Orthotic Footwear Advice: What Footwear is Best? – PIL1393 Version 2

Your child has been assessed by the Orthotic team and either does not need, or no longer needs, Orthotic prescribed specialist footwear.

However, they still may need an Orthotic device such as insoles or a splint.

This leaflet will provide information about the most suitable footwear for your child through their growth and development to ensure they are appropriately supported.

What type of footwear will offer the most foot and ankle stability and support?

• Footwear with a strong back of the shoe (heel counter)
• Footwear with a strong structured upper
• Footwear with a wide sole and heel
• Footwear with a good lace or Velcro^® fastening
• Ankle boots or high top trainers offer more ankle stability

What footwear is suitable to use with Orthotic insoles?

Insoles are designed to be transferred between footwear and should easily fit into most types of shoe. This means they can be moved every time your child changes shoes to give support all of the time.

When purchasing footwear to use with Orthotic insoles we advise the following:

• We recommend that patient’s shoes are purchased in store, rather than online, to reduce the risk of poor fit.
• Take your child’s insoles to the shoe store to ensure footwear are comfortable with the insoles in place.
• Purchase footwear with a good deep upper to prevent the footwear from slipping.
• Purchase footwear with a removable lining to allow the Orthotic insole to be placed into footwear without causing tightness.
• Purchase footwear with a supportive sole to ensure the Orthotic insoles are stabilised nicely.

What footwear is suitable to purchase if your child has different foot sizes?

If your child’s foot size measures differently on one foot when compared to the other, you may need to consider purchasing split-sized footwear.

Purchasing split-sized footwear can sometimes be difficult but Clarks™ have an ‘Odd Shoe Scheme’.

If your child’s feet become more than 2 sizes different in length, you may need to be referred back to the Orthotic Department to discuss footwear options with an Orthotist.be referred back to the Orthotic Department to discuss footwear options with an Orthotist.

What footwear is suitable to purchase if your child uses custom AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthosis) or DAFOs (Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis)?

If your child has been prescribed an AFO or a DAFO, this may affect the fit of their footwear, as these devices can be a little bulky.

We advise purchasing footwear 1 to 2 sizes larger than your child’s normal shoe size to accommodate the device comfortably.

We recommend that patients shoes are purchased in store, rather than online, to reduce the risk of poor fit. We would also advise you to take the AFO or DAFOs to the shoe shop when making your purchase to allow different styles and sizes to be tried and to ensure your child is comfortable.

Top tips for over splint (AFO or DAFO) footwear:

• Look for a Velcro^® fastening shoe which has a low opening.
• Supermarket footwear are wider fitting allowing easier putting on and removal of splints.
• Online retailers offer splint friendly footwear, e.g. Nike,™ Zappos,™ Billykids.™
• Avoid ankle boots due to the little adjustability over the instep.
• Oversplint shoes will normally be 1 to 2 sizes bigger than your child’s normal shoe size.

What to do if you notice a change in your child’s walking and/or stability?

If your child’s walking or stability changes or you start to have concerns around increased falling or pain, it is best to keep an eye on their symptoms for about 1 month before contacting the Orthotic department for a review.

Change in stability and comfort can be related to growth and this will settle with time.

If your child continues to have a worsening walking pattern or if your child is complaining of increasing pain or discomfort, a further Orthotic assessment will be required to determine the cause.

Contact numbers

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Orthotic Service
Open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
Telephone: 01429 522 471 (Choose ‘Option 4’)
Email: [email protected]

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]