A footwear construction incorporates an orthotic device 1 within the upper. This device 1 is received and locked by corresponding male and female elements 6 in both the device 1 and the sole cavity 5. The orthotic device 1 may be a multi-density orthotic device, and can be encapsulated within the upper component of the footwear. The orthotic can be ergonomically engineered, specific to an individual style, and can be provided with a tailored fit to the internal dimensions and shape of each individual style, critically in the heel area. The footwear construction can utilise an ergonomically contoured toe-off zone to allow unrestricted and correct toe action during the gait cycle. An alternative aspect provides a footwear construction which uses multi-density moulding to build crumple and soft zones into specific areas of an orthotic device, correctly positioned, to provide alignment of the foot during the gait cycle.
