Finding comfortable school shoes for a child who wears orthotics can feel challenging. Orthotic insoles may be deeper, wider or differently shaped than a standard shoe insole, so not every style will provide enough room.
The good news is that all Ricosta school shoes have removable insoles. This allows the standard insole to be taken out, creating space for an orthotic or custom insole while retaining the structure and support of the shoe.
At North Shoes, our in-store teams fit school shoes with orthotics on a daily basis. We have many years of experience helping families find comfortable, suitable footwear, and can offer practical advice and suggestions based on your child’s individual needs.
Why removable insoles are important
A removable insole is one of the most useful features to look for when choosing school shoes for a child who wears orthotics.
Removing the standard footbed can:
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Create additional depth inside the shoe
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Allow room for an orthotic or custom insole
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Help prevent the foot from being raised too high
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Make it easier to achieve a comfortable fit
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Allow the orthotic to sit securely inside the shoe
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Make it easier to switch between the standard insole and an orthotic when needed
All Ricosta school shoes have removable insoles, making them a strong starting point for children who wear orthotics. They can also be helpful for children who wear splints, although the suitability of a particular style will depend on the shape and size of the splint.
It is important to bring your child’s orthotics or splints with you when trying on school shoes. The shoe needs to be fitted with the orthotic in place, rather than assessed using the standard insole alone.
Orthotics and school shoe fit
An orthotic is designed to support your child’s foot in a particular way. The shoe needs to work with the orthotic, not against it.
A suitable school shoe should:
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Be deep enough to accommodate the orthotic
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Have enough width for the foot and insole
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Hold the heel securely
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Prevent the foot from sliding inside the shoe
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Fasten firmly and allow adjustment
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Provide comfortable ankle clearance
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Allow natural movement where appropriate
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Remain comfortable when worn throughout the school day
A shoe that is too shallow may not accommodate the orthotic properly. It can place pressure on the top of the foot, affect how the foot sits inside the shoe or make the shoe uncomfortable to wear.
Take particular care around the ankle bone
When fitting school shoes with orthotics, particular care should be given to the ankle bone.
An orthotic can raise the foot inside the shoe. If the foot is raised too high, the ankle bone may come into contact with the upper edge or side of the shoe. This can cause rubbing, pressure and discomfort.
When trying on shoes, we check that:
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The orthotic is sitting flat and securely
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The foot is not being lifted too high inside the shoe
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The ankle bone is clear of any pressure points
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There is no rubbing around the ankle
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The heel remains secure
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Your child can walk comfortably in both shoes
This is one reason why trying several different styles can be so worthwhile. Small differences in shape, depth and construction can make a significant difference to comfort.
Ricosta school shoes we often recommend for orthotics
There are certain Ricosta styles that we have fitted successfully in-store for many years. They are classic styles that we regularly recommend because they can accommodate even a deep or particularly shaped orthotic insole.
The best choice will always depend on your child’s foot, orthotic and school requirements. However, the following styles are useful starting points to discuss with our fitting teams.
As every orthotic is shaped differently, it is still important to try the style on with the orthotic in place.
Boys’ riptape school shoes
William
William is a smart school shoe with two riptape straps. The twin straps provide useful adjustment and help secure the foot comfortably over an orthotic.
It is a good option for boys who need a traditional, smart school shoe with a little more flexibility when adjusting the fit.
Johno
Johno has a more sporty, trainer-inspired appearance while remaining suitable for school. It is a durable style with two riptape straps, providing adjustment across the foot.
This can be a popular option for boys who prefer a sportier look and who need a more adaptable fit.
Boys’ lace-up school shoes
Harry
Harry is a smart lace-up school shoe. Laces allow the fit to be adjusted carefully over the foot, which can be particularly helpful when accommodating an orthotic.
It is a classic choice for boys who need a formal school style.
Nate
Nate combines a trainer-style design with a smarter school shoe appearance. Its lace-up fastening allows the fit to be adjusted across the foot, making it a useful style to try with an orthotic.
Girls’ lace-up school shoes
Lucy
Lucy is a smart brogue-style school shoe with a chunky sole. Its traditional styling makes it suitable for children who need a classic school shoe, while the overall shape can be worth considering when fitting with an orthotic.
Stace
Stace is a plain, smart style with a chunky sole. It is a middle-width shoe, but comes up deeper and wider, which can make it a useful option for some children wearing orthotics.
Girls’ riptape school shoes
Nora and Kylie
Nora and Kylie are smart, chunky styles designed with senior girls in mind. Their riptape fastenings allow adjustment over the foot and can make them useful options when trying to accommodate an orthotic.
Amanda
Amanda is a T-bar school shoe for younger girls. Its classic styling and adjustable fastening make it a popular style to try for children who need room for an orthotic.
Alice
Alice is a Mary-Jane style for younger girls. The adjustable fastening helps secure the foot comfortably, while the classic shape makes it a useful option to consider.
Why it is worth trying more than one style
Even when two pairs of school shoes are the same size, they may fit very differently. One may be deeper through the toe box, another may provide more room over the instep, and another may sit more comfortably around the ankle.
Orthotics can also vary considerably. Some are slim and low-profile, while others are deeper, wider or have a more pronounced shape.
Trying two or three suitable styles can help you compare:
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The amount of depth available
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How the orthotic sits inside the shoe
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The position of the ankle bone
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The security of the heel
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The space around the toes
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How easily the shoe fastens
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How comfortable the shoe feels when walking
The most suitable shoe is the one that works comfortably with your child’s orthotic and allows them to move confidently throughout the school day.
Fitting school shoes with splints
Removable insoles can also help children who wear splints. Removing the standard footbed may provide additional room inside the shoe, depending on the size and design of the splint.
As splints vary considerably, it is essential to bring the splint with you when looking for school shoes. Our team can assess how different styles work with it and help identify options that provide enough room without becoming loose or unstable.
Professional fitting advice from North Shoes
Our in-store teams fit school shoes with orthotics every day and have extensive experience helping families find the right styles. We can suggest different Ricosta options, compare the fit and check the important details around the ankle, heel, instep and toes.
We understand that choosing shoes for orthotics may require more time and consideration than buying a standard pair. We are happy to try different styles with you to help find the most comfortable and secure option.
You can:
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Visit us in-store in Bourne
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Visit us in-store in Stamford
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Book a fitting appointment online
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Call us for advice
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Email our team with your questions
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Use our online fitting guide
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Use our online size guide
When attending a fitting, please bring:
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Your child
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Their orthotics or custom insoles
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The socks they are likely to wear
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Any information from your podiatrist or doctor that may help with the fitting
A comfortable fit for every school day
Children who wear orthotics need school shoes that provide enough room, depth and adjustability without compromising security or comfort.
Ricosta school shoes are a helpful choice because their removable insoles allow space for orthotic and custom insoles. Styles such as William, Johno, Harry, Nate, Lucy, Stace, Nora, Kylie, Amanda and Alice are classic options that our teams have fitted successfully for many years.
However, no single style is right for every child. It is always worth trying a couple of different pairs with the orthotic in place, paying particular attention to the ankle bone and the overall depth of the shoe.
For experienced, practical fitting advice, visit North Shoes in Bourne or Stamford. Our trained teams are here to help you find school shoes that fit comfortably and support your child throughout the school day.