Different Activities Place Different Demands on Your Feet
The orthotic that feels comfortable in an everyday shoe may not be the best choice for running, training, field sports or formal footwear.
Each activity produces a different combination of impact, pressure and movement. Your footwear also changes—from roomy walking shoes to narrow dress shoes or close-fitting boots. Choosing an orthotic designed for the activity can provide the right balance of support, cushioning, stability and fit.
[SHOP ORTHOTICS BY ACTIVITY]
Why Use Different Orthotics?
Different Movements
Walking mainly involves forward movement. Running adds repeated impact. Tennis, basketball, rugby and GAA involve acceleration, sudden stops, jumping and rapid changes of direction.
An activity-specific orthotic should complement these movements without restricting the natural function of the foot.
Different Levels of Impact
Standing, walking and running place very different loads on the feet. Higher-impact activities may benefit from responsive cushioning and shock absorption, while standing for long periods requires lasting support and pressure distribution.
Different Types of Footwear
An orthotic for a spacious walking shoe may be too thick for a football boot or dress shoe. Low-volume footwear usually requires a thinner, more streamlined orthotic.
Different Support Needs
Some activities demand greater lateral stability, while others require flexibility, cushioning or support over long distances. The right design helps the foot and shoe work together.
Find Your Activity
Casual and Everyday
Daily life involves a mixture of walking, standing and sitting. An everyday orthotic should provide balanced arch support and cushioning without feeling too rigid or bulky.
Ideal for:
- Casual shoes
- Everyday trainers
- Commuting
- Shopping and errands
- General daily wear
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All-Day Standing
Long periods of standing can concentrate pressure beneath the heels and forefoot, contributing to tired or uncomfortable feet.
Orthotics for all-day standing should provide durable cushioning, arch support and effective pressure distribution throughout a full working day.
Ideal for:
- Retail and hospitality
- Healthcare
- Teaching
- Hairdressing and beauty
- Warehousing
- Restaurant and kitchen work
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Walking
Walking creates a repeated heel-to-toe movement. A walking orthotic should support this natural progression while cushioning each step and helping maintain comfortable alignment.
Ideal for:
- Daily walks
- Fitness walking
- Sightseeing
- Commuting on foot
- Walking holidays
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Running
Running generates greater and more frequent impact than walking. Running orthotics should provide responsive cushioning and support without making the shoe feel heavy or restrictive.
They should fit securely inside the running shoe and complement its existing cushioning and geometry.
Ideal for:
- Road running
- Park runs
- Track sessions
- Long-distance running
- Marathon training
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Trail Running
Uneven ground creates greater variation in foot position and requires more stability than running on a level road.
A trail-running orthotic should fit securely inside the shoe, support the arch and help stabilise the foot without reducing ground awareness or overcrowding the footwear.
Ideal for:
- Forest trails
- Mountain paths
- Mixed terrain
- Adventure racing
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Triathlon and Ironman
Triathlon places exceptional demands on the feet through cycling and running—particularly over Ironman distances.
A well-fitted orthotic can support comfort and alignment during the bike and run stages. However, cycling shoes and running shoes have different internal shapes and movement requirements, so one orthotic may not perform equally well in both.
For longer-distance events, consider:
- A slim, stable orthotic suited to close-fitting cycling shoes
- A responsive, cushioned orthotic for running shoes
- Testing both during training before race day
- Ensuring the orthotic does not create pressure when the feet swell over long distances
Never introduce new footwear or orthotics immediately before an event.
[EXPLORE ENDURANCE ORTHOTICS]
Gym and Training
Strength training, circuits and functional exercise combine lifting, jumping and multidirectional movement.
A training orthotic should provide a stable base, secure arch support and enough flexibility for varied movement. Excessive cushioning may feel unstable during heavy lifting, while too little cushioning may be uncomfortable during higher-impact sessions.
Ideal for:
- Strength training
- Functional fitness
- Aerobic classes
- Circuit training
- Cross-training
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Tennis and Pickleball
Court sports involve repeated lateral movement, rapid acceleration and sudden stops.
