Bariatric shoes, orthotics and foot care

Being a larger and heavier person than average can frequently result in long term problems with the feet. Unfortunately the fact that large people spend less time walking and undertaking exercise exacerbates any foot disorders. Additionally, the greater weight that the feet of larger people have to carry accentuates any underlying foot troubles or foot health issues.

Bariatrics shoes

A small number of shoe manufacturers do make shoes specifically described as bariatric shoes, however these shoes normally replicate the features of high quality comfort shoes, orthopedic shoes or diabetic shoes. (Information concerning these shoe types can be found further down this page.) For this reason a shoe described as a diabetic shoe or an orthopedic shoe will often offer the best type of support and comfort level, i.e. it will satisfy most bariatrics needs.

To find out about the important features and characteristics of good quality shoes you can take a look at the information linked to further down this page. Each covers either - an aspect of shoe design or construction, information about specific shoe types, or information about foot health and different disorders that can affect the feet and walking. All are intended to make you aware of the importance of good quality footwear and to guide you towards buying the best shoes for you health, weight and lifestyle.

Shoes with width fittings (wide fitting shoes)

One of the problems facing many larger people is finding shoes that are wide enough.

If the feet have to continually bear a greater weight and pressure than the body’s skeletal and muscular structure is designed for, the feet spread out and get wider over time. This presents a range of problems from finding suitably wide fitting shoes to medical issues like fallen arches.

Buying comfort shoes or orthopedic style shoes, where width sizes as well as standard length fittings can be selected, can ensure that the shoes fit the width and the length of the feet perfectly. Wearing shoes of this type can reduce, remove, or even correct some problems associated with the feet. Shoes where width fittings can be selected can be purchased online providing that you know your correct shoe size. Information on how to accurately determine the size of your feet (length and width) can be found here - measuring feet for size charts.

Orthotics or shoe inserts

Orthotics are special inserts that are intended to support, counteract or correct some aspect of the way that the foot is positioned or functions when walking or bearing weight. Orthotics are often used or prescribed for people who are overweight and they can make walking far more comfortable and pain free. Further information about orthotics can be found at this page - orthotic inserts for shoes, however a general summary is offered below.

Modern orthotics allow shoes with a normal appearance to be modified internally, thereby removing the need for “special” or customised shoes to be made.

Orthotics can remedy, or at least have a positive effect on, many different foot related problems. Orthotics can be made from numerous materials ranging from cool feel gel to visco elastic memory foam. Some shoe inserts are produced with a pleasing or neutralising odour and all can be removed or replaced if necessary.

Medical help in determining whether or not orthotics or shoe insoles can help foot health or relieve foot discomfort can usually be obtained from a doctor, chiropodist or occupational therapist.

In severe cases, where orthotics cannot be used, shoes can be made to the shape and dimensions of a particular individual’s feet with the aim of rectifying or relieving a problem. A number of specialist companies (cobblers) operate in this sector, however the bespoke shoes that they make are expensive if not included under a subsidised prescription scheme.

Main orthopedic and health shoe menu below

The links below will take you to a number of pages covering different types of health shoes and accessories including orthopedic shoes, diabetic shoes, walking shoes, orthotic inserts, and foot measuring information.

Orthopedic or health shoes (index page) Why healthy well designed and manufactured shoes are important.
A shoes anatomy The components of a shoe and how they combine together.
Orthotic inserts Special inserts that are placed inside a shoe to help or relive a foot, leg or back problem.
Diabetic shoes Footwear designed with seamless linings etc for very sensitive feet.
Comfort fit (or easy fit) shoes These should have good build quality and importantly width sizing options.
Walking shoes (and hiking boots) Tough designs intended for rough terrain with added padding and foot protection.
Measuring feet for size charts How to measure your feet and apply the dimensions to size charts in order to know your correct foot size.
Orthopedic shoes Footwear designed for foot health.