Summer is a season that can quickly prove complicated for people wearing Orthopedic sole daily. 😰 Indeed, with the rise in temperatures, the desire to wear open shoes becomes pressing, but in this case it is difficult to wear shoe inserts. So how can you spend the summer without suffering from foot pain? Is it possible to wear sandals with orthopedic insoles? We give you all our expert advice.
Sandals and insoles: are they compatible?
The answer is complex. To be honest with you: no, not all sandals are compatible with wearing orthopedic insoles. Flip-flops, for example, or other sandals with a rod between the toes make wearing orthopedic insoles impossible. Or, it is possible to consider it, but to do so you will have to cut your sole to make an incision in order to pass the upper of your shoe. And for the price that some insoles can cost, this is complicated to consider!
Sandals with a horizontal band fixed above the toes, on the other hand, constitute a model of shoe that can be compatible with wearing insoles. You still have to be clever! 💡
How to fix insoles in sandals?
👣There are many ways to secure your orthotic insoles into your sandals in the summer.
Opt for removable insoles
The first solution is to opt for sandals with removable insoles. You can therefore remove the original soles to insert your own soles. Some orthopedic sandals actually offer models with removable insoles attached with Velcro. So all you have to do is remove the original insole and attach your own pair of orthopedic insoles. Make sure to place the Velcro pads facing each other to have a good fit that lasts all day. 👍
Use double-sided tape or Velcro pads
Your sandals don't have a removable sole or a Velcro tab? Do not panic !
You can attach your insoles to your sandals in two ways:
- Use double-sided tape: cut out three small rectangles that you will position at the top, in the middle and at the bottom of your orthopedic insole. Place it delicately on your sandal, and check that your sole fits well in your shoe. In the summer, with sweat, water and sand, you may have to repeat the process several times.
- Stick velcro pads: you don't have double-sided tape? Consider a more permanent tip with Velcro pads. Glue the front part of your pastilles to your sandal, to the heel and toe. Then stick the other side of the patch to the bottom of your orthopedic insole, at the corresponding location. Do a test before permanently gluing to check that the two pads correspond once the sole is positioned on the sandal. Stick, then wear with ease!
Adjust the size of your insoles
The sandals you wear in the summer may be thinner shoes than the ones you wear in the winter or in dress shoes. In this case, your orthopedic insoles may overflow a little. If you have orthopedic insoles purchased in supermarkets or pharmacies, you can easily cut off the excess from your soles to make sure they have the same contours as your sandals. You can opt for cuttable soles for more practicality. Don't hesitate to make a pattern with a sheet of tracing paper and a pencil first. ✂
For custom orthopedic insoles, you can contact your podiatrist to ask for advice.
How to prevent your feet from slipping in sandals?
Another problem you may face in summer is slipping feet. 💦 With the heat, the water, the sweat, it's easy to have your feet slipping in your shoes. This can not be dangerous, because you can fall, but it is also unpleasant and does not provide good support for the foot.
So how to avoid this problem? We strongly recommend that you wear antiperspirant shoe insoles. Insoles designed specifically to absorb sweat will keep your foot dry all day long. 😎
Another solution: stick gel cushion heel pads to absorb perspiration while providing your heel with protection against shock.
What type of sandals to wear with orthopedic insoles?
Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks are a shoe model directly inspired by orthopedic sandals. Their thick cork sole adapts to the shape of the foot, and allows protect your foot and heel shocks even when barefoot. You can add orthopedic insoles to your Birkenstocks or heel pads with the double-sided or velcro system. Consider taking an extra size to allow space for your orthopedic insoles.
Leather sandals (strap without stem)
Leather sandals are also a great classic summer shoe: with 2 to 3 straps, gladiator sandals... 👡 This type of shoe is ideal for wearing with orthopedic insoles.
Be careful, however, to choose leather sandals with a strap without a shank between the toes, that is to say a simple flexible attachment above the toes, in order to slide your sole into it. Consider taking an extra size to allow space for your orthotic insoles.
The following sandals are strongly not recommended with orthopedic insoles:
- Flip flops
- Sandals
- Tropeziennes
For any questions, do not hesitate to Contact us and we will be able to inform you on the subject!