HSA/FSA
Are Orthopedic Shoes & Inserts HSA & FSA Eligible?
Step into comfort and support with our guide to orthopedic shoes. Learn about what footwear options are available and how to pay for them with your HSA or FSA.
Last updated: December 15, 2025
Teddy Butz
Director of Product & Partner Marketing
Overview
Overview
Overview
🚀 Fast Facts: How to buy orthopedics with your HSA/FSA
Orthopedics can be covered by your HSA/FSA funds
To qualify, they need to be for a specific medical condition, and sometimes require an LMN
The easiest way to buy orthotics is from an HSA/FSA-eligible shop online
Foot pain, mobility issues, and chronic conditions can make everyday movement uncomfortable. Orthopedic shoes are often recommended to help relieve pain, improve alignment, and support long-term foot health. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to use those funds to cover the cost, saving you money while addressing a medical need.
This guide explains when orthopedic shoes qualify for HSA and FSA use, what documentation may be required, and how to purchase eligible footwear with confidence. In this article, we’ll cover:
8 medical conditions that qualify orthopedic shoes to be HSA/FSA-eligible
How to buy orthopedic shoes and insoles using your HSA/FSA funds
5 HSA & FSA approved orthotic shoes and insoles you can buy using your plan directly
Understanding eligibility rules is the first step to using your HSA or FSA funds correctly. Let’s start by breaking down when orthopedic shoes, inserts, and insoles qualify under IRS guidelines.
Are orthopedic shoes HSA and FSA eligible?
Orthopedic shoes can qualify for HSA and FSA use when they are prescribed or recommended to treat, manage, or prevent a diagnosed medical condition. Eligibility depends on the footwear serving a medical purpose, such as improving alignment or reducing pain, rather than daily comfort or casual wear.
That said, orthopedic shoes are not automatically eligible in every situation. If the footwear is purchased for general support, casual walking, or workplace comfort without a documented medical condition, it is typically considered a personal expense. Eligibility depends on whether the shoes are recommended to help manage symptoms, correct alignment, or reduce pain tied to a medical diagnosis.
In many cases, eligibility is tied to how specialized the shoes are. Prescription orthopedic shoes, custom-molded footwear, or medically directed orthotics are far easier to justify as qualified medical expenses. Some over-the-counter orthopedic shoes may also qualify when they are used to treat a condition such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or diabetic foot complications, though documentation is often required (which we’ll get to in a bit).
Are orthopedic shoe inserts and insoles HSA/FSA eligible?
Orthopedic shoe inserts and insoles are often HSA and FSA eligible because they are recognized by the IRS as medical devices that help support or correct foot structure. Arch supports, heel cups, and custom orthotics may qualify when used to relieve pain, improve gait, or support treatment for a diagnosed condition.
Custom orthotic inserts prescribed by a podiatrist or other qualified medical professional are almost always eligible. Many pre-fabricated insoles sold over the counter can also qualify, particularly when they are labeled as medical-grade or designed to treat specific conditions like overpronation, flat feet, or heel pain. As with orthopedic shoes, keeping a diagnosis or provider recommendation on file helps avoid issues if your purchase is ever reviewed.
Do you always need a Letter of Medical Necessity to buy orthotics with your HSA/FSA?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is not required in every situation, but it is often the deciding factor for eligibility. Custom orthotics and prescription orthopedic shoes typically require an LMN, since they are closely tied to individualized treatment. For some over-the-counter insoles or orthopedic footwear, you may be able to purchase them without submitting documentation at checkout.
However, many HSA and FSA administrators require an LMN to approve reimbursement or confirm eligibility, especially when the product could be seen as dual-purpose. An LMN connects the purchase directly to a medical condition and explains how the orthotics support treatment. Having one prepared in advance can make both direct purchases and reimbursement claims smoother and help ensure your expense qualifies under plan rules.
8 medical conditions that qualify orthopedic shoes to be HSA/FSA-eligible
Below are common medical conditions that are commonly eligible to be purchased using your HSA/FSA funds, especially when a healthcare provider documents the need.
Plantar Fasciitis and chronic heel pain: Orthopedic shoes may help reduce strain on the plantar fascia and improve shock absorption, which can ease ongoing heel and arch discomfort.
Flat feet or high arches: Structural foot conditions often require specialized support to improve alignment and distribute pressure more evenly during walking or standing.
Arthritis and joint degeneration: Footwear may be recommended to reduce joint stress, improve stability, and support mobility for individuals with osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
Overpronation or gait abnormalities: Orthopedic shoes can help correct walking patterns that contribute to pain in the feet, knees, hips, or lower back.
