Gear

Hi

I just wanted to let everyone who wears orthotics that there is a pair of outdoor sandles that fit them.

They are from the 'BITE' range. They can be used with or without orthotics and are good enough to be used for walking on rough terrain.

I suffer from pronating feet and as a result I have to wear orthotics all the time. I loved my merrall '4x4's', however the orthotic would not fit in them. It was a blessing to discover the BITE range of sandles.

They are on the internet, however i got mine from a skiing shop!! Mine cost £70, however every penny was worth it!

You can also get round this with stick-on velcro strips. I've managed to wear my orthotics in Teva sandals by using this method. I stick a few bits of the hooky side of the velcro in the sandals and then put some corresponding furry bits of velcro on the bottom of the orthotics. I've managed to easily swap my orthotics between different pairs of sandals using this method and it holds them securely enough.

A couple of other options:

If you can find the old version of the Teva Terra-Fi sandal (the ones before the current model, hard to find now), they provide more support than Superfeet insoles and may work for you. The current model is OK, but not as good as the previous ones.

Chaco sandals have a shaped footbed, approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). More info at http://www.chacousa.com
They feel very different to all the footbeds and orthotics I've tried. I've not used them on a serious walk yet, but they seem VERY good so far and do something that nothing else I've tried can do. With every other footbed I've used, my right foot lengthens (pronates) when I put my weight on it. Superfeet help a little, Orthaheel footbeds help more, and it is still noticeable (though much improved) with full custom orthotics. With my recently acquired Chaco sandals, however, this doesn't happen at all!

As a matter of interest, Chaco also make replacement footbeds for boots. I'm dying to try a pair, but they only seem to be available in the USA at present :( If I manage to get hold of a pair, I'll report back on this forum...

The Keen sandals with backs in have removeable insoles as well so you can put orthotics in.
You may find that they are cheaper than £70.