Custom footwear

Footwear plays a crucial role in our daily lives, offering protection, support, and comfort. For people with specific medical conditions or unique foot shapes, custom orthotic footwear can provide enhanced stability, reduce pain, and improve mobility. The right footwear can help prevent complications, accommodate foot deformities, and support the use of orthotics.

At the London Orthotic Consultancy (LOC), our manufacturing facilities mean we can make a range of custom footwear in different styles. Our aim is to balance style with functionality, ensuring that patients can walk comfortably while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

We can also customise your footwear to meet your specific needs. If you want shoes that are easy for you to put on and take off by yourself? Want a pair of boots that hide your AFOs underneath? We can sort that.

How can custom footwear benefit patients?

Custom footwear can help patients by:

• enhancing stability and mobility
• supporting biomechanical alignment for improved posture and movement
• providing a proper fit for irregular foot shapes or conditions
• reducing pressure points that can lead to pain or ulcers
• accommodating orthotics or bespoke insoles that aid in foot and lower limb support

The importance of good footwear when wearing orthotics

Choosing the correct footwear is critical in ensuring optimal fit and functionality when using custom orthotics such as ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) or knee ankle foot orthoses (KAFOs).

Footwear that’s too tight can create pressure points, leading to discomfort or even skin breakdown, while shoes that are too loose may compromise the stability and effectiveness of the orthotic device.

Properly fitted footwear enhances the biomechanical benefits of the orthotic, providing the necessary support, alignment, and comfort for improved mobility. At LOC, we ensure that footwear is carefully selected to work in harmony with orthotic devices, allowing for the best possible outcome for each patient.

Different types of footwear we offer

Patients have three primary options for custom footwear at LOC, determined by their specific foot type and condition:

1. Off-the-shelf footwear

• designed with extra depth and width to accommodate foot orthotics
• limited availability in styles and colours
• suitable for mild foot conditions that require additional room for support

2. Modular footwear

• made using a standard last that is modified to the patient’s measurements
• available in any style or colour
• a good balance between customisation and affordability

3. Fully bespoke footwear

• created from detailed measurements, plaster casts, pictures, and 3D scans
• fully customisable in style, colour, and design
• ideal for individuals with severe foot deformities or complex conditions

Our of our experienced orthotists will assess your feet to determine the most suitable option. Once a choice is made and all measurements are taken, we will provide an exact quote for the costs involved.

Who is custom footwear suitable for?

Custom footwear can help people with a variety of medical conditions, by providing essential support and comfort. These include:

• Diabetes: Fully lined shoes with no rough edges to prevent blisters and ulcers.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Extra volume and padded lining to accommodate joint inflammation.
• Lymphoedema: Shoes designed with extra space, padding, and easy accessibility.
• Forefoot deformities (bunions, clawed toes, etc.): Footwear with additional depth and width.
• Orthotic wearers: Split-size options available for those who wear lower limb orthotics.

Children with the following paediatric conditions may also benefit from custom footwear alongside their orthotics:

• cerebral palsy
• club foot
• Down’s syndrome
• hypermobility

Diabetic footwear

Diabetes can lead to foot problems caused by reduced sensation and poor circulation. This can be in conjunction with foot deformity, as a result of weakening musculature or the more serious condition of the Charcot foot.

Poor fitting footwear and foot care can cause pressure and rubbing, leading to blisters, ulcers, infection and even gangrene and amputation.

Wearing the correct footwear and foot orthotics are essential and can prevent these problems from occurring. As a result, diabetic shoes have to have many different design characteristics, depending on how advanced the condition is.

We work in conjunction with podiatrists to manage their clients’ diabetic feet. We understand this condition and that it evolves and changes with time. We are always available to review and adjust your prescription as the condition requires us to.

How we design and create custom footwear at LOC

At LOC, we take a holistic approach to designing custom orthotic footwear. We understand that foot issues can stem from broader biomechanical problems such as poor posture, pelvic misalignment, leg length discrepancies, and muscle imbalances. Our process includes:

1. Thorough initial assessment: One of our experienced orthotists will evaluate your foot condition, taking into account your medical history and lifestyle needs.
2. Foot measurements: We use advanced techniques including 3D scanning, and photographic analysis to capture precise foot dimensions.
3. Footwear selection: Based on your foot shape and condition, we help you choose between off-the-shelf, modular, or fully bespoke footwear.
4. Design and customisation: If opting for bespoke footwear, we tailor the design to your preferences in style, colour, and material.
5. Manufacturing: We work with leading suppliers and manufacturers across the UK and Europe, ensuring the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.
6. Fitting and adjustments: Once the footwear is ready, we conduct a fitting session to ensure comfort and functionality. Adjustments are made as necessary.
7. Ongoing support: Our team remains available for follow-up consultations to adjust your footwear or make modifications as your condition evolves.