Diabetic foot conditions: People with diabetes may need orthopedic shoes to protect sensitive areas, reduce pressure points, and lower the risk of ulcers or nerve-related complications.
Neuropathy: Nerve damage that affects sensation in the feet can make supportive footwear necessary for stability and injury prevention.
Post-surgical or injury recovery: Orthopedic shoes may be part of a recovery plan after fractures, tendon injuries, or foot and ankle procedures to support healing and mobility.
Balance and mobility disorders: Conditions that affect coordination or stability may require orthopedic footwear to help reduce fall risk and improve walking support.
Eligibility depends on how clearly the orthopedic shoes are tied to medical care. A diagnosis or provider recommendation helps establish that connection and supports approval under HSA and FSA rules.
How to buy orthopedic shoes and insoles using your HSA/FSA funds
Once you know orthopedic shoes qualify as a medical expense, the next step is understanding how to pay for them using your HSA or FSA. Depending on where you shop and how your plan works, you can either use your benefits at checkout or pay upfront and request reimbursement later.
Both options can work well when eligibility is clear and documentation is ready.
1. Pay with your HSA/FSA directly at checkout
Paying directly with your HSA or FSA card is often the simplest option. Many online shops and medical supply retailers clearly label orthopedic shoes and orthotic insoles as HSA or FSA eligible. When you shop through these platforms, eligible items are typically pre-approved, and some retailers are even set up so you can use your HSA/FSA card at checkout without additional steps.
To simplify the process, find brands that accept HSA/FSA payments through the Flex Marketplace to find retailers that offer HSA/FSA eligible orthopedic shoes. This way, you can quickly, easily, and conveniently find the items you need.
2. Make a reimbursement claim
If you pay out of pocket, you can often request reimbursement from your HSA/FSA provider later. This method is common when buying orthopedic shoes from general footwear brands or local specialty stores that do not accept HSA or FSA cards directly. To submit a claim, you typically need an itemized receipt and, in many cases, a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare provider.
Reimbursement timelines vary by plan, and approval depends on how clearly the purchase qualifies as medical care. Submitting complete documentation helps reduce the risk of delays or denials. For FSA accounts in particular, it’s important to track deadlines, since unused funds may expire at the end of the plan year.
5 HSA & FSA approved orthotic shoes and insoles you can buy using your plan directly
When shopping for orthopedic footwear and support, choosing brands that clearly offer products eligible for HSA and FSA use can save you time and hassle. Below are five notable companies that provide therapeutic footwear, supportive insoles, or foot health solutions that align with medical needs and can often be purchased using HSA or FSA benefits.
Product | Description |
 | FitMyFoot specializes in custom 3D-printed insoles designed from a scan of your feet taken with a smartphone. Their insoles aim to relieve discomfort related to conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and general heel or arch pain by providing tailored support that improves alignment and comfort. |
 | Kizik produces hands-free slip-on shoes that are often promoted for their convenience and supportive design, catering to people with mobility and flexibility limitations. Their shoes can benefit people with mobility or flexibility limitations, making them an accessible option for individuals needing therapeutic footwear that supports daily activity and reduces strain. |
 | Andiem focuses on performance footwear and support, designed to enhance balance and reduce the risk of ankle injury. While primarily marketed as athletic support shoes, the stability and proprioceptive features they offer may be medically relevant for individuals managing specific foot or lower-limb stability concerns that overlap with rehabilitation recommendations. |
 | Though Paingone is primarily known for drug-free pain relief devices that use TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) technology to target discomfort in areas like feet, legs, and joints, many products in its lineup are eligible for purchase with HSA or FSA funds as therapeutic medical devices. |
 | BYEBUNS offers a foot wellness kit focused on addressing common structural and alignment issues such as bunions, flat feet, and general foot discomfort. Their kits typically include toe spacers, resistance bands, and massage tools designed to promote better alignment, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.. |
All of these brands offer solutions that address aspects of foot health and mobility, and with proper documentation and guidance from a healthcare provider, many of their products can be purchased using HSA or FSA funds. Always check with your specific plan administrator to confirm eligibility before completing your purchase.
Summary
Orthopedic shoes and supportive foot products can qualify for HSA and FSA use when they are tied to a medical need, such as chronic foot pain, joint conditions, diabetes-related complications, or recovery from injury or surgery. Eligibility depends on how clearly the footwear or orthotic supports treatment, and in many cases, a diagnosis or Letter of Medical Necessity helps confirm that connection. Inserts and insoles are often easier to qualify, especially when they are medical-grade or custom-made.
To use your benefits smoothly, it helps to understand your payment options and shop with brands that clearly communicate HSA and FSA eligibility. You can browse HSA/FSA-eligible items in the Flex Marketplace, and then checkout conveniently online without any hassle.
