics)

If you're not using custom orthotics, built-in arch support can help distribute pressure and support proper foot mechanics.

Breathable Materials

Leather or breathable synthetics help prevent moisture buildup, reducing risk of fungal infections and odour.

Appropriate Heel Height

  • General use: 1-2.5cm heel height is ideal for most people
  • Athletic shoes: Minimal heel-to-toe drop (0-8mm) for natural foot motion
  • Avoid: High heels above 5cm for regular use - they alter foot mechanics and increase injury risk

Special Considerations for Orthotic Wearers

For Custom Insole (FFO/TCI) Wearers:

  • Choose shoes with removable insoles
  • Look for "extra depth" or "orthotic friendly" shoes
  • Bring your orthotics when shoe shopping
  • Ensure adequate width to accommodate orthotic bulk
  • Lace-up closure allows best adjustability

For AFO/KAFO Wearers:

  • Shoes typically need to be 1-2 sizes larger on the braced side
  • High-top shoes or boots often work best with ankle AFOs
  • Velcro closures can make donning easier
  • Extra-wide openings help get foot and brace into shoe
  • Speak with your orthotist about specific shoe recommendations for your brace

Always bring your orthotic device when buying new shoes to ensure proper fit together.

When to Replace Your Shoes

Even well-fitting shoes wear out. Replace footwear when:

  • Heel counter becomes soft and collapses
  • Sole shows uneven wear patterns
  • Uppers are torn, stretched, or deformed
  • You notice increase in foot, leg, or back discomfort
  • Walking/running shoes: every 500-800km (approximately every 6-12 months for regular users)

Red Flags - When Shoes Don't Fit

Stop wearing shoes if you experience:

  • Blisters forming regularly
  • Numbness or tingling in toes
  • Pain in feet, ankles, knees, or hips when wearing them
  • Red pressure marks lasting more than 15 minutes after removal
  • Toenail problems (black nails, ingrown nails)
  • Worsening of existing foot conditions

Professional Guidance

If you're unsure about your footwear fit, experiencing foot problems, or need help selecting shoes for your orthotics, our specialist team can help.

During your orthotic appointment, we can assess your current footwear and provide specific recommendations based on your foot shape, condition, and orthotic needs.