{"id":9218,"date":"2022-02-07T11:58:25","date_gmt":"2022-02-07T19:58:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/?p=9218"},"modified":"2025-06-18T06:18:36","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T13:18:36","slug":"orthotics-vs-orthopedic-shoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/orthotics-vs-orthopedic-shoes\/","title":{"rendered":"Orthotics vs. Orthopedic Shoes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9219 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Orthotics-vs.-Orthopedic-ShoesFT.jpg\" alt=\"orthotic insoles in various colors\" width=\"512\" height=\"369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Orthotics-vs.-Orthopedic-ShoesFT.jpg 512w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Orthotics-vs.-Orthopedic-ShoesFT-300x216.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s nothing worse than sore feet. And it can be agonizing to be up and about all day without any sense of relief as you go about your daily tasks. As such, it\u2019s essential to take preventative measures to avoid foot pain, whether you lead an active lifestyle or are simply in search of day-to-day comfort.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The good news is there are two helpful ways to protect your feet: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/orthotics.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">orthotics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and orthopedics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the names sound similar, it\u2019s because they are! Both contain the Greek root \u2018ortho,\u2019 meaning \u2018correct,\u2019 and are designed to do just that\u2014correct common foot problems. There are some key differences, though, and each offers unique benefits you won\u2019t want to miss out on. Read on to find out more and learn how to choose the right option for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Are Orthotics?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dogs are constantly barking, it may be time to invest in a good pair of orthotics. If you find yourself asking \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/what-is-orthotics-prevent-foot-and-back-pain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">what is orthotics<\/a>?\u201d, you\u2019ve already taken a step in the right direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthotics are shoe insoles designed to provide relief from improper foot mechanics. They come in soft and rigid varieties, with a wide range of materials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>So, Are Orthotics Just an Insert?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be familiar with an over-the-counter <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shoe insert<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, typically available in the foot care aisle of your local pharmacy. They\u2019re often referred to as arch supports. Like orthotics, they\u2019re a removable insole intended to make a shoe more comfortable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The relationship between orthotics and general inserts is akin to a square and rectangle. All orthotics are inserts, but not all inserts are orthotics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most basic difference is orthotics are typically designed to correct a pre-existing medical <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foot condition<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while inserts are not. Inserts improve the comfort level of a shoe with materials like gel and foam. However, they don\u2019t function to address issues that can cause abnormalities in the feet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthotics are generally more expensive than an over-the-counter <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shoe insert<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as they are more specialized and available for customization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Benefits of Orthotics<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps the most immediate benefit of orthotics is comfort. When your feet can\u2019t work the way they\u2019re supposed to, it doesn\u2019t feel good, and orthotics can usually compensate for any performance issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthotics can help with conditions such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plantar fasciitis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diabetes\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arthritis\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overpronation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temporary injury<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthotics are also a preventative measure. By correcting your movement today, you can save lots of trouble down the road. In more serious instances, proper usage can even prevent the need for future surgeries or other costly medical treatment.<sup>1<\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9220 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/How-to-Find-The-Best-Orthotics-1.jpg\" alt=\"Man and woman in identical sneakers\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/How-to-Find-The-Best-Orthotics-1.jpg 512w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/How-to-Find-The-Best-Orthotics-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How to Find The Best Orthotics\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With all the benefits available, it\u2019s hard to make a case against securing a pair of orthotics. Here are some of our tips for picking out the right ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Size matters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Studies have shown up to 72% of people wear the wrong shoe size.<sup>2<\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u2019s no wonder foot pain is so common! Before looking at orthotics, make sure you\u2019re wearing the right shoe size in the first place to maximize their effectiveness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Assess your needs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 It\u2019s important to understand your individual foot needs before purchasing a pair of orthotics. For example, if you\u2019re suffering from plantar fasciitis, orthotics with extra heel support might benefit your feet the most. Not all orthotics are the same<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and some are better suited to specific conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Match to your shoes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Imagine picking out a great pair of orthotics only to bring them home and realize they don\u2019t fit inside the shoes you wear the most. Avoid this inconvenience by double-checking the measurements and trying them on with your favorite pair of shoes, if possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>When in doubt, look elsewhere<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 We can all relate to buying something we were on the fence about, only to let it go to waste in the back of our closet. Pay close attention to the fit when trying on orthotics. If it\u2019s not an enthusiastic yes, it\u2019s a no. When used correctly, orthotics should be worn daily, so comfort should be non-negotiable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>What Are Orthopedics?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what are orthopedic shoes? Like orthotics, orthopedics are shoes that have been designed to correct any abnormal <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foot problem<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whether from a medical condition or structural differences in the bones or muscle tissue. When comparing orthotics vs orthopedic<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shoes, it\u2019s important to note orthotics are removable additions, while orthopedics are all-in-one inserts that comprise a whole shoe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthopedics has somewhat of a stigma surrounding them and can be pigeonholed as only necessary for the elderly. This couldn\u2019t be further from the truth\u2014people of all ages can benefit from their use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Benefits of Orthopedics<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similar to orthotics, orthopedics elevate the comfort factor of a shoe. If you work in a profession that requires you to stand for long periods of time, orthopedics are a sure-fire way to keep your feet feeling their best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are just a few impressive items on the resume for orthopedics:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing pain and swelling of feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing pain in other parts of the body, such as the back and knees\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preventing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foot deformity\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing joint stability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting overall health of your feet\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like orthotics, one of the biggest benefits of orthopedics is the capacity to prevent further issues in the future. As far as the conditions they serve, the list is nearly identical to that of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foot orthotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/orthotics.