Darco OrthoWedge Post-Op Shoes

After forefoot surgery, bunionectomy, or a metatarsal procedure, the goal is to keep weight off the front of the foot while the surgical site heals. The Darco OrthoWedge post-op shoe is built to do exactly that. Its distinctive wedge sole slopes downward from heel to toe, shifting your body weight toward the heel and effectively offloading pressure from the forefoot with every step you take.

The version stocked here is the Darco OrthoWedge in black, sized Large for unisex wear — fitting roughly a women's 9½ to 11 or a men's 8½ to 10 (item OQ3B). The open sandal-style upper accommodates bulky post-surgical dressings, bandages, and swelling, while adjustable straps let you loosen or tighten the fit as inflammation changes through recovery.

A common question from patients is whether the wedge design feels unstable. The rigid sole is intentional: it prevents the toe from bending and protects healing bones and soft tissue, but it does change your gait, so most surgeons recommend moving carefully and using a rail or assistive device on stairs during the first days of use. Wearing the shoe as directed — including at night if instructed — is what keeps pressure off the toes when you're most likely to forget.

Choosing the right size matters for offloading to work correctly; your foot should sit fully on the footbed without the toes hanging past the front edge. If you're outfitting a clinic or need a different fit, the OrthoWedge also comes in other sizes within our post-op footwear range.

Explore related recovery footwear and support in our Post-Op Shoes collection, or browse the broader Orthopedic Soft Goods category for additional post-surgical bracing and supports.