Prescribed footwear

You have been prescribed footwear specific to your needs which may include accommodating, protecting and supporting your feet. They often include supportive insoles.

When should I wear?

You should gradually wear in your footwear by using for short periods, perhaps an hour, and preferably indoors at first.

Make sure socks are worn with your shoes and observe good skin care and foot health hygiene.

Once comfortable you should use them as much as possible to ensure support and protection for your feet.

If you feel any prolonged discomfort or rubbing, you should contact the orthotics department to arrange a review.

Care of your feet and footwear

 Inspect your feet regularly for any rubbing or markings with high importance on this matter if you are diabetic or have reduced sensation.

 It is your responsibility to make sure your footwear is properly maintained. Keep your shoes clean and regularly use polish or protective sprays for materials such as nubuck.

Inspect your footwear on the inside for any loose items such as grit, stones etc..... by regularly removing the insoles.

Allow wet shoes to dry naturally away from direct heat and packaging them with newspaper will help to keep their shape.

It is important that your shoes are repaired before the uppers are damaged to prolong the life of the shoes.

If your footwear sole/heel is worn out, is a complex shape or has adaptations to the soles/heels then bring them to the orthotic department for repairs.

Make sure they are clean as dirty footwear will not be accepted.

The footwear can be handed to our reception. Please make sure to complete the form at reception and that they are correctly labelled and we will notify you when they are ready.

What happens next?

Once we are agreed that your footwear is appropriate and successful for you a second pair can be provided. This will allow you to wear one pair whilst the other is being repaired.

Eligibility and replacing your footwear

You are entitled to two pairs of boots/shoes (Paediatrics - one pair of boots/shoes) at any given time. Once a pair of shoes have been assessed as beyond economical repair by the orthotist (or the child has a growth spurt) a replacement pair can be provided. If you wish to purchase more footwear above your NHS entitlement, you may do so by paying. Please contact the department for a quote and advice.

Please contact the orthotics department if you have concerns that:

• You develop an area of pressure or soreness
• If you notice a change in your foot shape
• If you can no longer wear your shoes comfortably or are difficult to get them on.