Orthotic shape and length

Orthotics come in all shapes and sizes, and therefore the explanations about the suitability of shoes for your orthotics can be difficult.

Broadly orthotics fall into three basic shape categories:

• 3/4 (three quarter) length- sometimes called half length. This is likely to be the most common orthotic shape. Three-quarter length orthotics are made to sit under your foot from the heel to just behind the big toe.

• Sulcal length- This is probably the least common orthotic shape. The orthotic runs from the heel to just under the ball or pad of the forefoot, the materials at the from are often beveled carefully to ensure you can’t feel any edges.

• Full length- As it sounds this type of orthotic runs the whole length of the foot and often the whole length of the shoe.