Boots that can accommodate orthotics?

[Weighaton]

I have some Dansko paddock boots which I really loved until I started to have problems with my left foot. The Danskos were so small that I could not even keep the foot-bed that came with them in them. I now have custom orthotics which alleviate a lot of the pain but they only fit in my tennis shoes.

Any ideas of boots with a foot-bed high enough that thick pads can fit in? Or maybe in the boots I can just get a small metatarsal pad to wear. Help I am in pain.

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

I found that taking the existing lining of the foot bed out helped a lot with making space (although I admittedly have teeny tiny feet, in terms of both length and width).

It is worth mentioning, though, that for me riding with orthotics was really painful. When your heel is down, the arch of your foot flattens out some. My orthotics prevented this from happening, which meant bad bad cramping across both my arch and the top of my foot.

Just something to keep in mind.

[Weighaton]

I took all of the padding out and just wore them like that but now I cannot stand how bad my left foot hurts. I probably would not wear orthotics for riding but I can hardly walk to the barn!! I had a cortisone shot many years ago and then the foot didn't bother me at all during my pregnancies so I was good for years. I have been wearing sandals or tennis shoes to the barn (no riding) until yesterday when I wore the boots. My foot still hurts hours later.

[kdow]

It is worth mentioning, though, that for me riding with orthotics was really painful. When your heel is down, the arch of your foot flattens out some. My orthotics prevented this from happening, which meant bad bad cramping across both my arch and the top of my foot.

Just something to keep in mind.

I would suggest going to a proper podiatrist and having custom orthotics made - and demonstrate the position of your foot in the stirrup so the doctor can understand how to adapt the othrotic for that particular purpose. (You'll probably end up with something that isn't AS good for walking as your normal ones, but still better than nothing.) Possibly even take a stirrup and leather so you can show how it all works.

While the doctor visit may be pricey, the orthotics themselves probably won't be - most of the custom ones I've seen the doctor just whips up with foam and glue in the office during the visit, so it's not like there's expensive casting or anything going on.

That said, I have no suggestions about boots - I NEED arch support and I have a wide foot, so finding boots that fit properly with either good support in them or space for adding an insert is proving tricky.

[Dressage.For.Life.]

They're expensive but Ariats with the Cobalt or Cobalt XR technology are great and hold up very well. I have the Cobalt XR's. You can get them with zipper or laces and regular leather or waterproofed leather.

I myself have flat feet and was in pain when walking a lot in tennis shoes or when cycling with my cycling shoes, but I've always been comfortable in my Ariats! My custom orthotics would fit in my Cobalt XR's, but I simply do not need them in my boots.

[Brio]

Blundstones.

I wear custom orthotics that are made by a gait analysis company. Walk across the computer plate and the data gets sent off to make orthotics. I've never had them be uncomfortable when riding or any other problems.

[Lori B]

I have custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis, and I have never found any shoe besides a sneaker that would accommodate them and my foot at the same time, at all. Nada. None.

My ariat paddock boots are actually so comfortable and well-supported through the arch that I don't miss them in the paddocks, which is fortunate. I have large and wide feet and find that most shoes, not just riding boots, can be very difficult to fit even without orthotics.

DOn't know the answer, since customs aren't very affordable for most folks.

[Woodland]

Campos! The only boot i will wear - fits OTC orthotics and prescription as well.

[BasqueMom]

Try 1 half size larger or perhaps a men's boot as they usually a little wider.

[PaddyUK]

They're expensive but Ariats with the Cobalt or Cobalt XR technology are great and hold up very well. I have the Cobalt XR's. You can get them with zipper or laces and regular leather or waterproofed leather.

I myself have flat feet and was in pain when walking a lot in tennis shoes or when cycling with my cycling shoes, but I've always been comfortable in my Ariats! My custom orthotics would fit in my Cobalt XR's, but I simply do not need them in my boots.

Exactly what I was going to say.

My custom orthotics are pretty deep sided as well as angled, so I can only wear then in shoes where insoles have been removed. But, my Ariats give me enough support, so I don't need them.

Paddy

[Weighaton]

I was looking at the Ariats. Do they run true to size? My Danskos are a 41 which I believe is a 10.5. The Ariats are a bit pricey but I can justify the cost if they are comfortable and I wear them everyday.

[Dressage.For.Life.]

I wear 41's or a 9 1/2 to 10 in regular shoes or boots- I'd say the Ariats run true to size, maybe a little big if anything, mine are 9 1/2 or a 40.5.

[Lady Counselor]

I wear orthotics, the custom ones. They really hurt to wear when riding. Something about the way my foot is in the stirrup with the heel down caused the arch to get mashed by the orthotic.
Currently, I am wearing Danskos. I would recommend looking at Blundstones as well if you liked the Danskos. They have a nice footbed on them that seems to work like the Danskos did.

[Lazy Palomino Hunter]

I would suggest going to a proper podiatrist and having custom orthotics made - and demonstrate the position of your foot in the stirrup so the doctor can understand how to adapt the othrotic for that particular purpose. (You'll probably end up with something that isn't AS good for walking as your normal ones, but still better than nothing.) Possibly even take a stirrup and leather so you can show how it all works.

While the doctor visit may be pricey, the orthotics themselves probably won't be - most of the custom ones I've seen the doctor just whips up with foam and glue in the office during the visit, so it's not like there's expensive casting or anything going on.

The orthotics I have (well, had... I lost a sneaker in a canoeing incident about 2 years ago and one orthotic went with... :lol: ) were custom ones from a podiatrist. For walking around they were fantastic, but not so much riding. I think you're exactly right when you say it wouldn't be as good for walking around if they were to fit while riding.

I use just regular arch support from the drug store now- while they aren't as good as the custom orthotics, they certainly are more affordable. ;) One day I'll be able to get "real" ones again!

I don't use any arch supports in my riding boots, though- like other posters, I've found Ariats to be perfectly comfortable as is. But if the OP is having problems with the size of the foot on the Danskos (which were always far too roomy for me even when they fit in the length department), I'm not sure this really helps...

[Weighaton]

Well I was at Walmart this morning and saw the foot help section and bought some "Ball of Foot" pain pads that are fairly thin. I took them home and put both of them in my left sock right under the metatarsal area of my foot and put my Danskos on. I have worn them for several hours with no pain so maybe I just needed that little bit of cushion. I have the custom orthotics in my tennis shoes to walk at the gym but I may be all set for awhile. My next paddocks are going to be the Ariats, though.

Thanks for all of the tips.

[stryder]

My orthotics won't fit in my Ariats - not enough room in the toe box. I thought there would be if I bought men's, but no.

I've worn one model of Red Wings at the barn for years. My half chaps fit over them. They're old now and fairly ugly, but as happy as my feet are, I don't care about the looks.

[vbunny]

I get quite a lot of fore foot pain, which is what it looks like you have? I have found that I can add a layer of foam and a layer of gel in the forefoot area of my Ariat Hannovers and I can do the same with the Ariat terrain boot (not sneaker). They make the world of difference. I am not 100% sound with them but I am pretty sure it's as close as I will ever get, and I get by ok. I am also an Ariat fan for the support and I prefer to leave the original insole in and add to it, I like the way it places my foot on the ground. Good luck.