The Ultimate Guide to Orthopedic Shoes: Everything You Need to Know
Updated on April 03, 2025
Shop the best orthopedic shoes
What are orthopedic shoes?
Foot pain can turn everyday activities into a challenge. That’s where orthopedic shoes come in. Designed to support your feet, improve alignment, and reduce strain on your joints, they help relieve discomfort and keep you moving with relief.
Many options, including custom orthopedic shoes, are built to address conditions like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, hammertoes, bunions, and neuropathy. Whether you need orthopedic shoes for plantar fasciitis, diabetic orthopedic shoes for swollen feet, or orthopedic hiking shoes for extra stability on rough terrain, the right pair can make all the difference.
Ignoring foot pain can lead to bigger problems over time. The right shoes help protect your feet so you can stay active, comfortable, and free to do what you love.
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Achilles TendinitisAchilles tendinitis, or tendinopathy, is an overuse injury common among runners and basketball players. The main symptom is aching and pain at the back of your leg, just above your heel.Achilles Tendinitis
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BunionsBunions occur when your big or pinky toe bones are out of their proper alignment and extend at an angle rather than a straight line. This can cause painful swelling and irritation, and make the bunion extra sensitive to pressure from tight shoes.Bunions
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Flat FeetWhile injury can sometimes cause flat feet, the main risk factors are genetics and the way your feet develop during childhood. Flat feet are often associated with overpronation, or an excessive rolling inward of the ankle.Flat Feet
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Heel SpursEvery step you take starts with your heels. Over time, this strain can result in foot pain conditions such as heel spurs, which are tiny growths of bone at the heel that can cause irritation to surrounding tendons, muscles, and tissues.Heel Spurs
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MetatarsalgiaRegular stress and impact can lead to painful swelling and irritation. The main symptom of metatarsalgia is a sharp, aching pain in the ball of your foot—but you may also experience numbness, tingling, or a feeling like you’re standing on a lump.Metatarsalgia
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Morton's NeuromaA neuroma is a benign tumor of nerve cells. When one forms in the ball of your foot between your third and fourth toes, it’s called Morton’s neuroma. The main symptoms are pressure, numbness, burning, or pain in that area.Morton's Neuroma
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Plantar FasciitisRepeated stress on the band of tissue underneath our feet—our plantar fascia—can lead to tightness, inflammation, and micro-tears. This overuse results in the characteristic symptom of plantar fasciitis: heel pain.Plantar Fasciitis
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Pain ReliefSpecifically designed to alleviate discomfort from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes.Pain Relief
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Improved PostureProper foot alignment can lead to better overall posture, reducing strain on the back and joints.Improved Posture
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Enhanced MobilityBy reducing foot pain, wearers often find they can walk or stand for longer periods without discomfort.Enhanced Mobility
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Customized SupportMany orthopedic shoes come with customizable insoles or arch supports tailored to individual needs.Customized Support
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Increased StabilityFeatures like wide toe boxes and reinforced heel areas provide better stability, reducing the risk of falls or missteps.Increased Stability
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Accommodation for OrthoticsMany designs can accommodate custom orthotics, allowing for personalized foot care solutions.Accommodation for Orthotics
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Superior Arch SupportShoes with adequately contoured insoles can help lift and support your arches to help guide your feet to a healthier gait.Superior Arch Support
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Deep Heel CupA deep heel cup that’s rounded to match the shape of your heel can help encourage healthy alignment and provide proper support.Deep Heel Cup
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Wide Toe BoxA wide toe box allows for plenty of room for your toes and feet to move naturally.Wide Toe Box
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Shock-Absorbing CushionPremium foams, such as EVA foam, can help absorb shock and reduce impact with each step.Shock-Absorbing Cushion
Orthopedics vs. Orthotics
Foot pain can be costly—doctor visits, custom orthotics, and endless trial-and-error with shoes that don’t actually help. But what shoes do orthopedic doctors recommend? Many podiatrists suggest supportive orthopedic shoes to help treat a wide range of foot conditions while keeping you moving comfortably.
Before choosing the right solution for your feet, it helps to understand the difference between orthotics and orthopedic shoes:
- Orthotics are custom or pre-made inserts designed to relieve pressure and correct gait issues. They can be helpful, but they often require additional, supportive footwear to work effectively.
- Orthopedic shoes are built from the ground up to support natural foot biomechanics, improving alignment, reducing pain, and providing stability for various foot conditions.
Why choose between the two? Get both with KURU. With our built-in heel technology, you don’t have to spend extra on inserts. Our shoes hug your heels, support your arches, and cushion every step—giving you the benefits of both orthotics and orthopedic shoes in one.
It’s time to stop choosing between comfort and support. Experience Pain Relief Beyond Belief with KURU.
Caring for Your Orthopedic Shoes
- Always keep your shoes free of moisture, and store them in a dry, cool environment, free of direct sunlight.
- If you need to clean your shoes, choose a shoe-cleaning gel suitable for the material you wish to clean. Remember to spot-test the cleaner as sometimes it can alter the color of the materials.
- You can also clean your shoes using a moist (with water), lint-free cloth, and/or a soft-bristled brush. When cleaning mud or other debris, allow the mud to fully dry, then with a soft-bristled brush, gently remove the dirt.
FAQs
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What are orthopedic shoes?
Orthopedic shoes are footwear designed to offer quality support and place your feet in the proper anatomical position to promote optimal foot health.
