OVER-THE-COUNTER INSOLES VS CUSTOM ORTHOTICS

Aren't over-the counter insoles good enough? Quick answer – sometimes. They definitely have their place, especially for minor discomfort, but they don’t address the cause of why you want to try them in the first place.

Many people try over-the-counter insoles because their symptoms feel manageable. Perhaps you find yourself thinking, “it’s not that bad”. Maybe your heel only hurts in the morning, your arches only ache after work, or your shins only bother you when you run. So you buy a new pair of shoes or a cushioned insole and find it helps. For some, this is enough.

Even if your pain doesn’t seem serious, it might mean something has changed in how your body moves. If you don’t address the cause of your foot discomfort, it could get worse or even affect your knees, hips, or lower back. What starts as a small problem can turn into ongoing pain, making it harder to stay active or do the things you love.

This is where custom foot orthotics can help. You don’t have to be in severe pain to benefit from them. If your symptoms keep coming back, make daily life harder, or cause you to change how you move, custom orthotics could be a good option.

Aren’t Custom Orthotics Just “Fancier Insoles”?

Custom foot orthotics are medical devices made to support the way you move, not just fit your shoe size. They are created using a detailed 3D scan or mold of your feet and designed by Certified Canadian Pedorthists who are trained to assess your gait, check your range of motion, and perform a full biomechanical exam before making custom foot orthotics.

Custom orthotics don’t mask symptoms. They are designed to address the root cause, so you can move more efficiently, minimize pain and improve comfort.

Here’s how custom orthotics and over-the-counter insoles compare:

	Custom Foot Orthotics	Over-the-counter Insoles
Use	Orthopaedic device made for just for you after a thorough gait analysis	General comfort, cushioning
Fit	Crafted on a 3D mold from a scan taken by Certified Pedorthists	Generic based on shoe size
Support	Tailored shell thickness, material, heel posting, heel cup, correction, & other components	Basic arch support
Pain relief	Addresses the root cause of your symptoms backed by our comfort guarantee	Uncertain
Conditions	Over 50 conditions ranging from simple knee or back pain to complex like amputations	Occasional foot or arch pain
Longevity	On average 3-5 years with refurbishments	On average 6 months
Adjustments	All modifications to ensure your comfort are included for 1-year	None
Value	High cost upfront but usually mostly covered by extended medical benefits	Relatively inexpensive but not covered by most insurance plans
Materials	Semi-rigid polypropylene to poly-carbon graphite composite for everyday wear to high impact sports	Flexible plastic
Follow-up	As many as our needed to ensure your ongoing comfort and satisfaction. Free for 1-year from purchase.	None
Warranty	One year	60 days
Who benefits most	Anyone wanting personalized care, lasting pain relief, and a team genuinely committed to helping you move and feel your best.	People with mild discomfort

Custom orthotics may be worth exploring if:

• Your discomfort keeps returning.

• Pain affects how long you can stand, walk, or exercise.

• Symptoms have been present for weeks or months.

• You want to prevent mild issues from becoming chronic.

  
  

We want to offer the best solutions for our clients. That’s why we start with a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if orthotics are right for you before scheduling an in-person visit.

Book Your Free Consultation Now