🚀 Fast Facts: How to buy orthopedics with your HSA/FSA
Orthopedics can be covered by your HSA/FSA funds
To qualify, they need to be for a specific medical condition, and sometimes require an LMN
The easiest way to buy orthotics is from an HSA/FSA-eligible shop online
Foot pain, mobility issues, and chronic conditions can make everyday movement uncomfortable. Orthopedic shoes are often recommended to help relieve pain, improve alignment, and support long-term foot health. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to use those funds to cover the cost, saving you money while addressing a medical need.
This guide explains when orthopedic shoes qualify for HSA and FSA use, what documentation may be required, and how to purchase eligible footwear with confidence. In this article, we’ll cover:
8 medical conditions that qualify orthopedic shoes to be HSA/FSA-eligible
How to buy orthopedic shoes and insoles using your HSA/FSA funds
5 HSA & FSA approved orthotic shoes and insoles you can buy using your plan directly
Understanding eligibility rules is the first step to using your HSA or FSA funds correctly. Let’s start by breaking down when orthopedic shoes, inserts, and insoles qualify under IRS guidelines.
Are orthopedic shoes HSA and FSA eligible?
Orthopedic shoes can qualify for HSA and FSA use when they are prescribed or recommended to treat, manage, or prevent a diagnosed medical condition. Eligibility depends on the footwear serving a medical purpose, such as improving alignment or reducing pain, rather than daily comfort or casual wear.
That said, orthopedic shoes are not automatically eligible in every situation. If the footwear is purchased for general support, casual walking, or workplace comfort without a documented medical condition, it is typically considered a personal expense. Eligibility depends on whether the shoes are recommended to help manage symptoms, correct alignment, or reduce pain tied to a medical diagnosis.
In many cases, eligibility is tied to how specialized the shoes are. Prescription orthopedic shoes, custom-molded footwear, or medically directed orthotics are far easier to justify as qualified medical expenses. Some over-the-counter orthopedic shoes may also qualify when they are used to treat a condition such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or diabetic foot complications, though documentation is often required (which we’ll get to in a bit).
Are orthopedic shoe inserts and insoles HSA/FSA eligible?
Orthopedic shoe inserts and insoles are often HSA and FSA eligible because they are recognized by the IRS as medical devices that help support or correct foot structure. Arch supports, heel cups, and custom orthotics may qualify when used to relieve pain, improve gait, or support treatment for a diagnosed condition.
Custom orthotic inserts prescribed by a podiatrist or other qualified medical professional are almost always eligible. Many pre-fabricated insoles sold over the counter can also qualify, particularly when they are labeled as medical-grade or designed to treat specific conditions like overpronation, flat feet, or heel pain. As with orthopedic shoes, keeping a diagnosis or provider recommendation on file helps avoid issues if your purchase is ever reviewed.
Do you always need a Letter of Medical Necessity to buy orthotics with your HSA/FSA?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is not required in every situation, but it is often the deciding factor for eligibility. Custom orthotics and prescription orthopedic shoes typically require an LMN, since they are closely tied to individualized treatment. For some over-the-counter insoles or orthopedic footwear, you may be able to purchase them without submitting documentation at checkout.
However, many HSA and FSA administrators require an LMN to approve reimbursement or confirm eligibility, especially when the product could be seen as dual-purpose. An LMN connects the purchase directly to a medical condition and explains how the orthotics support treatment. Having one prepared in advance can make both direct purchases and reimbursement claims smoother and help ensure your expense qualifies under plan rules.
8 medical conditions that qualify orthopedic shoes to be HSA/FSA-eligible
Below are common medical conditions that are commonly eligible to be purchased using your HSA/FSA funds, especially when a healthcare provider documents the need.
Plantar Fasciitis and chronic heel pain: Orthopedic shoes may help reduce strain on the plantar fascia and improve shock absorption, which can ease ongoing heel and arch discomfort.
Flat feet or high arches: Structural foot conditions often require specialized support to improve alignment and distribute pressure more evenly during walking or standing.
Arthritis and joint degeneration: Footwear may be recommended to reduce joint stress, improve stability, and support mobility for individuals with osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
Overpronation or gait abnormalities: Orthopedic shoes can help correct walking patterns that contribute to pain in the feet, knees, hips, or lower back.
Diabetic foot conditions: People with diabetes may need orthopedic shoes to protect sensitive areas, reduce pressure points, and lower the risk of ulcers or nerve-related complications.
Neuropathy: Nerve damage that affects sensation in the feet can make supportive footwear necessary for stability and injury prevention.
