About SoleGuide

SoleGuide is an independent UK site for people who wear orthotics. There are no brand sponsorships or paid placements here. I built this because finding shoes that work with orthotics shouldn't be as difficult as it is.

Who's Behind SoleGuide

I'm Mike Fraser, a trained pedorthist specialising in foot orthoses and therapeutic footwear. I used to own a shoe store in London, where most of my day was spent helping people find shoes that actually worked with their orthotics, wide fittings, or tricky foot conditions.

That combination of pedorthic training and daily retail fitting gave me a good sense of what makes a shoe genuinely work with an orthotic, and what to avoid.

I'm also an ultrarunner. I've raced the Dragons Back in Wales and other mountain ultras, so I know first-hand how orthotics perform when you're putting serious miles on them over rough terrain.

Why SoleGuide Exists

Millions of people in the UK wear orthotics. Yet finding shoes that actually fit with them is still a pain. High-street staff rarely know what "orthotic-compatible" means, and the useful clinical information sits in resources most patients never see.

I wanted to put it all in one place: which shoes work, which brands to look at, what features matter, and where to find specialist help near you.

How I Write the Guides

Everything here draws on my pedorthic training and fitting experience, plus published clinical guidelines from NICE, the Royal College of Podiatry, and NHS best practice. When I review a shoe, I look at the things that actually matter for orthotics: removable insoles, heel counter firmness, torsional rigidity, width fittings, and internal depth.

I recommend shoes based on clinical suitability, not commercial relationships. Prices are approximate and may vary by retailer.

The Directory

The provider directory lists organisations that make custom orthotics, do biomechanical assessments, or fit specialist footwear. That includes NHS podiatry services, private clinics, and specialist retailers. Listings are factual. Being listed doesn't mean I'm endorsing them.

If you run a practice, you can claim your listing to add more detail about your services. I just need you to verify through your official email domain.

Get in Touch

For questions, directory submissions, or feedback, drop me an email at hello@soleguide.co.uk.

Important Notice

SoleGuide is general information about footwear and orthotics, based on pedorthic knowledge and published clinical guidelines. It isn't medical advice. If you have a foot condition, please see a qualified podiatrist, orthotist, or your GP.

If you have diabetes and notice any changes to your feet, contact your GP or NHS diabetic foot team straight away.