I am supposed to wear them most of the time that I’m actively moving. They work with “closed” shoes, like running/walking shoes, I suppose with boots, later in the season. I’m cheating some, though. I wear the orthotics when I walk for exercise, of course, or when I know that I’ll be on my feet a lot, as in extended shopping runs. However, living in nice, steamy, hot SC, I still wear sandal-type shoes for short errands, for style, for vanity, for ventilation! I have already seen a marked improvement even with the limited use of the orthotic inserts, so as long as I don’t hurt, I’ll play it by ear how many hours each day I use them. One pair only, so far. Still waiting on the invoice! Perhaps I’ll spring for a second pair, depending on the financial pain. Until then I’ll move them around between different shoes as necessary.