Not every shoe on the shelf can handle a removable insole or a custom orthotic without pinching, slipping, or running out of room. Here's what actually makes a shoe "orthotic-friendly," and how to pick the right one for what's in your foot, not just what's on the shoe.
What Makes a Shoe Orthotic-Friendly?
Tap each one to see why it matters:
Removable Insole / Footbed
The factory insole lifts out completely, leaving room for your own orthotic or insert to sit at the correct depth — instead of stacking on top of padding that wasn't designed for it.
Deep Toe Box
Extra vertical room up front stops your toes from being crammed once an orthotic raises your foot inside the shoe — one of the most common fit complaints when people try to use orthotics in a regular shoe.
Wide & Extra-Depth Fit Options
A custom or prescribed orthotic takes up space an off-the-shelf shoe doesn't budget for. Wide and extra-depth lasts give the whole foot — not just the toes — room to sit properly.
Firm Heel Counter & Supportive Sole
An orthotic controls how your foot sits — a soft or collapsing heel counter around it undoes that work. A firm counter and supportive sole let the orthotic actually do its job.
Secure Adjustable Closure
Laces, straps or velcro that adjust properly keep the foot and orthotic locked in place together, rather than shifting inside the shoe with every step.
Off-the-Shelf or Custom Orthotics — Which Do You Need?
A good starting point if you want extra cushioning, arch support or shock absorption without a full clinical assessment.
- Ready to wear the same day — no casting or wait time
- Best for general comfort, mild arch support, or everyday wear
- Still needs a shoe with a removable insole and enough depth to fit properly
Made from an assessment of your specific feet and gait — usually the better option if you have a diagnosed condition, ongoing pain, or an off-the-shelf insert hasn't helped.
- Built around your foot shape and how you actually walk, not a generic mould
- Typically needs more depth and width than off-the-shelf inserts
- Can be accessed through NDIS, DVA or Home Care Package where eligible
Not sure which applies to you? Our team assesses your feet and gait in-clinic and fits you with the right option and the right shoe to go with it — see our full orthotics fitting service for what that involves.
NDIS, DVA and Home Care Package Support
Orthotic-friendly footwear from Barefoot Freedom can be accessed through NDIS plans, is DVA approved for eligible veterans, and is Home Care Package eligible. Ask our team about your options at your fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "orthotic-friendly" actually mean?
It means the shoe is built to take a removable insole or orthotic without compromising fit — a removable footbed, a deep toe box, and enough width and depth to accommodate the extra bulk an orthotic adds.
Can I use my own orthotics in these shoes?
Yes — that's the point of an orthotic-friendly design. If you already have a prescribed or off-the-shelf orthotic, our team can check it against a specific shoe at a fitting to confirm depth and width before you buy.
What's the difference between "orthotic-friendly" and "extra-depth"?
Extra-depth is one feature that makes a shoe orthotic-friendly, but not the only one. A shoe can be extra-depth without having a removable insole, a wide-enough fit, or a firm enough heel counter — orthotic-friendly means all of those work together.
Do I need a prescription to buy orthotic-friendly shoes?
No — you can buy orthotic-friendly shoes without a prescription, whether or not you use an orthotic yet. If you're considering a custom or prescribed orthotic, that's assessed separately at an orthotics fitting.
How do I know if I need custom orthotics instead of an off-the-shelf insert?
If an off-the-shelf insert hasn't relieved ongoing pain, or you have a diagnosed foot or gait condition, a custom orthotic built from an in-clinic assessment is usually the better option. Our team can advise which applies to you at a fitting.
Ready to find your fit?
Book an in-clinic assessment to check which orthotic option — and which shoe — is right for you, at St Leonards, Newcastle or Gosford.
📞 Call 0406 929 623 Book an Orthotics Assessment →