The Ultimate Guide to Shoes for Orthotics UK (2026)

Orthotics are only as effective as the shoes they sit inside. Even a perfectly made custom insole will underperform, or actively cause harm, if it is crammed into a shoe with a fixed, glued-in footbed, a narrow toe box, or a soft heel counter that collapses under load.

Yet most high-street shoe retailers provide no guidance at all on orthotic compatibility, leaving millions of people in the UK to figure it out through expensive trial and error.

This guide exists to change that. Whether you were prescribed orthotics by an NHS podiatrist, bought a pair of off-the-shelf arch supports to deal with plantar fasciitis, or need to accommodate ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for a neurological condition, the principles for finding compatible footwear are the same, and once you understand them, shopping becomes far less frustrating.

The scale of need in the UK is larger than most people realise. Conditions that commonly require orthotic support include:

• Plantar fasciitis: affects approximately 1 in 10 people
• Flat feet: up to 30% of adults
• Diabetes: 5+ million people in the UK
• Arthritis: over 10 million people
• Bunions: 36% of UK adults over 56
• Overpronation and supination
• Neurological conditions: cerebral palsy, stroke, and MS requiring AFOs

When assessing any shoe for orthotic compatibility, look for these six key features:

1. Removable Insole: This is the most important feature. If the factory insole is glued in, the shoe is almost certainly unsuitable for orthotics. A removable insole allows you to swap it out for your own orthotic device.
2. Adequate Internal Depth: The shoe needs 5–8mm of extra internal depth to accommodate the orthotic without making the shoe feel too tight across the top of the foot.
3. Firm Heel Counter: The rigid structure at the back of the shoe that cups your heel. A firm heel counter holds the foot in place and prevents the orthotic from shifting.
4. Wide Enough Toe Box: Your toes should be able to spread naturally. A cramped toe box will negate many of the benefits an orthotic provides.
5. Torsional Rigidity: The shoe should resist twisting when you hold the heel and forefoot and try to wring it like a towel. A shoe that twists easily offers poor support.
6. Secure Fastening: Laces, straps, or hook-and-loop closures keep the foot locked in place. Slip-on shoes tend to allow too much internal movement.

UK shoe widths vary by manufacturer, but the following table gives a general guide:

Women's widths:

• Standard: D
• Wide: E / EE
• Extra Wide: EEE
• Ultra Wide: EEEE to 6E

Men's widths:

• Standard: F / G
• Wide: H
• Extra Wide: K

Children's widths:

• Standard: E
• Wide: F
• Extra Wide: G
• Plus: H

Several UK brands specialise in extended widths:

• Cosyfeet: available up to 6E in women's fittings
• DB Shoes: available up to 8E, one of the widest ranges in the UK
• Padders: available up to 6E

• Cosyfeet: UK-based specialist in extra-roomy footwear. Designed with input from podiatrists and healthcare professionals. Wide range of styles from slippers to walking shoes, available up to 6E fitting.
• DB Wider Fit: British manufacturer offering widths up to 8E. Particularly strong in formal and everyday styles. Many shoes feature removable insoles as standard.
• Padders: Long-established UK brand with a focus on comfort and wide fittings up to 6E. Good range of casual and smart-casual options.
• Hotter: Mainstream UK comfort brand with a loyal following. Most styles feature removable insoles and cushioned footbeds. Available in standard and wide fittings.
• Clarks: One of the best-known UK shoe brands. The "Un" range (Unstructured) is particularly orthotic-friendly with removable insoles and generous fit.
• HOKA: Athletic brand known for maximally cushioned running shoes with wide toe boxes. Popular recommendation from podiatrists for plantar fasciitis and general foot pain.
• New Balance: Offers many models in multiple width fittings (from B to 6E). Removable insoles are standard across most of the range.
• Vionic: Built-in arch support designed by podiatrists. Good for people who want support without a separate orthotic, or as a stepping stone while waiting for custom devices.

There are three main routes to obtaining orthotics in the UK:

• NHS (through podiatry referral): Free at the point of use. Your GP refers you to an NHS podiatrist, who assesses your feet and prescribes orthotics if appropriate. Wait times vary significantly by region, from a few weeks to 6+ months.
• Private custom orthotics: Typically cost between £150 and £600 depending on the complexity and the practitioner. You can usually be seen within days. Custom orthotics are made from a cast or scan of your feet and are tailored to your specific biomechanical needs.
• Off-the-shelf orthotics: Range from £15 to £80 and are available from pharmacies, specialist retailers, and online. These are not custom-made but come in a variety of arch profiles and sizes. They can be effective for mild to moderate conditions.

Finding the right shoes is easier if you know where to look. Here are some of the best options in the UK:

• Simply Feet: Online retailer specialising in orthotic-compatible footwear and orthotics themselves.
• ShoeMed: Medical-grade footwear retailer with a focus on orthopaedic and orthotic-compatible styles.
• Wide Fit Shoes: Dedicated to wider fittings, stocking brands like DB, Padders, and Cosyfeet.
• Cosyfeet: Direct from the manufacturer, with a full online catalogue and telephone ordering service.
• Shuropody: Over 20 clinics across the UK combining podiatry services with footwear sales. You can get assessed and buy shoes in the same visit.
• Foot Solutions: Specialist fitting centres in Glasgow, Richmond, and Plymouth offering biomechanical assessments alongside shoe fitting.