Say goodbye to the medical supply shop look!

Anyone who suffers from foot problems – such as hallux, heel spurs and hammer toes – sooner or later faces the question: Do I need orthopaedic shoes, or are custom-made 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 made individually 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 material. In severe cases – with pronounced flat feet or diabetic foot – they are medically essential.

What do orthotic insoles do?

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

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

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

If you’re willing to pay attention to a few technical criteria when buying shoes, you gain a great deal of style freedom. Instead of a single, predetermined model, dozens of options suddenly 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 both.

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

Anyone who wears orthotic insoles knows: the shoe determines whether the insole can take effect – 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 orthotic insoles or custom footbeds, even if they aren’t from Giesswein. That might sound obvious, but it’s far from standard: many fashionable shoes have permanently glued insoles 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 in the case of misalignments, this is a decisive advantage: the upper yields without losing support. With Giesswein styles, the medical supply shop look doesn’t stand a chance and you can enjoy relaxed feet with style and comfort.

Merino Runners

Whether for everyday life or travelling, the Merino Runners bring a new dimension of comfort to your life. The premium Merino upper is breathable and temperature-regulating – keeping your feet feeling fresh and dry all day long. The removable GIESSWEIN interchangeable footbed with a Merino layer provides stability and can be swapped effortlessly for your orthotic insoles. Super lightweight, pleasantly cushioned and even a joy to wear barefoot: this wool trainer 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 gently hugs 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 provides pleasant cushioning. The removable 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 trainer 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 wool trainers Merino Runners WOMEN are featherlight and very comfortable to wear. The colour is 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 ★★★★★