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8162 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Arch-Support-Inserts-CTA.jpg\" alt=\"shop-arch-support-inserts\" width=\"998\" height=\"234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Arch-Support-Inserts-CTA.jpg 998w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Arch-Support-Inserts-CTA-300x70.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Arch-Support-Inserts-CTA-768x180.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 998px) 100vw, 998px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Find The Best Orthopedics\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the amount of orthopedics available on the market, it can be tricky to determine which is right for you. While there\u2019s no blanket answer for everyone, there <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a few ways to vet a potential purchase for effectiveness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some features to keep an eye out for when choosing a pair of orthopedics:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wide toe box<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Making sure your feet have enough room in a shoe is essential for preventing foot pain. Narrow shoes with a pointed toe, like high heels, can uncomfortably squeeze your feet and restrict blood flow to the area. If your feet are hurting, you\u2019re likely better off with a wide shoe.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lots of padding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 From the heel to the collar and tongue of the shoe, padding usually increases the comfort of your footwear enormously. Padding also absorbs shock and can help relieve knee pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Removable insole<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 While the insole that comes with an ideal orthopedic shoe should be high quality, it\u2019s always a good idea to leave yourself with the option to upgrade later. Combining the right orthopedic with the right orthotic can be a match made in heaven!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Easy fastening mechanics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Orthopedic shoes are a popular choice among those with arthritis. For this reason, orthopedics commonly come with velcro straps instead of laces to make putting them on easier. If you are afflicted by arthritis, this might be a helpful attribute to look for.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9221 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Which-Is-Right-For-Me.jpg\" alt=\"Young pair sitting on the grass diring hiking trip\" width=\"512\" height=\"342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Which-Is-Right-For-Me.jpg 512w, https:\/\/blog.vionicshoes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Which-Is-Right-For-Me-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><strong>Which Is Right For Me?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After outlining the key differences between orthotics and orthopedics, you probably have a clearer picture of what they can do for you. To recap, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">foot orthotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are removable insoles, while orthopedics are shoes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the two have similar functions and thus produce similar benefits, it can be tricky deciding which to seek out. The short answer? You can\u2019t really go wrong with either.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few things to consider might be:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Price <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 As orthopedics are an entire shoe rather than just one part, they\u2019re often more expensive. If you opt for a customizable version of either, you\u2019re going to have to shell out even more. However, there\u2019s a chance this cost can be recouped with savings on future medical bills from <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For those on a budget, orthotics might be the choice for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ease <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 Orthotics take more time and effort to implement, as you need to ensure they match the shoes you already have on hand. Conversely, orthopedics are ready to go the second you take them out of the box, and won\u2019t require any transferring between shoes. If you\u2019re on the low-effort end of the spectrum, orthopedics can suit a low-maintenance routine.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aesthetic <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2013 Since <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">custom orthotics<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be inserted into any shoe, you won\u2019t have to trade in your favorite kicks for something entirely different. This can be a deal-cincher for someone like a server, where specific shoes can be a part of a uniform. A drawback to orthopedics is the inability to change the color or style since they come as-is. If you like the look of orthopedics, you\u2019ve got yourself a two-birds-one-stone deal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Find Your Perfect Fit With Vionic\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you\u2019ve mastered the orthopedic vs orthotic conundrum, you should be able to tell a little more about which (or both!) might be right for you. The <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/5-benefits-of-orthotics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">benefits of orthotics<\/a><\/span> and orthopedics are vast, and when used regularly, they can severely reduce pain and inflammation. At Vionic, we offer a diverse selection of <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/women\/womens-insoles.html\">women&#8217;s insoles<\/a><\/span> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/men\/mens-insoles.html\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">men&#8217;s insoles<\/span><\/a>, combining the benefits of both approaches. Thanks to these handy tools, you can take your life back from <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chronic pain<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/womens-shoes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comfortable shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that provide excellent support without sacrificing style? At <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/?gclid=CjwKCAiA24SPBhB0EiwAjBgkhjrnU8Inrx9tUmLGmgampjp8ZspT1Y32LoFHfjVVBcxNgw4AaoijcRoCcOQQAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vionic <\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">we believe you can have it all. Check out our <\/span><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/mens-shoes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">comfortable shoes for men <\/span><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and women alike. Our priority has always been providing the best support possible. So give us a try, and feel the difference for yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Sources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Center for Biotechnology Information. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorrectly fitted footwear, foot pain and foot disorders: a systematic search and narrative review of the literature<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6064070\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6064070\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthline. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthotics: Are They the Answer to Your Foot, Leg, or Back Pain?<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bone-health\/orthotics#treatment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/bone-health\/orthotics#treatment<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a class=\"more-link\" id=\"excerpt\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/orthotics-vs-orthopedic-shoes\/\">Read More &gt;<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2607],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health-wellness","dwtl normal"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9218","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9218"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9218\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12661,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9218\/revisions\/12661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9218"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9218"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vionicshoes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9218"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}