Orthotics for tennis and pickleball should provide lateral stability, cushioning and a secure fit inside the court shoe. The heel should remain stable without the orthotic taking up excessive space.
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Golf
A round of golf combines several hours of walking with rotational movement during the swing.
A golf orthotic should provide lasting comfort and help create a stable foundation inside the shoe. Balanced arch support can help the feet remain comfortably supported while walking and during weight transfer through the swing.
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Dress and Formal Shoes
Dress shoes are often narrower and shallower than casual or athletic footwear.
A dress orthotic should have a slim, low-profile design that delivers support without crowding the toes or causing the heel to slip out of the shoe.
Ideal for:
- Formal shoes
- Business footwear
- Loafers
- Court shoes
- Special occasions
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Rugby
Rugby requires sprinting, tackling and rapid changes of direction on variable ground. Rugby boots also tend to fit closely and leave limited room for an orthotic.
A suitable orthotic should be slim, secure and compatible with the boot’s stud configuration. It should provide support without raising the foot excessively or affecting heel hold.
Always check the complete boot-and-orthotic combination during training before using it in a match.
[EXPLORE ORTHOTICS FOR FIELD SPORTS]
GAA
Gaelic football, hurling and camogie combine sprinting, kicking, turning and repeated multidirectional movement.
An orthotic for GAA should fit securely within a close-fitting boot and balance support with freedom of movement. A low-profile design is normally preferable where footwear volume is limited.
Fit should be tested during running, cutting and kicking—not only while standing.
[EXPLORE ORTHOTICS FOR FIELD SPORTS]
Basketball
Basketball involves frequent jumping, landing, sprinting and sharp changes of direction.
An appropriate orthotic should provide impact cushioning and lateral stability while sitting securely inside the basketball shoe. It must not lift the heel too high or reduce the secure fit around the ankle.
[EXPLORE ORTHOTICS FOR COURT SPORTS]
Hiking and Trekking
Hiking places prolonged demands on the feet across uneven and changing terrain. Added pack weight can further increase pressure.
A hiking orthotic should provide durable arch support, heel stability and cushioning over long distances. It must also leave enough room for the foot and toes, particularly as feet may swell during extended walks.
Ideal for:
- Day hikes
- Hillwalking
- Long-distance trails
- Backpacking
- Multi-day treks
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Children and Young Athletes
Children’s feet are still developing, and their footwear size and fit can change quickly.
Children should not automatically use an adult orthotic cut down to size. Any orthotic should be appropriate for the child’s age, footwear and activity, with enough room for the toes and no uncomfortable pressure.
Because children may not always explain discomfort clearly:
- Check the fit regularly
- Look for redness or pressure marks
- Replace footwear as the feet grow
- Seek professional advice for persistent pain, unusual walking patterns or recurring injuries
[EXPLORE CHILDREN’S FOOT SUPPORT]
One Orthotic Does Not Always Fit Every Shoe
Before moving an orthotic between shoes, check that:
- It sits flat and does not rock or curl
- The heel remains securely inside the shoe
- The toes are not crowded
- The footwear does not become excessively tight
- The original removable liner has been taken out where appropriate
- The orthotic does not interfere with studs, cleats or the shoe’s stability features
Never force a thick orthotic into low-volume footwear. A different profile may be needed.
Find the Right Support for Your Feet
Your activity is only one part of choosing an orthotic. Foot shape, arch height, pressure distribution, footwear and any existing discomfort should also be considered.
An Aetrex 3D foot scan can provide detailed information about your feet and help identify an orthotic suited to your individual needs and activities.
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Support for Every Step
From the working day to the golf course—and from an everyday walk to an Ironman finish line—the right support can help your footwear perform more effectively for the activity ahead.
Choose the orthotic for the movement, the footwear and your feet.
[SHOP ORTHOTICS BY ACTIVITY]
Important information: This page is provided for educational and retail purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a doctor, podiatrist or other qualified healthcare professional if you experience persistent pain, recurring injuries or concerns about your child’s foot development.