About SoleGuide
SoleGuide is an independent UK resource for people who use orthotics. We provide evidence-based guidance on finding compatible footwear, with no brand sponsorship or paid placement influencing our recommendations.
Who's Behind SoleGuide
SoleGuide is run by Mike Fraser, a trained pedorthist specialising in foot orthoses and therapeutic footwear fitting. Mike previously owned and operated a shoe store in London, where he gained hands-on experience helping customers find footwear compatible with orthotics, wide fittings, and complex foot conditions.
His background combines pedorthic training with practical retail experience, giving him a detailed understanding of what makes a shoe genuinely work with an orthotic device, and what to avoid.
Mike is also an ultrarunner who has competed in mountain ultramarathons including the Dragons Back Race in Wales, giving him first-hand understanding of how orthotics perform under the demands of long-distance trail running.
Why We Exist
Millions of people in the UK use orthotics, from NHS-prescribed custom devices to off-the-shelf arch supports, yet finding shoes that actually work with them remains frustratingly difficult. High-street retailers rarely provide guidance on orthotic compatibility. Specialist information is scattered across clinical resources that most patients never see.
SoleGuide brings this information together in one place: clear, practical guidance on what to look for, which brands deliver, and where to find specialist help across the UK.
Our Editorial Approach
Our content draws on Mike's pedorthic training and shoe-fitting experience, alongside published clinical guidelines from NICE, the Royal College of Podiatry, and NHS best practice. We reference specific footwear features relevant to orthotic compatibility: removable insoles, heel counter firmness, torsional rigidity, width fittings, and internal depth.
Product recommendations are based on clinical suitability, not commercial relationships. We include approximate prices to help readers budget, but these may vary by retailer and over time.
The Directory
Our UK Orthotic Provider Directory lists organisations that provide custom orthotics, insoles, biomechanical assessments, and specialist footwear fitting, including NHS podiatry services, private clinics, and specialist retailers. Listings are factual and informational. Inclusion in the directory does not imply endorsement.
Organisations can claim their listing to add additional information about their services by verifying their identity through their official email domain.
Contact Us
For enquiries, directory submissions, or feedback, email us at hello@soleguide.co.uk.
Important Notice
SoleGuide provides general information about footwear and orthotics based on pedorthic knowledge and published clinical guidelines. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation. If you have a foot condition, please consult a qualified podiatrist, orthotist, or your GP.
For urgent foot problems, particularly if you have diabetes and notice any changes to your feet, contact your GP or NHS diabetic foot team immediately.