Orthotics & Insoles Guide: How to Find Shoes That Fit

Orthotics & Insoles Guide

Made with room for your orthotics

Lift the insole out, slot yours in. Wide and extra wide fitting shoes, trainers, boots and slippers with removable insoles, in widths from 2E to 8E.

Man and woman seated wearing grey New Balance 574 wide fit trainers New Balance 574 GreyRemovable insole · wide fit
2E – 8EWidths
Lift-outInsoles
Extra depthRoom to fit
LondonIn-store fittings
The golden rule

Swap it, don't stack it

Orthotics are inserts that support your arch, cushion your heel or help your foot sit more comfortably. They're designed to replace the shoe's own insole, not sit on top of it.

Stack the two and you lose depth, your heel lifts and the shoe feels tight. A removable insole lets you swap one for the other in seconds, and a wider fit gives your orthotic room without the shoe feeling loose.

Going up a size isn't the answer. It adds length, not width, so your foot slides forward. Stay in your size and go wider.

insole + orthotic
StackedTight, heel lifts
orthotic only
SwappedRoom to move
What to look for

Six things that make a shoe orthotic-friendly

Removable insole

A lift-out footbed that isn't glued in, so your orthotic sits flat on the base of the shoe.

Extra depth

A deeper shoe keeps your heel secure with the orthotic in, without pressure across the top of your foot.

Roomy toe box

Space for your toes to spread naturally, especially if your orthotic raises your foot slightly.

Firm heel counter

A sturdy back to the shoe keeps your heel cupped and your orthotic in place as you walk.

Adjustable fastening

Laces or touch-close straps let you fine-tune the fit around the extra volume an insole adds.

The right width

From 2E to 8E, choose the width that fits your foot with the orthotic in, not without it.

How to fit

Get the fit right in four steps

  1. Remove the insoleTake the shoe's own insole out completely before your orthotic goes in.
  2. Check it sits flatHeel tucked right to the back, no curling at the edges.
  3. Try with your usual socksFit later in the day, when feet are naturally at their largest.
  4. Walk and checkA thumb's width at the toe, a secure heel and no pinching across the top.
Spotlight

New Balance 574

The classic, in wide fit. Look inside and you'll find a lift-out insole, so your orthotic slots straight in, with ENCAP cushioning underneath.

Our own brand

Tredd Well

Designed by us for wide and extra wide feet, with generous depth and lift-out insoles throughout.

British comfort

DB Shoes

Made for wider, deeper feet. Everyday shoes, walking boots and slippers, all with lift-out insoles ready for your orthotics.

Good to know

Orthotics FAQs

Still unsure? Chat to our team or visit our London store for a fitting.

Book a fitting
Can I put my orthotic on top of the shoe's insole?

It's best not to. Orthotics are designed to replace the original insole. Layering them reduces depth, lifts your heel and can make the shoe feel tight. Choose a shoe with a removable insole and swap one for the other.

Should I go up a size to fit my orthotic?

Going up a size isn't the answer. It adds length rather than width, so your foot can slide forward and the shoe won't hold your heel. Stay in your usual length and choose a wider fitting instead.

Which width should I choose with an orthotic?

Measure with your orthotic in mind. Many customers find they need one width wider than usual once a full-length orthotic is fitted. Our Width Fit Finder will point you in the right direction.

Do slippers work with orthotics?

Yes, as long as the insole lifts out. Many of our Tredd Well and DB slippers have removable footbeds, so you can keep your support at home too.

Can I try my orthotics in store?

Of course. Bring your orthotics to our London store and we'll help you find the right fit. Book an in-store fitting.

Shoes for orthotics

Shop wide fit styles made to take your orthotics.

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Deep fit & wide toe box

Extra room where you need it.

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