Frequently asked questions about orthotics and our store's procedures:

What exactly is an 'Orthotic Insole'?

An 'orthotic insole' is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many 'biomechanical' (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotic Insoles or shoe insoles re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function. In turn this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body.

In addition, orthotic insole give a more even weight distribution, taking pressure of sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions etc) and they provide some shock absorption.

Who needs Orthotic Insoles?

Orthotic Insoles benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to walking imbalance (biomechanical complaint). Imbalances such as Flat feet, heel pain, knee pain and shin pain are known to cause pain and discomfort.

Can you wear the Orthotic Insoles during all daily activities?

• People who stand or walk all day will benefit from Orthotic Insoles.
• If you suffer from pain during any form of sporting exercise then Orthotic Insoles can reduce the pain associated with your condition.
• For overweight individuals, shoe insoles will help to counteract the extra stress being placed on the feet.

What specific conditions may be helped?

Below is a list of all the conditions that Orthotic Insoles can help:

• Achilles Tendonitis, Corns, Metatarsalgia, Sesamoiditis, Ankle Sprains, Flat Feet, Neuroma, Tendonitis, Arch Pain,
• Heel Pain, Pronation*, supination*, Top of the foot pain, Bunions, Knee Pain, Shin Pain, Toe Pain
• Imbalance in your feet can alter the bony structure of your feet and lower legs, foot orthotics may eliminate posture problems and foot and leg pain.
• *Excessive pronation or supination causes many problems with the feet, legs, knees and hips. Orthotics may prevent injury or deformity from occurring or halt the progression of existing problems and allow healing to occur.

Note: These custom made orthotics are not intended for use by people with severe foot deformities, people with ulcers of the feet, or people that have a history of neuropathy of the feet. Please see your podiatrist for prescription only orthotics.

Why do I need Orthotic Insoles?

Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion (over pronation). This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs and sometimes affects the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotic Insoles help to improve those structural changes.

What type of Custom Made Orthotics do you recommend?

Both support and comfort are a factor. Please use our Orthotic Selector Tool for recommendations based on your activity level.

Where can I get Shoes for Orthotics?

At the Orthotic Shop. We carry a wide selection of comfort shoes that accomodate custom made and prefabricated orthotic insoles. All of the shoes we carry with exception to some sandals / crocs have removable insoles.

If I use Orthotic Insoles, will I become dependent on them?

No. Orthotic Insoles simply allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and lower legs to function at their highest potential.

Does it take time to get used to Orthotic Insoles?

Your feet need time to adjust to the correct biomechanical (walking) position. Orthotics should be gradually used to begin with. During the first 48 hours of use, use the orthotics for approximately 3-4 hours. After this period of time it is recommended you use the orthotics for 6-8 hours. In the second week of use the orthotics can be utilized all day.

How are custom orthoics manufactured?

A scan or reverse mold of your impression is taken once the lab receives your impression kit. Depending on the insole that is selected they are individually machined out of specially tailored densities of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, carbon fiber or a very durable plastic material. We top off this foundation with a variety of topping materials. Each finished insole is hand sanded to fit into the desired shoe.

I know that my right leg is shorter than my left leg by 1/4", can you accommodate this difference?

Yes. Please specify a heel lift on the shorter leg (in this case right) by the amount you need. Please note that this is done as a service to customers. Orthotic Shop LLC does not assume liability for incorrect information provided by a consumer. Our liability is limited to the replacement or refund of the purchase price of the insoles.

Will your product fix flat feet?

No. Flat feet is a condition that cannot be cured without surgery to change the foot's structure. Our product should improve comfort for the vast majority of our customers. When in doubt, please feel free to try our product, we offer a no-hassle 30 day money back warranty. If you have flat feet, be sure to note that you want additional arch support added on the questionnaire that is included in the impression kit.

I received orthotics from my doctor. What is the difference between your custom insoles and the orthotics I received from the doctor?

The answer runs all the way from "not much difference" to "completely different". If you went to the doctor because your feet "hurt" and the doctor did not find anything seriously wrong with your feet, then the our orthotic insoles should perform about the same as the prescriptive device. If you have a medical condition that the doctor was trying to correct using a prescriptive foot orthotic, then our insoles would be a poor substitute. Please see your doctor for a new prescription.

Can you make adjustments to my orthotics if I have a prescription or know what I need?

Yes, we have a list of standard adjustments that we can make. Please review the Orthotic Adjustments and write down what is needed on the questionnaire included in the kit.

Would Orthotic insoles help my diabetic foot treatment?

Our diabetic model would be the proper choice for you. This insole is designed to minimize the risk of pressure points on the undersurface of the foot. Please be aware that the insole is only as good as the shoe it is placed into. Orthotic Shop LLC cannot assume liability for any long term adverse effects of our products on people's feet. Please use good judgement. If you have any ulceration, open wounds, discomfort or discoloration of your feet, please seek immediate medical attention. Diabetes is a serious medical condition and all suffers should be under a doctor's supervision.

Will my insurance cover the cost of my insoles?

Check with your provider. If you have a health savings plan or a consumer driven health plan those should cover the cost of the custom insoles.

I have EEEE width feet, can you make an insole to match?

Yes we can. However, you must have shoes of the proper width. This is one of the reasons that we ask you to make a tracing of the removable insole from the shoe you wish to use your insole in.

Can I wash the insoles?

The insoles can be machine washed cold, however we suggest hand washing cold as the topping materials often become tattered in the machine. Do not place them in a heated dryer! Air dry the insoles.

Are your prices per-pair?

Yes, you get an Orthotic for both your left and right foot at our listed prices.

Where can I find the instructions on how to take my foot impression?

Impression insturctions can be found here.

What are the details of your orthotics guarantee?

You have up to 30-days upon reciept of the finished Orthotics to determine if you are satisfied. If you are not satisfied with the fit of your orthotics, we will attempt to correct the fit by either modifying the orthotics or by remaking them. If you are still not satisfied after you receive the fixed / remade insoles, we will refund your money after you return the orthotics to us.

What shipping method do you use?

Depends on the item. Most things ship either FedEx or USPS.

How do I return something?

Please fill out the Return Form.

What if I have another question?

Please check our support desk's knowledgebase or fill out a support ticket.