orthotic

1 of 2

adjective

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 2

noun

plural orthotics

: orthosis

Doctors made us aware of the scoliosis forming and a need for orthotics that would improve his spine.

—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

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

… the fabric-covered orthotic provides arch support so you tire less easily.

—Maggie Spilner

Examples of orthotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Adjust your fit with the sporty lace-up closure, and take advantage of the shoes’ orthotic insoles that support the arch to keep foot fatigue at bay. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

There is no secret except maybe an orthotic insert, but my back sometimes suffers. —Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

Noun

The team foresees further applications in orthotics and gripping tools as the research progresses, pushing programmable materials closer to everyday use. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025

And because the shoes have a removable insole, people with custom orthotics can enjoy them, too. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin orthosis

First Known Use

Adjective

1955, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1981, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for orthotic

• actinic
• agnatic
• bailiwick
• bolshevik
• candlestick
• chloritic
• deontic
• firebrick
• herpetic
• judaic
• lunatic
• politic

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

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

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

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

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