orthotic
1 of 2adjective
or·thot·ic ȯr-ˈthä-tik 
: of, relating to, or being an orthosis or orthotic
orthotic braces
orthotic devices that restrict movement
orthotic shoe inserts
also : of or relating to orthotics
orthotic correction
orthotic
2 of 2noun
plural orthotics
: orthosis
Doctors made us aware of the scoliosis forming and a need for orthotics that would improve his spine.
Christie Willhite
Christie Willhite especially : a supportive device inserted into a shoe usually to stabilize the foot, correct alignment, or provide cushioning
To better support the arch and absorb shock, specially designed shoe inserts (orthotics) are often recommended. Food & Fitness Advisor
Food & Fitness Advisor Some patients experience discomfort from the stiffness of many orthotics, but it disappears as the patient's foot adapts to orthotic control and the device settles into the shoe. James F. Eggold
James F. Eggold … the fabric-covered orthotic provides arch support so you tire less easily. Maggie Spilner
Maggie Spilner 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Sarah Madaus, SELF, 26 July 2022 The orthotic footbed is designed for support while the rubber outsole makes walking in them a breeze. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 19 July 2022 These laceless sneakers are easy to slip on and offer cushioning and support for long walks, runs, and workouts with their EVA orthotic insole. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2022 Surprisingly, tape may be the missing key to achieving relief for foot pain, as both Kadar and Marko use it to mimic the support of a podiatric orthotic. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 6 Aug. 2021 Leather sandals are notoriously rigid, but customers guarantee comfort with this orthotic, arch-supporting design. Emily Belfiore, Health.com, 28 Apr. 2021 With an orthotic footbed, they're bound to put a spring in your step. Rebecca Carhart, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2021 His therapists sent us to a doctor on Long Island who makes special foot orthotics to give him extra support. New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Even coming to see you today—the pavement allowed me to move, and so did my shoes, my orthotics, and the long hours spent by my physical therapist. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2020 See More
Noun
The Orthofeets come in two widths, and the orthotic-like inserts provide arch support and foam cushioning, particularly at the heel. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 26 July 2022 The orthotic footbed is designed for support while the rubber outsole makes walking in them a breeze. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 19 July 2022 These laceless sneakers are easy to slip on and offer cushioning and support for long walks, runs, and workouts with their EVA orthotic insole. Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2022 Surprisingly, tape may be the missing key to achieving relief for foot pain, as both Kadar and Marko use it to mimic the support of a podiatric orthotic. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 6 Aug. 2021 Leather sandals are notoriously rigid, but customers guarantee comfort with this orthotic, arch-supporting design. Emily Belfiore, Health.com, 28 Apr. 2021 With an orthotic footbed, they're bound to put a spring in your step. Rebecca Carhart, Travel + Leisure, 29 Mar. 2021 His therapists sent us to a doctor on Long Island who makes special foot orthotics to give him extra support. New York Times, 17 Apr. 2020 Even coming to see you today—the pavement allowed me to move, and so did my shoes, my orthotics, and the long hours spent by my physical therapist. Masha Gessen, The New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Noun
New Latin orthosis
First Known Use
Adjective
1955, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1981, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
orthotic 1 of 2
adjective
or·thot·ic ȯr-ˈthät-ik
: of, relating to, or being an orthosis or orthotic
a thoracolumbar orthotic brace
orthotic devices that restrict movement
orthotic shoe inserts
also : of or relating to orthotics
orthotic therapy
In the absence of radiculopathies or nerve entrapments, treatment should be directed to mechanical and orthotic correction of postures and locomotion accompanied by methods of pain relief and control. Laura K. Smith, Neurological Rehabilitation
Laura K. Smith, Neurological Rehabilitation orthotic
2 of 2noun
: orthosis
Doctors made us aware of the scoliosis forming and a need for orthotics that would improve his spine. Christie Willhite, Chicago Daily Herald
Christie Willhite, Chicago Daily Herald especially : a supportive device inserted into a shoe usually to stabilize the foot, correct alignment, or provide cushioning
In some cases doctors recommend orthotics—custom-made shoe inserts that help redistribute weight and take pressure off the bunion. Richard Trubo, Harvard Health Medical Letter
Richard Trubo, Harvard Health Medical Letter The most commonly encountered problems with the orthotics themselves were blister formation, edge irritation, heel slippage from the extra bulk in the shoe, and discomfort from the stiffness of the orthotic. James F. Eggold, The Physician and Sportsmedicine
James F. Eggold, The Physician and Sportsmedicine You might also need orthotics to align your foot properly in your boots and reduce stress on the knee, particularly if your foot pronates (rotates inward). Mark L. Fuerst, Food & Fitness Advisor
Mark L. Fuerst, Food & Fitness Advisor