Getting Used to Orthotics

So you've got your new orthotics...but now what?

Orthotics often do a lot more than just support your arches - in fact the effects of a good set of orthotics will often be felt at the foot, ankle, knee, hip and even lower back. These effects can be correcting alignment of joints, redistributing forces around a certain area that may be overused (as in the cases of plantar fasciitis and heel pain for example), reduction of pain, increased stability and many more.

But, despite these great benefits, wearing orthotics can take a little bit of getting used to - often called the 'wearing in' or 'breaking in' period.

How long does that last you ask? While most people get used to their orthotics fairly quickly, there really is no right and wrong here, and so a period of between a few days to as long as two weeks is considered completely normal. 

In most cases, however, we recommend wearing in your new orthotics over a period of about 4 to 5 days. This usually means wearing them in your shoes for about 2 to 3 hours on the first day, and then adding 1 to 2 hours of wear time each day after that until you are able to wear them comfortably all day. Generally, softer orthotics like ready made orthotic insoles are easier to get used to than the harder, more customized ones, but we all get used to things differently. So, if you find that 2 hours is too much on that first day, that's also perfectly normal, and in that case you should get used to your orthotics at a slightly slower rate.

The important thing to remember here is not a strict 'normal' wearing in time period, but rather a gentle process where you let your body be your guide. 

Why do I need to 'wear in' my orthotics?

Have you ever worn a new pair of shoes, and felt that you had to walk a little differently until they felt normal? Well this is a very similar thing, where your orthotics are gently moving your feet into a better position. And because you're all connected, moving your feet into a better position also means your ankles, knees, hips and lower back will also be moving into a better position. So getting used to your new orthotics gradually simply ensures that your body is able to adjust to all these new positions without you feeling that you need to walk a different way, and risk hurting yourself in the process. 

Orthotics and Sports

As a general rule of thumb, it's usually best to make sure you're able to wear your orthotics comfortably all day for general activity before you start wearing them during more physically demanding activities like running or jumping.

In fact, we often recommend that you have another, albeit it more streamlined, wearing in period when you move into using your orthotics for sports activities. Again, getting used to running in your orthotics gently is an important step in minimizing the risk of unnecessary pain, injury or even blisters, caused by an altered running pattern.

Orthotics and Socks

Ahh, the age old 'to wear or not to wear' debate.

For what it's worth, we're on the 'to wear' team on this one - especially while you're getting used to your new orthotics. Depending on your orthotic top cover, the friction between your skin and the orthotic can be a little bit high, and lead to blisters developing which can be problematic, and at the very least annoying while they are healing.

If you're prone to developing blisters, or don't like wearing socks because your feet overheat or sweat too quickly, check out our range of performance socks that are designed with exactly this in mind! We only recommend socks that wick moisture away from your feet to reduce the risk of blisters and make the experience of wearing socks all day a lot more comfortable in general.

Of course, orthotic thongs (or arch support thongs) are a great option for those hot days where you just don't want to wear closed shoes and socks but still need the support underfoot.