Orthotic Solutions Tailored for Every Step
Are Custom Foot Orthotics Worth It? Get the BEST INSOLES & Save $$$)
If foot pain or improper alignment is slowing you down, orthotics could be the solution. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Michigan, we provide custom orthotic devices designed to offer support, correct imbalances, and relieve chronic foot and joint pain. Whether you need orthotics for flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or sports performance, our expert podiatrists are here to help you move better and feel stronger—one step at a time.
Custom made foot orthotics and prosthetics can be EXPENSIVE! If you don’t want to waste your money, make 100% sure you are educated.
Custom Orthotics in Michigan – Comfort, Support & Relief Tailored to You
Orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts that help correct foot imbalances, relieve pain, and enhance overall alignment from the ground up. Whether you’re dealing with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, overpronation, or other foot-related conditions, orthotics offer a non-invasive solution to support your foot structure and function. By redistributing pressure and providing targeted support, orthotics can significantly improve comfort during daily activities, sports, or long hours on your feet.
Best Supination Shoes and Best Insoles
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Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics:
- These are our recommended orthotics.
- There are different types for different shoes.
- Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic, but allow for less correction.
- A full length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
- We recommend doing everything you can to get a good supportive shoe that can fit a full length orthotic.
- This is the best way to maximize your orthotics for great results.
Should I get custom Foot Orthotics?
- Patients will frequently walk into the clinic and say, “I’m here for custom orthotics.”
- They are not even quite sure what is wrong with their foot, or what the benefits and negatives of custom foot orthotics are.

- The belief is that a cushioned plastic device will perfectly wrap around the bottom of your foot and make all your foot pain go away.
- This misconception is why people sometimes pay such a large amount of money and are so disappointed when they finally get it.
- There is 0% chance that an orthotic can instantly heal your foot pain, just like a cast does not instantly heal a broken ankle.
- After reading this guide, I promise you will not be one of those people.
- You will be a smart and informed buyer who gets the best value for your hard-earned dollar!
- Just to make clear, I will be brutally honest about the benefits and negatives of custom orthotics.

- We will rely on hard proven data and facts to back up some of the bold claims made here.
- Does this mean all orthotics are bad? Absolutely not, they can change your life and make your foot pain go away.
- The can be the difference between a lifetime of pain and arthritis vs. pain free biomechanics.In fact, you will find no bigger fan of custom orthotics than me.
- My goal is to warn you of all the negatives surrounding custom foot orthotics, and the people who try to take advantage of the large bloated cost.
- Unfortunately getting custom orthotics can be a lot like buying something from a network marketing group.
- You need to cross your finger about the hype and about 19 different people need to get paid for you to get!

