Overview

You might be prescribed footwear adaptions to help you manage your condition.

Footwear adaptations are changes made to your shoes to:

• help reduce pressure or pain
• reduce unwanted or unsafe movements
• provide more support 

There are different types of footwear adaptions, which can include:

• a raise to address differences in leg length and improve your balance
• a rocker sole to help prevent your foot from bending, and reduce painful movements 
• sockets to accommodate your orthosis (such as an ankle-foot orthosis) 

Choosing shoes 

When you have been prescribed a footwear adaptation it's usually added to your own footwear.

Your existing shoes can still be worn as long as they're a suitable style and are safe to be adapted.

Suitable shoes 

• Shoes that have an adjustable, secure fastening such as lace, Velcro^® or a buckle. 
• Shoes with a solid sole, with moderate to low heel height and a wide base. 

Shoes that are not suitable 

• Shoes with gel or air bubbles (usually found in trainers).
• Shoes with a complex construction, such as shoes with springs.
• Shoes that are very flexible and flimsy, with a very thin heel and sole. 
• Shoes that are not supportive, such as sandals or open toe shoes. 
• Slip on shoes.

Wearing your adapted footwear

If you're receiving a new prescription for the first time, it's important to follow the gentle 'breaking in' process recommended by your orthotist. Try to gradually increase your wearing time, until you feel comfortable and confident wearing your new footwear. 

During the breaking in period, and in the first few weeks you might notice:

• a stretching sensation
• some discomfort in the major joints of your lower back and legs

This is normal as your body is trying to adapt to a new posture. 

If you have any discomfort, stop wearing the adapted footwear for the rest of the day. You can start wearing them again the next day.

After the first few weeks of use you should be wearing your adapted footwear consistently, especially when walking for longer distances.

Getting your footwear adapted

You'll need to be assessed by the orthotics service to have your footwear adapted. 

Your footwear can be dropped off at either the Bowley Close rehabilitation centre, or the clinic at King's College Hospital. You do not need an appointment. 

Please include these details on a piece of paper, with your footwear: 

• your name
• date of birth
• medical records number (if known)
• address or postcode 

We'll contact you to collect your footwear when they're ready. 

We aim to provide 3 complete adaptations in the first 12 months, and 2 in each year after this. If you need more than this, there will be a charge.