Patient Information for adapted footwear

This page is to help patients who require their own footwear to be adapted.  This may be a raise, wedge, socket for a caliper, or some other orthotic input.

• The footwear needs to fit well, be comfortable and be secure on the foot
• They should fasten securely, by means of laces, Velcro straps or a buckle
• They should have a wide, low heel
• The shoes or boots should be in a state of good repair

Look for

• If the footwear requires adapting to use with a caliper, the heel should be solid. Heels that are hollow cannot always be adapted
• If the footwear is to be raised, the adaptation will look better if the sole and heel are black or brown

Avoid

• If a raise is to be added, avoid footwear with exaggerated shaping or variable colours in the sole and heel unit. These are difficult to adapt and the finished adaptation will be much more noticeable
• Trainers with 'air' cells or flashing lights in the heels
• Footwear with hollow moulded sole units, particularly if a socket is to be added for a caliper
• Footwear with soles that extend up the sides of the upper
• Very flexible soles.

If you are purchasing new footwear to be adapted, it is worth discussing this with the shop and making sure that the shoes can be returned if they are found to be unsuitable for adaptation.

It may be necessary for the orthotics department to send the shoes away to determine whether or not they are suitable for adaptation.

Initial supply

Always take time to get used to your footwear adaption, breaking in gradually.

Once broken in and comfortable adapted footwear should be worn as much as possible to ensure support and comfort.

Eligibility

You are entitled to three adapted shoes per annum. Once you have trialed your first adapted shoe(s) and are happy, you may wish to bring in another to be adapted. If you wish to have more shoes adapted above your NHS entitlement, you may do so by paying. Please contact the department for a quote and advice.

Repairs

If there is a problem with the adaptation then you must bring the shoes in to the orthotics department to be repaired.

Repair times vary, please ask for an estimated repair time if necessary. The orthotics department requires you to clean your footwear before bringing them in for repair/adaptation.  If footwear is received in an unreasonable state, they may be refused.

Please make sure that any footwear dropped in or posted to department has your name, address and date of birth attached to them.