Say goodbye to the medical-supply-store look!

If you suffer from foot problems—such as bunions (hallux valgus), heel spurs, and hammertoes—you’ll eventually face the question: Do I need orthopedic shoes, or are custom insoles enough? Both options have their place, but the differences in everyday life are bigger than many think.

What are orthopedic shoes?

Orthopedic shoes are custom made for the wearer’s feet 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 essential.

What do orthopedic insoles do?

Insoles—also called orthotics—are custom-molded or prefabricated devices placed inside your existing shoes. They can correct misalignments, support the arches, distribute pressure evenly, and relieve pain. Orthotics are fitted by physicians or orthotists and, in many cases, are reimbursable by health insurance.

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

For severe foot conditions and certain post-treatment situations, orthopedic shoes remain indispensable. But for the vast majority of people who need orthopedic support, custom insoles offer a more flexible, everyday-friendly solution—provided you pair them with the right shoes.

If you’re willing to pay attention to a few technical criteria when buying shoes, you’ll gain significant style freedom. Instead of being limited to a single prescribed model, dozens of options suddenly open up—for the office, a Sunday stroll, or evening wear. Great support and great looks aren’t mutually exclusive. You just need to know how to combine both.

With the right insole in any shoe—this is modern foot support

Anyone who wears orthopedic 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, checks several boxes at once.

GIESSWEIN: Removable insole as standard

In every Giesswein shoe, the insole can be removed—so you can easily insert orthopedic insoles or custom footbeds, even if they’re not from Giesswein. That might sound obvious, but it’s far from standard: many fashion shoes have glued-in footbeds that make personalized support virtually impossible.

Soft upper with no pressure points

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

Merino Runners

Whether for everyday wear or travel, Merino Runners bring a new dimension of comfort to your life. The premium merino upper is breathable and temperature regulating—so your feet feel fresh and dry all day. The removable GIESSWEIN interchangeable footbed with a merino layer provides stability and swaps effortlessly for your orthopedic insoles. Super light, pleasantly cushioned, and even a joy to wear barefoot: this wool sneaker gently hugs your foot and avoids pressure points. In width G, it’s ideal for average feet and keeps you moving comfortably and casually 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 zones—ideal for sensitive areas like hallux valgus. 360° merino wool keeps the climate balanced, while the innovative, ultra-light EVA sole provides pleasant cushioning. The interchangeable footbed stabilizes your gait and swaps for your insoles in seconds. Easy to care for, thoughtfully sustainable, and in width G suitable for normal to wider feet: this sneaker combines modern design, gentle support, and a comfortable barefoot feel in impressive fashion.

Merino Wool Knit Women
Merino Wool Knit Men

What do our customers say?

The Merino Runners WOMEN merino-wool sneakers are featherlight and very comfortable to wear. The color is exactly as shown in the catalog—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 ★★★★★