What key consideration should be made when fitting orthotics for athletes?

When fitting orthotics for athletes, the primary consideration is ensuring adequate support while allowing the individual to perform high-impact movements effectively. Athletes engage in dynamic activities that require a balance between stability and mobility. Orthotics must provide the necessary arch and heel support to prevent injuries and improve performance, while also being designed to accommodate the explosive movements, agility, and range of motion that athletes often need.

Support is essential for maintaining proper alignment and reducing the risk of injuries, such as stress fractures or tendonitis, which can arise from repetitive high-impact activities. At the same time, the orthotics should not restrict the athlete's natural movement patterns, ensuring they can perform optimally in their sport. Thus, the design of the orthotic should strategically support the foot's biomechanics without compromising agility or performance during actions such as sprinting, jumping, and direction changes.

In contrast, other options could detract from the orthotic's primary purpose. While comfort is certainly important, it should not outweigh the necessity of support in high-impact sports. Aesthetic considerations, such as matching uniforms, are less critical compared to functional performance. Finally, while materials used in orthotics are significant, waterproofing is not universally necessary and would depend on the specific sport and environment, making