Are new special oversized shoes required by prescribed orthotic device deductable.

[samoroy]

I am thinking since "you gotta wear shoes" that new shoes would qualify but not replacements for worn out shoes.

[MichaelMc · Accepted solution]

You may be able to deduct part of the cost of the shoes, if the special shoes cost more than a similar shoe that would not accept the orthotic device.

The best guidance on this issue comes from IRS Pub. 502 Medical and Dental Expenses:

"You can't include in medical expenses the cost of an item ordinarily used for personal, living, or family purposes unless it is used primarily to prevent or alleviate a physical or mental defect or illness. For example, the cost of a toothbrush and toothpaste is a nondeductible personal expense.

In order to accommodate an individual with a physical defect, you may have to purchase an item ordinarily used as a personal, living, or family item in a special form. You can include the excess of the cost of the item in a special form over the cost of the item in normal form as a medical expense."