The last thing you want when shovelling snow or walking on icy sidewalks is to suffer foot or back pain. Many orthotic users who buy custom inserts for their winter boots often pull them out again because they just can’t get the fit right.
Many people have difficulty finding orthotic-friendly winter boots due to a variety of factors. For one, some designers create winter boots to be spacious so that they can accommodate thick layers of winter socks.
If you’re trying to insert an orthotic, this can leave the foot with too much room. While it might feel good for your foot to have the freedom to move, it stops them from sitting correctly on the orthotic. Additionally, if boots are too broad, the orthotic itself may not fit in securely or give proper arch support.
Today, we’ll show you how you can get around the common issues that plague many orthotic wearers during the winter.
Choosing the Best Orthotic-Friendly Boots
The most crucial factor in choosing orthotic-friendly boots is to make sure that they’ll fit your chosen orthotic. If you’re buying them separately, this can be difficult.
At Orthotics Direct, you can purchase custom orthotics and boots that accommodate orthotics as a bundle, bringing the cost down significantly. Plus, to ease your mind, we at Orthotics Direct have a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Before your orthotics leave our manufacturing facility, we fit them into your new boots securely, allowing you to wear them as soon as they’re delivered.
We also make a point of only stocking boots that can accommodate orthotics. Here are some of our favourites.
Baffin
Baffin’s winter boots are made for cold Canadian winters, keeping you warm to temperatures as low as -20ºC/-4ºF. Their Thermaplush lining keeps feet cozy and dry, while the nylon outer shell keeps driving snow, rain, and sleet away.
Some of our favourites include the tallEscalate for women, a removable insole to accommodate our orthotics, and the stylish taupeEldora/Aspen.
For men, we have a variety of orthotic-friendly Baffin boots, including several in theirZone series, as well as the tall waterproofKlondike that’s perfect for slushy days.
Columbia
Columbia’s traditional fur-lined boots have been a favourite since they first started manufacturing waterproof gear in Oregon in 1938. Since then, they’ve adapted their materials and innovated new features but have kept the look of their boots classic. They use faux fur and contoured PU footbeds to ensure their shoes are comfortable, warm, and supportive for those with foot issues.
We love their traditional lace-up boots, including theHeavenly Omni-heat Lace for women and theBugaboot III for men.
Keen
Are you looking for boots with a sleek, stylish appearance that still offers plenty of warmth? Keen is our favourite brand for lower-profile winter boots. Take their Anchorage Boot II WP – Keen makes this boot with a waterproof nubuck leather upper and filled with 200 grams of insulation. It’s then finished off with a Thermal Heat Footbed to ensure that the cold ground doesn’t cool down your feet.
For women, theBelleterre Wool Boot WP is a great option, made in a traditional lace-up style that’s still low enough to wear with any pair of pants.
Merrell
Are you worried about slipping around on ice? Merrell has you covered. Merrell makes their winter boots with Vibram® Arctic Grip, engineered to grip slippery, wet and icy surfaces. Add in a waterproof shell and air cushioning in the heel for added stability, and you’ve got a line of boots that will keep you warm and comfortable all winter long.
We love theirAurora Tall Ice+WP boots for women or the shorterOverlook 6 Ice+WP boots for men.
Sorel
With their signature black-and-white sole, there’s no mistaking a pair of Sorels. From the seam-sealed waterproof exterior to the 2.5mm bonded felt frost plug on the midsole, Sorel designs every aspect of their boot with warmth and comfort in mind. Plus, most of their shoes withstand temperatures of -40°.
You can choose between low, mid, and high-rise boots. Some of our favourites are the1964 PAC T or theCaribou boots, which are available for both men and women.
Buy the Best Orthotic Boots at Orthotics Direct
Whether you prefer traditional winter boots from manufacturers like Sorel or Keen or opt for a softer and more comfortable UGG boot (link to UGG boots article), you’ll be able to find the perfect orthotic boots at Orthotics Direct.
We only stock orthotic-friendly winter boots, so you can be sure that our custom inserts will fit inside them well. If you’re still worried, opt for a shoe and orthotics package, and our technicians will make sure that the fit is right before they leave our facility.
Don’t wait until the snow is blowing.Shop online today to get your feet squared away for winter.
