or·thot·ic
ȯr-ˈthä-tik 
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 
Examples of orthotic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebMerrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2024
The removable orthotic insert is made with a plush EVA foam created by a podiatrist to offer the perfect balance of support and cushioning.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
Clarks Women’s Ashland Bubble Loafers Combining the styles of both a loafer and a ballet flat, these practical and supportive Clarks shoes are designed with a 100 percent leather exterior and a comfy orthotic footbed that's well-suited for anyone expecting to spend extended hours on their feet.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2023
Designed by podiatrists, Vionic shoes are ultra-supportive with a rubber sole and orthotic insole for arch and heel support.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2023
Designed by Vionic, a brand that specializes in orthotic shoes, the Amber design specifically has a soft, cushioned footbed that's wrapped in micro-fiber to provide extra comfort as well as excellent arch support and stability.
—Annie O’Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023
The outstanding orthotic support here makes these a prime choice for style and function.
—Maverick Li, Men's Health, 2 Aug. 2023
Our top picks: The experts and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test everything from joint supplements for knee pain and cartilage support to handy gear for your feet like compression socks and orthotic insoles.
—Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023
All of the shoes from this brand are designed with its signature Three-Zone Comfort construction, which includes orthotic insoles with arch support, full-foot cushioning, and stability that helps relieve pain in anyone with flat feet, high arches, bunions, heel spurs, and lower back issues.
—Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2023
Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
In 1994, Perkins’ father, an orthotics specialist, created the company, which also offers patient care.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024
Sensing some hesitation, Bryan Rumsey, a specialist in prosthetics and orthotics, encouraged him with lyrics from a Christmas song.
—Edgar Sandoval, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2024
The enhanced precision offered by the new imaging is especially promising for areas of study that include foot differences, the use of orthotics, and longitudinal outcomes of surgical interventions.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2023
That thick, cushioned sole is responsive to your steps and provides arch support that’s similar to an orthotic.
—Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2023
These are the best find without having to wear my orthotics.
—Jasmine Gomez, Women's Health, 28 June 2023
The new Barbie wears a pink ankle foot orthotics to match her dress and her sneakers feature a zipper to represent children with Down syndrome, some of whom use orthotics to support their feet and ankles.
—Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 25 Apr. 2023
The extra-wide toe box on the 806 sneaker makes these the best bet for women with wider feet or for those who wear particular orthotics.
—Cortne Bonilla, Harper's BAZAAR, 23 June 2023
Adjective
The iconic Converse sneakers are comfortable for all-day wear, and are made with an orthotic footbed which only further contributes to their value as a travel shoe.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2024
The removable orthotic insert is made with a plush EVA foam created by a podiatrist to offer the perfect balance of support and cushioning.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2023
Clarks Women’s Ashland Bubble Loafers Combining the styles of both a loafer and a ballet flat, these practical and supportive Clarks shoes are designed with a 100 percent leather exterior and a comfy orthotic footbed that's well-suited for anyone expecting to spend extended hours on their feet.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2023
Designed by podiatrists, Vionic shoes are ultra-supportive with a rubber sole and orthotic insole for arch and heel support.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2023
Designed by Vionic, a brand that specializes in orthotic shoes, the Amber design specifically has a soft, cushioned footbed that's wrapped in micro-fiber to provide extra comfort as well as excellent arch support and stability.
—Annie O’Sullivan, Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023
The outstanding orthotic support here makes these a prime choice for style and function.
—Maverick Li, Men's Health, 2 Aug. 2023
Our top picks: The experts and product analysts at the Good Housekeeping Institute test everything from joint supplements for knee pain and cartilage support to handy gear for your feet like compression socks and orthotic insoles.
—Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023
All of the shoes from this brand are designed with its signature Three-Zone Comfort construction, which includes orthotic insoles with arch support, full-foot cushioning, and stability that helps relieve pain in anyone with flat feet, high arches, bunions, heel spurs, and lower back issues.
—Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2023
Noun
Anastasi says that wearing orthotics or arch supports in one's shoes may also help reduce the amount of stress on the area and can further help with healing.
—Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024
In 1994, Perkins’ father, an orthotics specialist, created the company, which also offers patient care.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 31 Jan. 2024
Sensing some hesitation, Bryan Rumsey, a specialist in prosthetics and orthotics, encouraged him with lyrics from a Christmas song.
—Edgar Sandoval, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2024
The enhanced precision offered by the new imaging is especially promising for areas of study that include foot differences, the use of orthotics, and longitudinal outcomes of surgical interventions.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2023
That thick, cushioned sole is responsive to your steps and provides arch support that’s similar to an orthotic.
—Kristine Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2023
These are the best find without having to wear my orthotics.
—Jasmine Gomez, Women's Health, 28 June 2023
The new Barbie wears a pink ankle foot orthotics to match her dress and her sneakers feature a zipper to represent children with Down syndrome, some of whom use orthotics to support their feet and ankles.
—Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 25 Apr. 2023
The extra-wide toe box on the 806 sneaker makes these the best bet for women with wider feet or for those who wear particular orthotics.
—Cortne Bonilla, Harper's BAZAAR, 23 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orthotic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Dictionary Entries Near orthotic
Cite this Entry
“Orthotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthotic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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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 2 noun
: 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 Love words? Need even more definitions?
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