Orthotics for Sandals and Flip-Flops

A few of the sandals that work with custom orthotics

Yes, you can wear orthotics and wear sandals too!

For comfortable feet and "freedom from shoes" you can have custom orthotics made that fit into sandals, clogs and flip-flops. Here’s how to do it:

• Step One:  Get custom orthotics
  Once you and your podiatrist have confirmed that your prescription custom orthotics are comfortable and working correctly, you can order a pair of orthotics for sandals, flip-flops and / or clogs. If you need to be evaluated for orthotics, click here for an appointment in our Seattle office.
   
• Step Two:  Purchase your sandals
  The next step is to purchase a sandal with a removable insole. We recommend Bite Orthosport Sandals—which are made especially for orthotic wearers. To purchase Bite Orthosport sandals, a list of Seattle area retailers is available here. Also, you can order Bite Sandals online at www.biteshoes.com. Look for pictures with the little footprint in the upper right corner as shown above. These sandals have a removable foot bed and will accept orthotics.
   
• Step Three:  Contact us with the Bite Orthosport Sandal size
  Your doctor will write a prescription for a pair of orthotics made especially to fit into your sandals.  These will be the same prescription and offer the same control as your regular orthotics.  The lab knows the exact size of all Bite sandals so the sandals do not need to be sent to the lab.   Order sandal orthotics at this link or by calling us at 206-344-3808, ext 112.   

Sandal Selection
In order to accept orthotics the sandals must have a removable insole.

Bite Orthosport sandals are the only sandals made specifically to work with a custom orthotic. An orthotic built for a Bite Orthosport will work in all Bite Orthosport sandals, clogs or flip-flops of the same size. Bite has many attractive models of sandals, flip-flops and clogs.

Other Sandal Brands
If you would like orthotics for sandals other than Bite^TM, keep in mind that they must have a removable insole. Your doctor will need to evaluate sandals other than Bite^TM on a case-by-case basis to determine if they will work with orthotics. To have specific sandals evaluated, make an appointment to see your doctor in our Seattle office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my sandal orthotics fit into regular shoes?
Probably not. The insoles that come with most good sandals are very large and provide much of the stability of the sandal. Your sandal orthotics will be made to exactly fit the sandal and will likely be too large to fit in other shoes. They will likely, however, fit into other sandals and clogs from the same company.

Can sandal orthotics be put into other sandals?
Very likely yes. Of course, the sandal must have a removable insole.

Will regular orthotics fit into my sandals?
Probably not. The normal sandal insole is larger than your regular orthotic A standard orthotic will usually “float around” in your sandal due to the size difference.

How long will they last?
You should get at least 3—5 years of service from your sandal orthotics depending on the amount of wear and your activity. You will probably use the orthotics in several pairs of sandals before they wear out.

Can they be refurbished?
If sandal orthotics start to show cosmetic wear, often the orthotic itself is still working fine and providing you good support. In this situation, the orthotics can be refurbished very inexpensively so they look like new.

What will the sandal orthotics look like?
The sandal orthotics will look similar to the insoles that come with the sandals and are usually black in color.

Custom orthotics for sandals allow you to enjoy custom-made comfort -- even when you don't wear shoes. Sandals are perfect after being on your feet all day, out on the job, or at the office.

But, when you don't wear your shoes, you don't wear your orthotics either! In fact, clinical surveys have shown that orthotic patients may gain as much as 33% or more additional orthotic therapy time by wearing sandals or clogs with custom orthotics.

So, if you wear custom-made orthotics now, or if you think you might be soon, it makes sense to consider orthotics for sandals and flip-flops.

SEATTLE AREA BITE RETAILERS: Call first to confirm sandals are in stock.

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All pages on this website © 2008
Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
The material provided on this web site is for informative purposes only.
If you need specific medical advice, please contact the office for an appointment.