Post-surgical or injury recovery: Orthopedic shoes may be part of a recovery plan after fractures, tendon injuries, or foot and ankle procedures to support healing and mobility.
Balance and mobility disorders: Conditions that affect coordination or stability may require orthopedic footwear to help reduce fall risk and improve walking support.
Eligibility depends on how clearly the orthopedic shoes are tied to medical care. A diagnosis or provider recommendation helps establish that connection and supports approval under HSA and FSA rules.
How to buy orthopedic shoes and insoles using your HSA/FSA funds
Once you know orthopedic shoes qualify as a medical expense, the next step is understanding how to pay for them using your HSA or FSA. Depending on where you shop and how your plan works, you can either use your benefits at checkout or pay upfront and request reimbursement later.
Both options can work well when eligibility is clear and documentation is ready.
1. Pay with your HSA/FSA directly at checkout
Paying directly with your HSA or FSA card is often the simplest option. Many online shops and medical supply retailers clearly label orthopedic shoes and orthotic insoles as HSA or FSA eligible. When you shop through these platforms, eligible items are typically pre-approved, and some retailers are even set up so you can use your HSA/FSA card at checkout without additional steps.
To simplify the process, find brands that accept HSA/FSA payments through the Flex Marketplace to find retailers that offer HSA/FSA eligible orthopedic shoes. This way, you can quickly, easily, and conveniently find the items you need.
2. Make a reimbursement claim
If you pay out of pocket, you can often request reimbursement from your HSA/FSA provider later. This method is common when buying orthopedic shoes from general footwear brands or local specialty stores that do not accept HSA or FSA cards directly. To submit a claim, you typically need an itemized receipt and, in many cases, a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare provider.
Reimbursement timelines vary by plan, and approval depends on how clearly the purchase qualifies as medical care. Submitting complete documentation helps reduce the risk of delays or denials. For FSA accounts in particular, it’s important to track deadlines, since unused funds may expire at the end of the plan year.
5 HSA & FSA approved orthotic shoes and insoles you can buy using your plan directly
When shopping for orthopedic footwear and support, choosing brands that clearly offer products eligible for HSA and FSA use can save you time and hassle. Below are five notable companies that provide therapeutic footwear, supportive insoles, or foot health solutions that align with medical needs and can often be purchased using HSA or FSA benefits.
Product | Description |
| FitMyFoot specializes in custom 3D-printed insoles designed from a scan of your feet taken with a smartphone. Their insoles aim to relieve discomfort related to conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and general heel or arch pain by providing tailored support that improves alignment and comfort. |
| Kizik produces hands-free slip-on shoes that are often promoted for their convenience and supportive design, catering to people with mobility and flexibility limitations. Their shoes can benefit people with mobility or flexibility limitations, making them an accessible option for individuals needing therapeutic footwear that supports daily activity and reduces strain. |
| Andiem focuses on performance footwear and support, designed to enhance balance and reduce the risk of ankle injury. While primarily marketed as athletic support shoes, the stability and proprioceptive features they offer may be medically relevant for individuals managing specific foot or lower-limb stability concerns that overlap with rehabilitation recommendations. |
| Though Paingone is primarily known for drug-free pain relief devices that use TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) technology to target discomfort in areas like feet, legs, and joints, many products in its lineup are eligible for purchase with HSA or FSA funds as therapeutic medical devices. |
| BYEBUNS offers a foot wellness kit focused on addressing common structural and alignment issues such as bunions, flat feet, and general foot discomfort. Their kits typically include toe spacers, resistance bands, and massage tools designed to promote better alignment, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.. |
All of these brands offer solutions that address aspects of foot health and mobility, and with proper documentation and guidance from a healthcare provider, many of their products can be purchased using HSA or FSA funds. Always check with your specific plan administrator to confirm eligibility before completing your purchase.
Summary
Orthopedic shoes and supportive foot products can qualify for HSA and FSA use when they are tied to a medical need, such as chronic foot pain, joint conditions, diabetes-related complications, or recovery from injury or surgery. Eligibility depends on how clearly the footwear or orthotic supports treatment, and in many cases, a diagnosis or Letter of Medical Necessity helps confirm that connection. Inserts and insoles are often easier to qualify, especially when they are medical-grade or custom-made.
To use your benefits smoothly, it helps to understand your payment options and shop with brands that clearly communicate HSA and FSA eligibility. You can browse HSA/FSA-eligible items in the Flex Marketplace, and then checkout conveniently online without any hassle.
Flex is the easiest way for direct to consumer brands and retailers to accept HSA/FSA for their products. From fitness and nutrition, to sleep and mental health, Flex takes a holistic view of healthcare and enables consumers to use their pre-tax money to do the same.