I’m going to get a special shoe insert to help my knee pain. Do I need to buy a new pair of shoes?

Not necessarily, but if you do purchase a new pair, you should do so BEFORE the insert is made. Custom-made shoe inserts called orthotics are fit to your foot and ankle and
to the shoe. Off the shelf, pre-fab models are more forgiving and don’t fit as well.

When looking for a shoe that works well with an orthotic watch for the following:

  • a straight-shaped last (the front part where the main part of your foot goes)
  • a semi-curved last is also acceptable
  • firm midsole density
  • firm back portion called the rearfoot (should not be able to bend or twist the heel)
  • no heel flare: when the shoe is resting on the floor, the entire heel is in contact
    with the surface of the floor

    Ask your therapist, podiatrist, or orthotist to look at your current shoe wear to see if a new shoe is needed. If your current pair is worn out, ripped, or run down on one side then it’s time for a new pair anyway.