If your shoes leave your feet sore, tired, or pinched by the end of the day, the problem often isn't the shoe itself but the lack of support inside it. Most shoes come with thin, flat insoles that don't match the shape of your feet. Custom orthotic insoles replace them with support built around your own feet.
Introduction to Custom-Made Orthotics
Custom-made orthotics are specialized shoe inserts that are uniquely designed to provide personalized support and alleviate discomfort in your feet. Unlike generic insoles, these orthotics are crafted to suit your individual foot structure, alignment, and specific comfort requirements. Because they're built around your feet, custom-made orthotics can make your everyday shoes noticeably more comfortable.
3D Digital Scanning
A 3D scan captures the shape and contours of your feet and creates a digital model used to design your orthotics. With Fits Perfect, you scan your feet with your iPhone in the Fits Perfect app, a fast, simple, and accurate 3D scan. If you don't have an iPhone, a mail-in foam foot impression box is available.
Orthotic Design and Fabrication
Using your 3D scan the orthotics will be meticulously designed and fabricated to address your unique foot structure and comfort needs. Advanced computer software and manufacturing techniques are employed to create orthotics that are tailored precisely to your specifications.
Enjoying the Benefits of Custom-Made Orthotics
With your newly acquired custom-made orthotics, you can experience a multitude of benefits that significantly enhance the comfort of your shoes and the well-being of your feet. These benefits include:
Optimal Support and Alignment
Custom-made orthotics are designed to align your feet properly, providing optimal support to the arches and promoting healthy foot mechanics. By enhancing the alignment, they reduce strain on the joints, alleviate discomfort, and help prevent injuries.
Pressure Redistribution
If you experience pressure points or excessive pressure in certain areas of your feet, custom-made orthotics can redistribute the pressure more evenly. This reduces localized discomfort and promotes a more balanced and comfortable walking or running experience.
Shock Absorption
Custom-made orthotics are equipped with advanced shock-absorbing materials that cushion your feet and absorb impact during walking or running. This feature helps to minimize stress on your joints and soft tissues, reducing fatigue and discomfort.
Enhanced Stability and Balance
By providing proper support and alignment, custom-made orthotics improve stability and balance while standing, walking, or engaging in physical activities. That stability adds to comfort and helps you feel more secure on your feet.
Alleviation of Foot Conditions
Custom-made orthotics can help provide relief from various foot conditions and ailments, including plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, and arch pain. The tailored support and cushioning they offer can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall foot function.
Accommodation of Unique Foot Characteristics
If you have specific foot characteristics, such as variations in foot length, width, or shape, custom-made orthotics can be designed to accommodate these unique features. This ensures a precise fit and maximizes comfort for individuals with unconventional foot structures.
Which shoes work with orthotics?
Most shoes with a removable insole can take an orthotic. Different orthotic styles suit different shoes:
- Sneakers and casual shoes: Maximum Comfort.
- Dress and fashion shoes: the thin, 3/4-length Dress Shoe orthotic.
- Work boots and steel toes: Heavy Duty Comfort.
- Sport shoes: the sport and running range.
Tips for the most comfortable fit
- Remove the shoe's original insole before inserting the orthotic.
- Make sure your heel sits snugly and your toes have room.
- Break your orthotics in over one to two weeks.
- Replace shoes when the outsole and upper wear out, even if the orthotics are still in good shape.
Signs your shoes need more support
Your shoes may be lacking support if your feet ache or burn after a few hours, you notice pressure points under the heel or ball of the foot, your arches feel tired, or your shoes wear down unevenly on the inside or outside edge. Knee, hip, or lower back discomfort that builds through the day can also be linked to how your feet are supported. These are all signs that the stock insole is not doing enough, and that support shaped to your own feet could make a real difference to how your shoes feel.
If you wear several types of shoes each week, it can be worth having a dedicated pair of orthotics for the shoes you rely on most.
Frequently asked questions
Can orthotics make uncomfortable shoes comfortable?
They often help by adding support and spreading pressure, though a shoe that's the wrong size or shape will still be uncomfortable.
Can I move orthotics between shoes?
Yes, between shoes of a similar type and fit.
How are custom orthotics made?
From a 3D scan of your feet, or a foam impression, used to design orthotics that match your foot shape.
Do orthotics fit in dress shoes?
Yes, with a slim orthotic designed for dress shoes.
