We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

How do I Choose the Best Foot Brace?

By Patrick Lynch
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

A foot brace is required by those who have suffered a serious sprain or fracture in the foot or ankle area. In order to choose the best foot brace, it is important to figure out if the brace is required in the first place. Patients should generally look for solutions that are within their budget and also provide comfort. Shoe inserts provide an alternative solution; patients are advised, however, to be wary when purchasing braces from foot-ankle orthosis manufacturers.

A foot brace is used to ensure that the joints and bones in that area are kept rigid. A brace also offers support for weak limbs that cannot support a person’s weight. In general, a foot brace will be prescribed to patients who have suffered a sprain or a fracture.

There is no guarantee that a foot brace will provide the appropriate solution, however. This is why it is important to consult a physician to find out if the foot will benefit from a brace. There are many instances when patients have elected to wear a brace only to discover it was of no use.

As a brace is likely to be worn on the foot for a long period of time once it is prescribed, comfort is of paramount importance. If a foot brace is too loose, it will not immobilize the foot as it is supposed to. Yet if it is too tight, the patient will be forced to endure pain for a long period of time.

It is important to spend time searching for a foot brace that is not only comfortable, but also fits in with a budget. There are a multitude of braces available such as silicon insoles. These are often prescribed to patients with conditions such as diabetic foot, metatarsalgia, and hyperkeratosis.

Another option is to choose shoe inserts. These are designed to give support and stability. Those suffering from conditions such as heel strikes generally benefit from shoe inserts. They are also commonly prescribed for patients with swollen metatarsals. Shoe inserts are easily slipped on and off for flexibility, convenience, and comfort.

Regardless of what foot brace is required, it is necessary to purchase it only from a well known ankle-foot orthosis manufacturing company. There are a number of companies online that provide this service but it is important to read customer reviews. These will give a good idea of the company’s reputation. A physician’s duty includes responsibility for directing patients to reputable vendors.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By fBoyle — On Sep 20, 2014

Has anyone here used a mid-foot brace before?

Apparently it's used to support the arch and some versions help with bunions. Are they effective?

By ysmina — On Sep 20, 2014

I'm wearing a walker brace right now. I hurt my foot playing soccer. My doctor said that I have to wear it for a while.

There was some swelling but it's gone done now. It's great that I can walk around in it. Although I do put my foot up once I get home. Standing and walking too much seems to make it swell a little bit. I'm just happy that I didn't need a cast.

By turquoise — On Sep 19, 2014

I have weak ankles and I made the mistake of joining up to a dance class that requires a lot of jumping. Needless to say, I managed to sprain both of my ankles after just the first session.

I was in so much pain and walking and moving seemed to make it worse. I went to a pharmacy right away and purchased foot and ankle braces. These are sort of like socks except with the toes open. They are made of elastic material but apply just the right amount of pressure to keep the ankle immobile and encourage healing.

I wore the braces close to a week. I even went to work with them on. I just wore them inside my shoe and no one noticed. I think my ankles would have taken much longer to heal without them.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.