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  • Home
  • Meet the Doctor
    • Education & Training
    • Medical Consulting
  • For Patients
    • Pediatric Patients
    • Step Up Your Shoe Game
    • Regenerative Medicine
    • Surgical Care
    • Stretching & Rehab
    • Recommended Products
  • The Dr's Vlog
  • Before and After
  • Conditions
  • Schedule
  • Testimonials

Shoes Basics

The Back

The Middle

The Middle

The back of the shoe contains the "counter" and the "heel cup". 


Make sure the counter is comfortable on the back of your heel and provides cushion.


Conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, Haglund's deformity plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, etc. rely on this section.

The Middle

The Middle

The Middle

The midportion of the shoe is where a foot orthosis AKA "orthotic" AKA "arch support" does its most important job. Most shoes are "motion controlled" and provide a bit of arch support already. 


The stiffness of the shoe depends on the "midsole". Generally, a flexible midsole is okay for short periods of time on your feet. A stiffer sole is

The midportion of the shoe is where a foot orthosis AKA "orthotic" AKA "arch support" does its most important job. Most shoes are "motion controlled" and provide a bit of arch support already. 


The stiffness of the shoe depends on the "midsole". Generally, a flexible midsole is okay for short periods of time on your feet. A stiffer sole is more approriate for long periods of time or for when your foot is in pain.


Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flatfoot, high-arched foot (Cavus), tarsal tunnel syndrome, midfoot arthritis, etc. rely on this section.

The Front

The Middle

The Front

The "toebox" is what it sounds like. You want this space to be comfortable. A wider toebox is great for a forefoot deformity such as a bunion or hammertoe.


Conditions such as neuromas, bunions, hammertoes, etc. rely on this section.







*See images below for a few examples. The link below to APMA will also provide a large list of doctor-approved shoes.*

Let the doctor recommend what's right for you!
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Dr. John Martucci

120 Vann Street Northeast, Marietta, GA, USA

(678) 971-2301

Copyright © 2025 Dr. John Martucci - All Rights Reserved.

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