Independent Living | 32 Comments |
Specialist Footwear
It is often said that the state of your feet shows in your face – and painful feet can certainly make a big difference to how you feel, and limit your mobility to a significant extent.
Orthopaedic Footwear
People with the most complex foot problems could benefit from having custom-made footwear: there are still a few shoemakers who have the expertise to make comfortable and stylish shoes that can accommodate foot problems associated with disabilities and long-term medical conditions.
Sometimes, the NHS may prescribe orthopaedic footwear, if one or both feet are of a very irregular shape, for example, or if there is a significant difference in size between them. 
People with diabetes or arthritis, or other conditions that make the foot or ankle weak or prone to injury, may also require custom made footwear. If you think that you may be eligible for NHS-prescribed footwear, you should ask your GP to refer you to a specialist related to your disability, in the first instance. They will then prescribe the footwear you need, and refer you on to the Orthotic or Surgical Appliance Department, who are responsible for the provision of the footwear. The person who measures you for footwear is an orthotist.
Bespoke Orthotics
Less severe problems may be addressed with bespoke orthotic insoles – made to a cast of the feet, these can transform the way you walk, and often enable the wearer to continue to wear shop-bought shoes. The sort of conditions that can be helped by correct orthotic insoles include diabetes, plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus (bunions) and pronation (feet rolling inwards excessively). They can also help manage pain and difficulty in walking caused by long-term conditions such as polio, spina bifida, stroke and cerebral palsy. Short-term use of orthotics may be required following sports injuries. Here, a custom-made orthotic insole is being shaped to fit inside the shoe.
Shoes and Slippers
Even without conditions that require special custom-made orthotics, pressure on the soles of your feet can make walking uncomfortable. As we get older, the pads of natural cushioning on the soles of the feet get thinner and less effective at absorbing pressure. Gel insoles are a good way to help absorb impact and so ease the pressure.
Many people who lose the dexterity to tie shoelaces would still like to wear a smart pair of lace up shoes, rather than being limited to loafers or Velcro fastening. One solution is elastic laces, which turn lace-ups into slip-on shoes. Another possibility is spring clips, which hold the laces closed.
If you need extra room to accommodate bunions, swelling, problem toes, bandaging or very wide feet, there are ranges of shoes and slippers available which are wider and deeper than usual footwear, in styles to suit range of conditions, including stroke, arthritis, diabetes, or leg ulcer.
Footwear Aid
A shoe horn is a simple, low-cost aid that helps with putting on shoes, particularly if you have reduced dexterity or weakness in your hands. A long handled shoe horn, such as the ones shown here, avoids the need to bend down in order to get the shoes on.
32 Replies to “Specialist Footwear”
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Where can I get a pair of shoes for my mom feet . We can’t find anyone how can make a pair for her feet
How do I go about getting a pair of shoes made for me as I have a limp and would probably need one shoe higher than the other. I am currently in a home in Stisted Essex.
Hello Rachael! The best way to get the answer you’re inquiring about is to get in contact directly with the suppliers listed in the right-hand sidebar of this page. I am sure they will be able to provide an in-depth information on your question.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
Good morning
I have great trouble finding boots/shoes to fit..I am a biological Woman, size 12uk, they have grown 1.5 sizes,so always have had big feet size 9.5 at age of 15.
I am 67yrs. I can no longer wear the heels, sadly, soft leather ankle/full length boots.
My balance is awful, been disabled for over 15 yrs.
Would you happen to know of a specialist footwear group whom may sell my size please?
I would buy from abroad, as I do have clogs.
Many thanks
Doreen Gerrard-Atkinson
Can you make a shoe for a foot like this see link
https://photos.app.goo.gl/tArDDfAqw8pAf5756 (external link will open in a new browser tab or window)
Hello Colin
This is just a general information website, and I don’t have any expertise in this area, but I think you should be consulting a healthcare professional such as a podiatrist about your foot.
Specialist shoemakers can make bespoke footwear to suit any individual requirements, and you may be able to access their services through the NHS – you will need a referral from your doctor.
Best wishes, Frances
Greetings,
My girlfriend has a very large foot…….she has lymphedemia and has a very high instep…..her foot looks like a balloon…..she needs a shoe/sandle that can fit across the lower part of her toes and a very long strap to fit her instep, right now she wears flip flops. Any suggestions of who can make a shoe to fit her foot. She is near Dallas Texas. Many thanks for your attention.
Hi Theresa. Note that we are an information website from and catering to people in the UK. But you may try to contact the suppliers listed in the right-hand sidebar of this page and see if they’d be able to help you out.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything else you want to ask.
Best wishes,
Liane
Hi my mum is 78 and has severe arthritis sometimes she can barely walk. She has a huge bunion and problems with her ankle. She has difficultly doing her shoes up and getting her feet into her shoes. She cant find shoes that are big enough and have flexibility for her disability so she’s been wearing the same shoes in winter for over 6 years and they’re falling apart. Because of a problem with her foot she needs to have a 2.5”ish heel on her shoe otherwise its impossible for her to walk. The cost of custom made shoes is so high can she get one on the NHS?
Hello mtonya
The answer is maybe. If she is being seen by a specialist or consultant, they can prescribe the footwear she needs, and pass her on to the Orthotic or Surgical Appliance Department who are responsible for the provision of shoes. Otherwise, she would need to see her GP first and ask to be referred to a consultant. Provision is not consistent across the country, but it’s definitely worth asking.
Best wishes, Frances
My son who is in his thirties has Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome which affects his left leg and particularly his left foot so that he is in pain whenever his foot touched the ground. He has had various orthotics over the years, which do not help the pain, but I wondered if there is any new boot /shoe which would actually reduce the pain significantly by being comfortable to walk in.