Custom orthopedic shoes are often designed specifically to treat foot pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, hammertoes, bunions, and neuropathy. They are typically built with wide toe boxes, arch support, and shock absorbency to support your feet and reduce impact on your joints and ligaments.
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What does an orthopedic shoe do?
Apart from supporting the arches, orthopedic shoes can also help cushion the whole foot and provide support. Orthopedic shoes can also correct issues with foot alignment while minimizing pain and preventing any existing problems from getting worse.
However, if you wish to wear other shoes for particular events or occasions, you may also opt for an orthotic insert. These have molded arch support that will accurately fit your foot. They can also be placed in all kinds of shoes to allow for daily wear and versatility.
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What is the difference between orthotics and orthopedic shoes?
Prescription orthopedic shoes are made with features such as extra arch support and cushioning on the sole, a deep heel cup to help stabilize your foot, and extra room for your toes. They also work to minimize pain and discomfort, which makes them great for those with sensitive feet.
A custom orthotic insert, on the other hand, is a useful tool that can treat and prevent lower body issues. It is placed inside a regular or orthopedic shoe and can be available over the counter without the need for a specialist’s prescription. Custom options can also be constructed according to an individual’s needs and measurements.
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Are my orthopedic shoes FSA-eligible?
Orthotic shoes can be eligible for FSA and HSA if you have a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor and they are considered to be a qualifying product. Visit hsastore.com for more information.
*Note: At this time, KURU doesn’t accept insurance, including FSA or HSA. We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club.
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Does Medicare cover orthopedic shoes?
It is possible for Medicare to cover orthopedic shoes but not in every case. Medicare will cover orthopedic shoes if the doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare.
Do you need a prescription for orthopedic shoes? To get them covered by Medicare, yes. You can still buy orthopedic shoes in many cases without a prescription, but you would have to pay out of pocket without insurance. Learn more at medicare.gov.
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Can I use custom orthotics with KURU shoes?
Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes. If the underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.
That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and that they don't need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
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Which KURUs are best if you need arch support?
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s okay! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a short adjustment period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our adjustment period procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
About 8 in 10 Americans experience ongoing foot pain, with 39% describing their foot pain as debilitating.
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Choosing the Right Orthopedic Shoe
Understanding Foot Type
Your feet are as unique as you are—whether you have high arches, flat feet, wide metatarsals, or narrow heels, knowing your foot type is key to finding the right orthopedic shoes. The better the fit, the better the support.
To determine your arch height, try this simple test: Get your bare foot wet and step onto a dry piece of paper.
- If you see only a thin line on the outer edge, or little to no imprint in the middle, you likely have high arches.
- If you see the full outline of your foot, including the arch, you likely have flat feet or low arches.
To check your foot width, stand on a piece of paper and trace around your foot while applying your full weight. Then, measure the widest part and compare it to a Brannock shoe width chart to see if you need standard, extra-wide, or narrow-fit shoes.
Wearing shoes that match your foot shape helps prevent pain, discomfort, and long-term foot issues—making every step feel better.
The Importance of the Right Fit
Even the most supportive orthopedic shoes won’t help if they don’t fit correctly. The American Heart Association recommends leaving about a finger-width of space between your longest toe and the front of your shoe for optimal comfort.
For the best fit, try on new orthopedic shoes at the end of the day. Feet naturally swell as the hours pass, so evening fittings give you the most accurate idea of how they’ll feel when you’re on your feet all day.
When to Replace Orthopedic Shoes
Even the best orthopedic shoes don’t last forever. Podiatrists recommend replacing shoes every 6–12 months, or every 300–500 miles, depending on your activity level. Over time, the cushion and arch support start to break down, which can lead to foot fatigue and discomfort.
With KURU’s durable, long-lasting support and shock-absorbing cushion, you’ll enjoy every mile—without worrying about foot pain slowing you down.
Comparing Footwear Brands
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Heel the Difference™ of KURUSOLE.
Every step you take starts with your heels—and it can get painful, fast. In fact, 81% of Americans experience foot pain, with heel pain at the top of the list.*
That’s why at KURU, we believe health starts with heel. Our patented KURUSOLE technology dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels. This heels-first focus paves the way for holistic foot pain relief and whole-body wellness, so you can live a life you love.
Every pair comes built with three layers of pain-fighting technology:
- 1
KURUSOLE
...Show LessIt’s the world’s first dynamic heel-hugging technology. Our patented KURUSOLE technology dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels to help alleviate foot pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
It’s the world’s first dynamic heel-hugging technology. Our patented KURUSOLE technology dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels to help alleviate foot pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessIt’s like walking on air. Every KURU starts with a layer of lightweight, shock-absorbing EVA foam that delivers shock-absorbing cushion with each step.
It’s like walking on air. Every KURU starts with a layer of lightweight, shock-absorbing EVA foam that delivers shock-absorbing cushion with each step.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessThese premium insoles go above and beyond traditional inserts, featuring dual-density polyurethane foam to bring cushion where you want it and support where you need it.
These premium insoles go above and beyond traditional inserts, featuring dual-density polyurethane foam to bring cushion where you want it and support where you need it.
KURUSOLE
It’s the world’s first dynamic heel-hugging technology. Our patented KURUSOLE technology dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels to help alleviate foot pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Our Secret
Our Secret
Our secret sauce? Our patented solution to heel pain relief, KURUSOLE.
Unlike anything else, KURUSOLE’s responsive technology dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels.
The curved, heel-cupping design protects the body’s natural cushioning system—the heel pad—so your feet stay happy and healthy for all of life’s moments.
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