No more orthopaedic-shop look!

If you suffer from foot problems – such as bunions (hallux valgus), heel spurs and hammertoes – sooner or later you face the question: do I need orthopaedic shoes, or are custom insoles enough? Both options have their place, but the differences in everyday life are greater than many think.

What are orthopaedic shoes?

Orthopaedic shoes are custom-made for the wearer’s foot or at least specially selected. They offer a deep, wide toe box, a reinforced heel counter, a specially shaped insole and a stable, often stiffer upper. In severe cases – such as pronounced flatfoot or diabetic foot – they are medically indispensable.

What do orthopaedic insoles do?

Insoles – also called orthoses – are custom-moulded or prefabricated aids that are placed in existing shoes. They can correct misalignments, support the arches, distribute pressure evenly and relieve pain. Insoles are fitted by orthopaedists or orthopaedic technicians and are reimbursable by health insurance in many cases.

More shoes, more freedom: why insoles are often the better choice!

For severe foot conditions and certain post-treatment situations, orthopaedic shoes remain indispensable. But for the vast majority of people who need orthopaedic support, custom insoles offer the more flexible, everyday solution – provided you choose the right shoe to go with them.

If you’re willing to look out for a few technical criteria when buying shoes, you gain a great deal of style freedom. Instead of a single prescribed model, suddenly dozens of options open up – for the office, a Sunday stroll or evening wear. Good support and good looks are not mutually exclusive. You just need to know how to combine the two.

With the right insole in any shoe – this is modern foot care

Anyone who wears orthopaedic insoles knows: the shoe determines whether the insole can do its job – or not. Giesswein, the Austrian heritage brand for comfort shoes made with merino wool, meets several requirements at once.

GIESSWEIN: Removable insole as standard

In all Giesswein shoes the insole can be removed – making it easy to insert orthopaedic insoles or custom footbeds, even if they’re not from Giesswein. That may sound obvious, but it’s far from standard: many fashion shoes have permanently glued footbeds that make individual support simply impossible.

Soft upper with no pressure points

Many customers with sensitive feet find the merino shoes comfortable because they are very soft, have few seams and therefore cause fewer pressure points. Especially after foot surgery or with deformities, this is a decisive advantage: the upper yields without losing support. With Giesswein styles, the medical-supply look doesn’t stand a chance and you enjoy relaxed feet with style and comfort.

Merino Runners

Whether for everyday life or travel, the Merino Runners bring a new level of comfort to your life. The premium merino upper is breathable and temperature-regulating – keeping your feet feeling fresh and dry all day. The removable GIESSWEIN interchangeable footbed with a merino layer provides stability and can be effortlessly swapped for your orthopaedic insoles. Super light, pleasantly cushioned and even a delight barefoot: this wool sneaker gently hugs your foot and avoids pressure points. In width G, ideal for normal feet, it accompanies you casually and comfortably through every day.

Merino Runners WOMEN
Merino Runners MEN

Merino Wool Knit

For anyone seeking maximum comfort, the Merino Wool Knit is the perfect choice. The 3D stretch knit caresses the foot with flexible stretch zones – ideal even for sensitive areas such as hallux valgus. 360° merino wool ensures a balanced climate, while the innovative, ultra-light EVA sole offers pleasant cushioning. The interchangeable footbed stabilises your gait and can be swapped for your insoles in no time. Easy-care, sustainably designed and, in width G, also suitable for normal to wider feet: this sneaker combines modern design, gentle support and a comfortable barefoot feel in an impressive way.

Merino Wool Knit Women
Merino Wool Knit Men

What do our customers say?

The merino sneakers Merino Runners WOMEN are featherlight and very comfortable to wear. The colour is exactly as shown in the catalogue – truly beautiful.
Bettina ★★★★★

Merino Wool Knit Women are very, very comfortable to wear. The transaction works perfectly. I’m very glad I discovered Giesswein.
Anonymous ★★★★★