Custom Orthotics: Everything You Need to Know

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices worn inside your shoes. They are designed from a mould or scan of your feet to correct specific biomechanical problems, redistribute pressure, and support the structures of your foot.

Unlike generic drugstore insoles, custom orthotics are built to match the unique contours of your feet and address your individual diagnosis. They are prescribed by a chiropodist after a thorough biomechanical and gait assessment.

Learn more on our custom orthotics service page.

This is one of the most common questions patients ask. Here is how the two compare:

Custom orthotics:

• Prescribed based on a clinical assessment and gait analysis
• Made from a 3D mould or digital scan of your feet
• Address specific biomechanical issues (overpronation, supination, leg length discrepancy)
• Made from durable medical-grade materials
• Typically last 2 to 5 years with proper care
• Covered by many extended health insurance plans in Ontario

Store-bought insoles:

• One-size or limited-size options
• Provide general cushioning and arch support
• Do not correct biomechanical issues
• May wear out within a few months
• Lower upfront cost but no insurance coverage

Store-bought insoles can be helpful for mild discomfort, but if you have a diagnosed condition like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or bunions, custom orthotics are the clinical standard of care.

Custom orthotics can help a wide range of patients. Common conditions treated with orthotics include:

• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain — orthotics support the arch and reduce strain on the plantar fascia
• Flat feet — orthotics provide the arch support your feet are missing
• Bunions — orthotics slow progression and redistribute pressure away from the big toe joint
• Metatarsalgia (ball of foot pain) — metatarsal pads and offloading features reduce pressure
• Knee, hip, and lower back pain — biomechanical foot issues can cause pain higher in the body
• Diabetic foot care — accommodative orthotics protect against pressure ulcers for patients with diabetes
• Children with foot concerns — in-toeing, flat feet, or growing pains
• Athletes and active individuals — sport-specific orthotics improve alignment and reduce injury risk

If you are unsure whether orthotics are right for you, read our related article: Do I Need Custom Orthotics?

At Foot Forward Clinic, the orthotics process follows these steps:

Step 1 — Biomechanical assessment: Your chiropodist examines your feet, ankles, and lower limbs. This includes checking joint range of motion, muscle strength, and foot posture.

Step 2 — Gait analysis: You will walk so your chiropodist can observe your stride, foot strike pattern, and any compensatory movements.

Step 3 — Foot moulding or scanning: A precise impression of your feet is captured using a plaster cast, foam box, or 3D digital scanner.

Step 4 — Prescription design: Your chiropodist writes a detailed prescription specifying the type of orthotic, materials, corrections, and any additional features (such as metatarsal pads or heel lifts).

Step 5 — Fabrication: Your orthotics are manufactured at a certified orthotic laboratory. This typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Step 6 — Fitting and adjustment: You return to try your orthotics. Your chiropodist checks the fit, makes any adjustments, and provides instructions for the break-in period.

Learn more about what to expect at your first chiropody visit.

Custom orthotics in Ontario typically cost between $400 and $600 per pair. The cost includes the biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, casting or scanning, fabrication, fitting, and any follow-up adjustments.

Insurance coverage: Most extended health benefit plans in Ontario cover custom orthotics. Coverage amounts vary by plan but commonly range from $300 to $500 per year or per insured person. Some plans require a prescription from a chiropodist or physician.

Tips for maximizing your coverage:

• Check your plan details before your appointment — know your annual maximum, whether a referral or prescription is required, and any preferred provider restrictions
• If your plan resets annually, time your appointments to maximize benefits across plan years
• Ask our team for a detailed receipt with the codes your insurance company needs for reimbursement

OHIP does not cover custom orthotics, but chiropody assessments may be partially covered for eligible patients.

Proper care extends the life of your orthotics:

• Remove them from your shoes at the end of the day to allow them to air out
• Wipe them with a damp cloth periodically — avoid soaking or submerging them
• Replace worn top covers as needed (your chiropodist can do this at a fraction of the cost of new orthotics)
• Bring your orthotics to follow-up appointments so your chiropodist can assess wear patterns
• If your orthotics start feeling uncomfortable or less supportive, book a reassessment — your feet may have changed

Custom orthotics typically last 2 to 5 years depending on your activity level and the materials used. Shockwave therapy can complement orthotics for stubborn conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Book your orthotics assessment at Foot Forward Clinic in Vaughan, or call (647) 689-7533.