How to Fit Orthotics in Shoes – Learn the Most Effective Method Here!

November 21, 2025 Orthotics/Insoles Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

As a children’s shoe fitter with years of experience, I’ll walk you through the most effective way to fit orthotics in kids’ shoes to ensure your child gets the full support and stability that the orthotics have to offer. A poorly fitted orthotic can do more harm than good, so let’s make sure your child gets the support they need from the ground up. Whether your child wears full-length or 3/4 orthotics, SMOs, or AFOs, I’ll walk you step by step through the easiest and most effective way to get them properly fitted inside their shoes—so your child doesn’t refuse to wear them.

Whether your child is dealing with flat feet, foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or balance issues, orthotics can provide essential support—but only if they’re fitted properly inside your kids’ shoes.

How to Fit Orthotics in Shoes: This Method is for 3/4 Length Orthotics

In most cases, 3/4-length orthotics fit comfortably on top of the existing insoles in kids’ shoes. If the shoe still closes easily and your child feels comfortable, you don’t need to remove anything.

Sometimes keeping the original insoles in place isn’t the best option. If your child has a “tricky” foot shape—like wide or extra-wide feet or a high instep—removing the original insoles can create extra space for a more comfortable fit. If you remove the original insole and place the 3/4-length orthotic inside the shoes, there won’t be any cushioning under your child’s toes, which can cause rubbing or discomfort. To prevent this, follow the steps below to trim the original insole and leave the front portion inside the shoe. This way, your child’s toes stay comfortable while the orthotic fits properly in the heel and arch area.

^{Step 1: Remove the original insoles from your child’s shoes and place the ¾-length orthotics on top.}

^{Step 2: Mark where the front edge of the ¾-length orthotic ends on the original insole.}

^{Step 3: Trim the original insole along that line so you’re left with just the front (toe) portion.}

^{Step 4: Place the trimmed front piece of the original insole back into the shoe, followed by the ¾-length orthotic. (Optional) Use a small amount of glue to secure the front piece of the insole so it stays in place.}

How to Fit Orthotics in Shoes: This Method is for Full-Length Orthotics

^{First Step: Remove the original insoles. Begin by removing the original insoles from the shoes. This step creates the necessary space for the orthotic to fit comfortably.}

^{Second Step: Make sure the orthotic length matches the insole length. Before placing the orthotic in the shoe, compare its length to the original insole.}

^{The orthotic should be of similar length to ensure it fits properly within the shoe. If the orthotic is too long, it may need trimming to fit comfortably.} ^{Before trimming the front of the orthotic, double-check that you’ve ordered the correct size to begin with.}

^{Third Step: Slide your hand into the shoe to ensure the orthotic fits snugly, with no creases or gaps at the toe.}

Watch My YouTube Video to Better Visualize the Steps

To make fitting orthotics in kids’ shoes even easier, watch my YouTube video where I walk you step by step through the process. You’ll get a clear visual guide for 3/4-length, full-length, SMO, and AFO orthotics.

What Shoes Work Best for Orthotics?

Only certain shoes are truly compatible with orthotics, and choosing the wrong type can reduce their effectiveness. Since the shoe connects the orthotic to the ground, it must provide the right structure and support—otherwise, the orthotic won’t work as intended. In my experience, fitting orthotics often requires shoes in wide or extra wide widths. Some shoes also offer roomier toe boxes, which is crucial for proper fit—and I’ve learned which ones work best through hands-on experience fitting children in them.

Here’s a curated list of deep, supportive shoes that work well with orthotics. If your child starts mentioning heel slippage, don’t rush to size down. Instead, make sure you’ve chosen a shoe with shoelaces — which I highly recommend over Velcro — and try alternative lacing techniques. The right lacing method can dramatically improve the fit, keeping both the shoes and orthotics secure and comfortable.

Certain Orthotics Are Easier to Fit Inside Shoes

Did you know that some orthotics are much easier to fit inside kids’ shoes than others? For instance, even among full-length orthotics, some are bulkier and take up extra space, while others are lower profile and slide in more easily—without sacrificing support or quality. Check out the example below to see exactly what I mean.

^{KidSole orthotics fitted inside a pair of New Balance shoes. Notice how the orthotic sits elevated inside the shoe—this raises your child’s foot and can lead to rubbing, instability, discomfort, and even your child refusing to wear the orthotics.}

^{Footlogics orthotics fitted inside the same pair of New Balance shoes. Notice how much deeper the orthotic sits—this improves comfort and helps prevent the feeling that the foot is slipping out of the shoe.}

Need help choosing the right orthotics for your child? Contact me and I’ll provide personalized recommendations.

Reach Out with Any Questions or for Specific Shoe Recommendations

As a shoe fitter with years of experience, I understand the challenges parents face in finding the right footwear for their children who wear orthotics. If you have any questions or need specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s unique orthotics and foot shape, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Avoid buying bigger shoes just to fit the orthotics—this can throw off your child’s stability and lead to foot problems down the line.