For patients who require functional foot orthotics , but also like to wear sandals, there are options available. For the most part, orthotics do not work with regular sandals because they will not stay in place without an enclosed heel. However, with summertime weather, many patients are reluctant to wear shoes. One option that has been very helpful is to have orthotics fabricated to go into specially-made sandals. Our office is able to order sandals in a wide range of styles that can accommodate an orthotic. However, we recommend that a second pair of orthotics are made specifically for the sandals. What makes these sandals different is that the foot bed is removable, and can be replaced with a full-length orthotic.
Generally, I do not recommend having orthotics in sandals as your only pair of orthotics. Instead, go ahead and get a traditional pair of orthotics for your shoes, and make sure that they are working properly. Then, you can take the casts from your first pair of orthotics to have the second pair fabricated. In that way, they will be made just the same as the first pair, and should feel great.