Our biomechanical footbed is crafted for unparalleled comfort, with contours that support natural foot movement from morning to night. Three Essential Elements work together: midfoot arch support, a cushioned heel cup, and forefoot flexion with pressure distribution. Our Fit Kit adds personalised adjustment on top of that. Read more about Our Difference.
How our arch support works
The arch support sits just in front of the heel, supporting the area between your heel and arch as a stabilising prop - rather than pressing into the highest point of your arch. Since your heel strikes the ground first when you walk, stabilising it helps guide the whole foot into healthy alignment (an inward roll here can throw off your knees and hips too) without overloading the mid-foot and arch.
Most people benefit from this design. Those with high, rigid arches - which don't absorb impact as easily - may need a slightly different style of cushioning. It's also normal for the support to feel a little different at first; with wear, the footbed softens and moulds to your feet.
Wearing orthotics
Most fully enclosed styles have a removable Bared footbed that can be swapped out for your own orthotic, including:
- Boots
- Sneakers
- Some flat styles
- Loafers
- Dress shoes
- Boat shoes
- Fully-enclosed flats (most)
We also offer additional forefoot padding for those wearing half or 3/4 orthotics - just place it at the front of the shoe for extra comfort.
Orthotics can't be worn in high heels or sandals, since these styles have a fixed (non-removable) footbed. We also don't recommend high heel boots with orthotics, as orthotics are designed for a flat shoe and the angle of a heel throws the foot out of alignment with the orthotic. Loafers aren't recommended either, as they lack the buckles or laces needed to keep your foot secure against the orthotic.
Plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick ligament running along the bottom of the foot, connecting heel to metatarsals, and supporting your arch. When it becomes irritated (plantar fasciitis), it can cause heel or arch pain, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting.
Bared shoes support the plantar fascia through a deep heel cup (holds the heel securely and stabilises the foot), strong arch support (reduces tension along the fascia), and a 12mm heel pitch (gentle elevation, taking pressure off the heel).
Heels can offer temporary relief but often increase pain once removed. The best option is a supportive flat with a secure fastener - a lace-up or strap - to keep the foot stable. If you wear custom orthotics, choose a style with a removable footbed so you can insert your orthoses while keeping the same support and fit.
Bunions - should I go up a size?
Not necessarily - we've considered this in our designs. For enclosed styles, look for ones with our Fit Kit: the thin footbed creates more room to accommodate your bunions. For sandals or dress shoes, most of our styles are designed to sit nicely over the joint without causing pain. We'd recommend soft leathers and suede over shiny patent, which won't soften and stretch.
High arches
High arches tend to need more depth and adjustability. Any style with a removable footbed comes with our Fit Kit, which includes a thinner footbed you can swap in for extra depth. Look for buckles, laces or straps you can adjust to secure the shoe comfortably. Customer Service can talk through fitting with you if you're unsure - a quick discussion often helps get more tailored advice.
Pressure across the top of my foot (instep) - what can I do?
Swap the standard footbed for the thin version in your Fit Kit - this lowers your foot's profile inside the shoe, creating more vertical space.
- Remove the current footbed.
- Insert the thin footbed from your Fit Kit.
- Walk around to test the new fit.
- If the style has buckle straps or laces over that part of the foot, wear them loose until the leather softens.
This usually provides immediate relief, especially for high insteps. If you need further help, we can also recommend styles that are naturally more accommodating across the top of the foot.