Abstract: A shoe with an integral orthotic or propulsion plate is provided that includes a shoe defining an upper and a sole, and an orthotic or propulsion plate positioned between the upper of the shoe and the sole of the shoe. The orthotic or propulsion plate defines a toe platform region, a longitudinal arch pad region, and a heel region. In the absence of an applied force to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate and with the sole of the shoe resting on a horizontal surface, the orthotic or propulsion plate bows upward in the longitudinal arch pad region relative to the toe platform region and the heel region. In response to a force being applied to the top surface of the orthotic or propulsion plate, the bowed longitudinal arch pad region flexes downward relative to the toe pad region and the heel region to load a first preload force in the orthotic or propulsion plate.

Abstract: A foot orthotic comprising: a toe platform, the toe platform comprising a toe, sulcus, and ball; a longitudinal arch pad in communication with the toe platform; a heel cup in communication with the longitudinal arch pad, the heel cup comprising a heel; where the orthotic is made from a flexible material, and where in order to form an angle ? that is greater than 0° between the toe platform and the remainder of the orthotic, a pre-load pressure P is required.