Who Is The Best Specialist To Get Custom Orthotics From?
Podiatrist: Following medical school training, they receive between 3-4 years surgical and biomechanical training in foot and ankle problems.
Most podiatrists become board certified specifically in foot and ankle surgery and biomechanics.
Orthopedic surgeon: Following medical school training, they receive 5 years surgical training on general whole body surgery.
A rare few spend a year focusing on 1 year foot and ankle specialization.
Orthotists and Prosthetists for Custom Made Foot Orthotics:
- Orthotists and prosthetists as a specialty can design and fabricate artificial limbs for all body parts and appendages.
- They undergo extensive training and generally possess resources like an on-site laboratory to create these prosthesis and orthoses.
- Most of the time around the world (although this may differ depending on country) a prescription is needed by a specialist such as a podiatrist, a physiatrist, or an orthopedic physician to fill this prescription.
- Orthotists and prosthetists can be an excellent source to have your prescription for orthotics filled.
- There’s no downside to getting this made, but at the same time there are some great orthotics labs, and some not so great orthotics labs.
- I personally love to use orthotists and prosthetists for any complex foot and ankle situation.
- When someone has a very complicated foot type and issue, this is an excellent route to go.
- The main reason being if you need a more unique type of insert this allows you to make multiple trips back and forth and have excellent access to a specialist with the equipment right then and there to adjust it on the spot.
- No profession on average has better access to equipment to modifications.
Pros & Cons of Custom Orthotics
Custom Orthotic Pros:
- They have more ability than any other specialist to make and modify your orthotic.
- They can make more unique designs, with different material types.
- These are my personal choice for any complex foot and ankle orthotic or prosthetic.
Custom Orthotic Cons:
- This results in numerous trips; you will likely have to get a prescription well ahead of time.
- Think of them as manufacturers of an order, rather than to designer who places the order.
- There is the possibility for miscommunication, which could lead to the patient becoming frustrated with the design of their custom foot orthotics.
Summary:
- Prosthetists are an excellent choice for getting custom made foot orthotics.
- A great deal of podiatrists including myself love to work with them to create prosthetics and custom foot orthotics that we could never create on our own.
- At the same time is not practical for people to make numerous trips to get these for straightforward foot and ankle issues.
- There can be a disconnect in miscommunication regarding the orthotic that needs to be made when many people get involved.
- Specialists should definitely use them for any complex foot and ankle issue.
When Are Custom Orthotics Good?
- This puts a lot of pressure on the practitioner, this is probably the number one source of bad reviews for a foot specialist so people give up on this completely. You could see that a poorly educated orthotic prescription is painful for both the practitioner and for the patient.
- The only people that keep pushing an effective orthotics are the unethical people or people selling custom orthotics online or by scanning type of computer device without evaluating the patient.
- As you will learn throughout this guide, the single most important thing is creating a pathology specific custom orthotic.
- Custom foot orthotics and orthopedic footwear or modifications can be helpful for very specific medical situations and diseases.
- Studies themselves can be very effective because it is very difficult to study how effective these inserts truly are.
- Nobody has the same foot across hundreds of different people, even people with certain conditions like plantar fasciitis and high arched fee have thousands of variations with use.
Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics
- These are our recommended orthotics & insoles.
- Different insoles & orthotics are needed for different types of shoes.
- Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic but allow for less correction.
- A full-length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot, or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
- We recommend doing everything you can to get a good supportive shoe that can fit a full-length orthotic.
- This is the best way to maximize your orthotics for great results.
Best Full-Length Orthotics:
- These will only work in wider shoes or a good supportive running shoe.
- They do have better correction if you can fit them into your shoe and get a good fit.
- Usually, it is necessary to go up 1/2 size or full size to be able to fit them.
- This will not work in sandals, flats, or most women’s dress shoes.








Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
- These are a great choice for dress orthotics.
- If you have a pointed shoe, this may benefit most from 3/4 orthotics.
- A full-length dress shoe orthotic can work better in wide-toe box or loafer style dress shoes.






Best 3/4 Length Orthotics:
- These are great options for women’s dress shoes and thinner shoes.
- This may be a good starting option for insoles and orthotics if you have never worn a pair before.
- The break-in period may be easier than getting used to a firmer full-length pair.
- These are not the most supportive pair of orthotics.


Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:
- It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
- These are a great option for increasing foot flexibility.
- I personally use these stretching devices every single day to maintain good flexibility and shoe fit.
- This will take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
- We personally prefer this method of stretching.








