You have been prescribed specialist footwear, it has been made just for you by your Orthotist.
Specialist footwear is used to accommodate, protect and support feet that are unable to be comfortably fitted into high street footwear
How many pairs of specialist footwear can I have?
Adults
Adults can have 2 pairs of specialist footwear, to allow for repairs. Once the footwear is beyond repair, the shoes will be replaced. Please arrange a review appointment when you feel your footwear needs replacing.
Children
Children can have 1 pair of specialist footwear at any one time. These will be replaced as the child grows out of them.
How long will it take for me to get used to specialist footwear?
You will need to take some time to get used to your footwear. This list suggests the length of time you should try and wear them each day.
- Day 1 - 30 minutes
- Day 2 - 1 hour
- Day 3 – 1 to 2 hours
- Day 4 - 2 hours
- Day 5 - 3 hours
- Day 6+ - continue to increase the amount of time you wear the footwear by an hour each day.
- By 1 to 2 weeks you should be able to wear the footwear all day.
It is usual to have some mild red marking to your skin as you begin wearing your footwear. This may be hard to see on black or brown skin. If marking stays for 40 minutes after taking your footwear off, or you notice that your symptoms are getting worse, please stop wearing them and contact the Orthotic department for a review.
How should I look after my specialist footwear?
It is your responsibility to look after your footwear.
- Please keep the uppers clean using appropriate products.
- If your footwear become wet, please do not dry them using an artificial heat source but pack them with paper and allow them to dry naturally.
- Your footwear is prescribed for your use only; please do not allow others to wear them.
How do I get my specialist footwear repaired?
It is your responsibility to bring your footwear into the Orthotic department for repair when you need to.
We recommend that you regularly inspect the outer, sole and insides of your footwear for any signs of damage.
You do not have to pay a prescription charge for specialist footwear or repairs to specialist footwear.
Who do I contact if I have a problem?
If you need any help, please contact the Orthotic Department on 01709 424385.