I've been having major foot issues and saw a podiatrist who recommended custom orthotics. I have an appointment next week to go back in to have them made, and he said to bring the shoes I wear most (I mean, several pairs) and he would make one for more athletic shoes and one for dress shoes.
But now I'm reading online and finding you have to have really structured shoes to wear orthotics--is that true? Like will they fit in just little ballet flats?
Did the custom orthotics work for you?
pear / 1718 posts
They will not work in ballet flats in my experience. They are rigid. I have a pair (several hundred dollars and not covered by insurance 10 years ago). I wear them in my running shoes. I make sure I wear those shoes when I go on a marathon shopping trip or when I will be on my feet all day. They were game changing and I highly recommend them. But you are right, they don't work great in cute flats--which usually don't have great support for your feet in the first place 
nectarine / 2466 posts
Mine have a little bit of height to them, so they don't work in a ballet flat. I only use them in my runners when I'm working. I should wear them more often though.
eggplant / 11716 posts
@MrsB2012: @SweetCaroline: I'm a librarian and on my feet a fair amount during the day, so I really need some professional shoes I can wear orthotics in (since I am having significant foot pain while at work). It's fall so I can start wearing boots and stuff, but other than boots, what else can I wear that is "professional", comfortable, etc? Not interested in pumps (my feet hurt too much right now). It's specifically the area under my arch that is killing me. I can barely walk in the mornings, so I kind of want to wear them as much as possible till the pain goes away.
eggplant / 11716 posts
Would orthotics fit in something like this? http://www.zappos.com/earth-wanderlust-black-calf-leather?zlfid=191&ref=pd_detail_1_sims_p_ab
pear / 1961 posts
There is a slimmer orthotic that they can make for less supportive shoes -- using the running shoe example, there is a certain kind of orthotic that they use in trainers and a different kind they use in running spikes (which are thinner, lighter, and more flexible than trainers). You could ask about those. However, usually running spikes are worn for very specific tasks/races, so that solution might not work.
Have you tried danskos? Half of the hospital wears those as supportive solutions for people on their feet all day! They aren't the most stylish option, but everyone loves them (comfort-wise).
eggplant / 11716 posts
@KayKay: I haven't tried them....was just looking at them on Zappos. I wish they weren't so ugly and clunky, but I may consider them if my foot pain remains this bad.
pear / 1718 posts
@Anagram: I think they would fit, I'm a little worried the sides are a bit too low though. I also think Danskos are not beautiful, but have convinced myself these Born shoes (or something similar) are not so bad:
http://m.zappos.com/born-ravenna-russet-full-grain-leather
ETA: this is the shoe I was really looking for. This is what I wore when I was pregnant and will still wear when I really need it: http://www.bocshoes.com/Product/BOC/Womens/Peggy/Coffee/color/&&refURL=GoogleBase?gclid=CjwKEAjwj92_BRDQ-NuC98SZkWYSJACWmjhltDZu8pfta3MKpr86s9mHW-GM_27N1dzRIII-dRlvwhoCeMfw_wcB
eggplant / 11716 posts
@SweetCaroline: ahh...so it's high sides I'm looking for? The podiatrist gave me no information and just said "bring shoes". But I'm realizing now that all my shoes other than my sneakers and my winter boots won't work.
pear / 1718 posts
@Anagram: kind of, yeah. I just stuck my orthotics in a ballet flat (never actually use them in these shoes). Can you tell how it's showing above the shoe near the arch?
eggplant / 11716 posts
@SweetCaroline: oh yeah....booo. Okay, back to the drawing board. Or zappos board.
eggplant / 11824 posts
My mom has had custom orthotics for years and they have made a huge difference for her! She does have to wear pretty structured shoes, but still wears (IMO!) cute stuff.
persimmon / 1023 posts
As part of my job, I assess for and fabricate custom orthotics. I wouldn't stress too much about what shoes you bring and whether they will be appropriate. For me, I like to see what people are wearing already, and then make suggestions to improve what they have. Once you know what to look for, it will be much easier and any good practitioner will give you lots of brands, stores, and attributes to look for. I prefer a patient doesn't buy anything new until I see them. As for fitting, pp's are mostly correct in what has been mentioned. A custom orthotic can be made to fit anything, even a stiletto or ballet flat. But, is that shoe what you should be wearing to help your issue? In the case of flats, they are too flat and flimsy for me to make a good orthotic. I have to extensively modify the orthotic just to have it fit the shoe, rather than concentrate on solving your issue. And I'll be honest, it will take longer to be pain free if your shoes aren't appropriate for you. Maybe you'll have to have a more structured shoe and orthotic for a little while, but maybe not forever. Think in the short term to start. And there are good options that can be both cute and functional, you just may have to rethink things a bit 
nectarine / 2210 posts
I did in college. They're in my running shoes which I pretty much never wear. But they are definitely hard plastic things so even if they might fit in shoes like ballet flats they'll definitely stretch out the side.
clementine / 750 posts
Mine are pretty rigid and big, really only fit in sneakers so far, but I haven't tried a specialty shoe store. I wear them for plantar fasctitis .
eggplant / 11716 posts
Okay ladies--I need winter shoes anyway. Since I had my second kiddo, my feet have gone up a half size and I survived all summer in sandals. So I ordered some pretty flat black ankle boots, a pair of flats that look more structured (but I guess I'll see when they come in), and a pair of aerosole super short mary jane heel/clog hybrids. Not quite ready to go full on old-lady clog yet, so I'll start with these and see with the podiatrist says.
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