Two kinds of orthotics
Orthotics are shoe inserts that support the foot and change how pressure is spread across it. The practice offers two kinds. A gait analysis and foot exam show which one fits your feet, your shoes, and your activity.
- PowerStep ProTech prefabricated orthotics, a medical-grade line sold through healthcare providers and fitted in the office: $59 a pair.
- Custom orthotics, prescribed after an exam and made from a cast of your own feet, including sport-specific pairs.
PowerStep ProTech prefabricated orthotics
PowerStep ProTech orthotics are sold through medical providers rather than in stores. They have a semi-rigid arch support and a cushioned heel, and the line comes in several versions so the fit can be matched to your foot:
- Arch height: standard, low, and high arch versions
- Extra control: firmer Control versions with a built-in heel wedge for feet that roll in (overpronation)
- Ball-of-foot support: versions with a built-in metatarsal pad for ball-of-foot pain
- Shoe fit: full-length, 3/4-length, low-profile, and wide versions for different shoes
- Leg length: a version with adjustable heel wedges and lifts
$59 PowerStep ProTech, per pair, self-pay
A prefabricated orthotic is often a good first step, and it can be fitted the same day at any in-person visit.
Custom orthotics
Custom orthotics are made to a prescription written after a gait analysis and foot exam, from a cast of both of your feet. Every kind is available:
- Functional orthotics: firmer shells that guide how the foot moves
- Accommodative orthotics: softer, cushioned designs that take pressure off painful or sensitive areas
- Sport-specific orthotics: built for the shoes and demands of your sport
- Dress and work orthotics: slimmer designs for dress shoes, and durable ones for work boots
Sport-specific custom orthotics
Different sports put different loads on the foot, and different shoes leave different amounts of room. Sport-specific orthotics are designed around both. Common requests include:
- Running and walking shoes
- Court sports: basketball, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball
- Field sports in cleats: soccer, football, baseball, and softball
- Ski boots, skates, and cycling shoes
- Golf shoes and hiking boots
Bring the shoes or boots you use for your sport. See also running injuries.
Custom orthotics for flat feet
For flat feet, a custom orthotic is shaped from a cast of your foot to support the arch, usually with a deep heel cup and, when needed, extra control for a foot that rolls in. It's built around how your feet move on the gait analysis, not around an average foot shape.
Custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis
For plantar fasciitis and heel pain, a custom orthotic is typically designed with a deep heel cup and contoured arch support to reduce strain along the plantar fascia, with cushioning under the heel.
Prefabricated or custom?
A prefabricated orthotic such as PowerStep ProTech is a reasonable place to start for many people. Custom orthotics are worth considering when:
- Store-bought or prefabricated inserts haven't helped after a fair trial
- Your feet are different from each other, or from the average shape
- You need a specific design for a sport, a shoe, or a pressure spot
- You have a recurring problem linked to foot structure or mechanics
- You're very active or on your feet all day (see foot pain from standing)
If the exam shows that a prefabricated orthotic or a shoe change is the better choice, you'll be told.
What the $499 custom package includes
- Gait analysis and foot exam. How you stand and walk, foot structure, alignment, and areas of pressure.
- Casting. An impression of both feet.
- Custom orthotics. Made to the prescription.
- Dispensing visit. Your orthotics are checked in your shoes and fitted.
Insurance and orthotics
Coverage for orthotics varies, and many insurance plans don't cover them. If you plan to use insurance, your coverage is checked before your orthotics are ordered. The self-pay price for the custom package is posted: $499.
What to bring
The shoes you wear most, any sport-specific shoes, cleats, or boots, and any insoles or orthotics you already use.