Hello Pamela
I’m not sure, to be honest, but it would be worth talking to someone with expertise in this area, to see if there are any new developments which would help with the pain. It must be very debilitating for your son. You could ask his GP for a referral.
Best wishes, Frances
Hello, hoping someone can suggest a supplier for made to measure slippers for my mum. She has severe oedema in her legs and feet and even the ultra wide 8E fit offered by Cosyfeet etc isn’t big enough. She’s also housebound so won’t be able to go for fittings. She’s not after anything fancy, just something that fits!
Thanks.
Hi. The NHS ought to supply you with a slip on shoe suitable for oedema, but they are a bit hit and miss. Bespoke slippers van be made privately but would be expensive depending on manufacturer. There’s a chap in Norfolk but I can’t remember his name (Frank I think) who does simpler – cheaper bespoke slippers.
Hi,
Can you help with a query about suitable footwear for my mother?
she is 92 and suffers from Charcot Marie Tooth disease which over the years has caused one of her feet to deform to the extent that the foot has effectively turned sideways 90 degrees in-line (not pointing outwards like a ballerina) so when walking her weight is bearing on the inside of her ankle. she has some “orthopedic” shoes that whilst soft leather, provide next to nothing to support her foot so when “walking, she is treading on the inside edge of the sole – and this is starting to cause pressure sores on the side of her foot / ankle.
For some reason, her doctor etc seem to think she needs physiotherapy, but as she is 92, and the condition is progressive and not reversible, this is unlikely to be a way forward.
She is fairly immobile and in poor health so (understandably, because of Covid) reluctant to leave the house unless absolutely necessary.
My sister and I were wondering of there is any means of making an orthopedic shoe that her feet could be supported in and permit her to walk with a bit less discomfort.
I will try and find out for you, Jon – I do know a helpful shoemaker, who may be able to advise on this.
Best wishes,
Frances
Hello. Frances has kindly asked me to reply to this message from John.
My company makes footwear for many people with CMT and would be happy to help. We work both privately and with the NHS (but the client has to make this arrangement). We are based in Derbyshire with good road and railway links. For any footwear to fit properly though, especially as support is required in the shoes.
Thank you for your help
I have prominent nerve endings on my toes so that when in bed the bedclothes touch my toes and cause discomfort. Many years ago I managed to purchase a frame which goes under the mattress and over the toes with bedding over it.
I have recently bought a new mattress, which is so much deeper that the old one that the distance over my toes is not enough (I have a size 9 foot). I do not remember what it is called, and have had difficulty tracing such a device. Do you have any thing to suggest?
A child of 11 years old has been told she needs specialist shoes, but mum of 3 not on benefits has to pay for them. can they get help with costs from somewhere?
Hello Jean
I thought the NHS would provide one pair of custom-made shoes for a child, and replace them when outgrown?
The only other suggestion I have is to check out the disability grants website, and see whether there is anything there she could apply for:
https://www.disability-grants.org/ (external link will open in a new browser tab or window)
Best wishes,
Frances
If you have disabilities there are a number of things you can buy vat exempt. This includes foot ware to adaptive furnature. If you talk to your friendly disability shop explaining your disability they should be able to do the form in store or at a specialist website
A friend who suffers from Symbrachydactyly is really upset about her lack of footwear options. She currently resides in Newark however she does frequently visit london. Can you suggest anywhere local to the either Newark or London who could assist in affordable options?
Hello Anwar
I am sorry, but I’m afraid I don’t know of anyone to suggest. As soon as you are having shoes specially made, they tend to be quite expensive. Has she been provided with footwear through the NHS?
Best wishes,
Frances
Hello, My mother had surgery on her broken upper left foot and toes about a little over a year ago. She has worn heels her entire life that wearing flats hurt her back. I was looking for a shoe maker that can work with the issue and make a comfortable stylish short heel shoe for her. She currently wears short heels that have front toe opening and only covers a little above her toes with the strap around her ankle. If you are able to help or guide me in the right direction I’d greatly appreciate it. Thank you.
Hello Angela
I know of one shoemaker who should be able to make stylish shoes with a heel for your mother. Philip Taylor – The Cordwainer. I see from the website that COVID precludes anything but emergency appointments at the moment, but you could at least get in touch and see whether it’s something your mother would like to proceed with as and when it is possible. https://www.thecordwainer.co.uk/ (external link will open in a new browser window)
Best wishes,
Frances
Hi
My relative has one badly deformed foot from a car accident. The GP referred to orthotics who made an awful looking shoe. They admitted themselves the shoe was not sightly.
Do you know of any other places that she can be referred to for nice looking shoes.
Hello Ani
It’s pretty miserable having to wear shoes that don’t look good. The NHS probably won’t pay for better footwear, but you can try contacting The Cordwainer, who specialise in orthopaedic footwear. This is their website: https://www.thecordwainer.co.uk (external link will open in a new browser window)
Best wishes,
Frances
My father has dementia. His shoes are falling to bits but he will not let us buy new ones for him. He has swollen feet too and is a wide fitting where the ball of the foot is. Do you know of any mobile shoe fitters who could measure him and supply new shoes at a reasonable cost?
Hi Martynne
I don’t personally know of such a service – but maybe someone else will. Meanwhile, might it be possible to trace around your father’s feet, so that a supplier could work with that for measurements?
how can i get help with made to measure shoe when you have a bad condition with feet
Hello Sue
You may be eligible for NHS-funded footwear if you have significant foot deformity. You should ask your GP to refer you to a specialist in your condition. They will prescribe the footwear you need, and refer you to the surgical appliance or orthotic department responsible.
Best wishes,
Frances