All shoes must be worn gradually for the first week and you should wear your shoes for 30 minutes every day.
After the first week increase the length of time you wear your shoes by 30 minutes every day.
You may have a condition which has caused reduced feeling or reduced blood supply to your feet. This makes your feet more at risk to injury.
It is important to look for the following changes in your skin or nails:
- blisters
- swelling
- warmth or redness
- cuts
- colour changes
If you find any changes you should stop wearing your footwear immediately and contact the orthotics service.
To avoid injury to your feet, check inside your footwear each time before putting them on. Check that there are no loose objects such as stones or grit.
Remove insoles and check for wear and tear then place the insole back into your shoe.
Initially, you will be given one pair of shoes and then you will receive a further appointment to review your shoes.
At your review appointment if no concerns have been raised a second pair will be ordered. This will allow for you to wear one pair while the other pair is being repaired.
Once your shoes are beyond repair (you will need to bring them back to clinic to be checked) a new pair will be ordered and supplied.
This means you should always have two pairs of shoes. Try not to keep one for ‘best’.
Maintaining your shoes
Leather shoes should be polished regularly. Nubuck and suede shoes should be cleaned using brushes and specialist cleaners which are available at most shops.
Wet shoes should be allowed to dry thoroughly before wearing. Dry in a well ventilated area at room temperature.
Do not put footwear on a radiator, near a fire, in a tumble dryer or in an airing cupboard. Mud and heavy soiling should be removed with a damp cloth before shoes are left to dry.