Top 7 Orthotic Solutions for Better Foot Health and Comfort
1. Custom Molded Orthotics
These are tailored specifically to your feet using a mold or 3D scan to ensure an exact fit. Ideal for chronic foot issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high arches, they offer maximum comfort and support. Custom orthotics improve biomechanics, reduce pressure points, and align your posture from the ground up. Though more expensive than over-the-counter inserts, the long-term relief and benefits often outweigh the cost.
2. Sports Performance Orthotics
Designed for athletes, these orthotics absorb impact and enhance motion control during high-intensity activities. They help reduce the risk of injuries like stress fractures, shin splints, or tendonitis. With responsive cushioning and support in key areas, they improve efficiency and stability. Ideal for runners, cyclists, and court-sport players.
3. Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis
These inserts are crafted to relieve heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis by supporting the arch and reducing tension on the plantar fascia. They also cushion the heel to minimize shock during walking or running. Over time, this can drastically reduce inflammation and promote healing. These orthotics are often used alongside stretching and physical therapy.
4. Diabetic Insoles
Soft, pressure-distributing orthotics designed for patients with diabetes to prevent ulcers and wounds on the feet. These inserts are made from low-friction, multi-layered materials to avoid skin breakdown. Diabetic orthotics can also be customized for individuals with foot deformities or neuropathy. Regular use is vital in preventing complications that could lead to infections or amputation.
5. Orthotics for Overpronation
These orthotics correct excessive inward rolling of the feet, which can cause ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain. They realign the foot to reduce stress on joints and soft tissues. With structured arch support and firm heel stabilization, these are essential for correcting poor walking mechanics. They are effective for both adults and children.
6. Pediatric Orthotics
These are specially made for children with conditions like flat feet, toe walking, or pronation issues. Pediatric orthotics encourage proper foot development and gait early on. They’re made from lightweight materials to ensure comfort and flexibility. Early intervention with orthotics can prevent long-term musculoskeletal issues.
7. Work Boot Orthotics
Ideal for people on their feet all day in construction, healthcare, or manufacturing jobs. These orthotics are built tough to withstand heavy-duty use while providing arch support and shock absorption. They reduce foot fatigue and lower the risk of injury from prolonged standing or walking. Many are heat- and moisture-resistant for all-day comfort in demanding environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthotics
- Most people assume that they have a good insurance and that their insurance should cover it.
- They are shocked and terrified and very frequently angry when they realize that they have co-pays or the orthotic is not covered.
- Further they are upset that they just paid about $300 to $400 for a piece of plastic that likely was not all that expensive to make, probably $20-$30 of material.
- In fact, insurance will much rather pay for your surgery than help you cover your custom orthotic in most cases.
- This is how much of a controversy there is surrounding the effectiveness and abuse of custom orthotics.
- To top it all off, the patient then realizes that they just waited months to get this orthotic approved by insurance.
- By the time orthotics are sometimes covered, their pain going away.
- They are worth it when you can avoid all the unethical and poor-quality suppliers of these products.
- Unfortunately, this could even include healthcare practitioners with poor ethics.
- Anytime there’s a lot of money involved; you know there will be people trying to make a quick buck.
- There are many practitioners out there who will prescribe it for every single problem—- or some never at all.
- There are even orthotics advertisements out there claiming to cure your headache with orthotics!
- Just like any vitamin or supplement, orthotics advertisements claim to solve every problem in the world, and there are even some patients I have seen that have claimed their headache has gone away!
- Custom foot orthotics and prosthetics are dream product to sell, nobody really knows a lot about them, nobody really knows what makes a good one, and some people will gladly pay over $500 to get one!
- It is nearly impossible for consumers to know if they need and orthotic, or one expert prescription is for quality product.
- The good news is that there are a lot of excellent practitioners who want to help you for a low-cost price.
Orthotics are custom-made or over-the-counter shoe inserts designed to support the feet, correct biomechanical issues, and relieve pain. They help distribute pressure more evenly and improve alignment from your feet up through your knees, hips, and back.
Orthotics are ideal for individuals with conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel pain, or arthritis. Athletes and people who spend long hours on their feet may also benefit from improved foot support and shock absorption.
Some insurance plans do cover custom orthotics, especially when prescribed by a licensed podiatrist for a medical condition. Our team can help verify your benefits and assist with any necessary documentation.
With proper care, custom orthotics typically last 1–3 years. However, their longevity can vary depending on usage, foot changes, and wear-and-tear. We recommend annual check-ups to ensure optimal fit and function.
With proper care, custom orthotics typically last 1–3 years. However, their longevity can vary depending on usage, foot changes, and wear-and-tear. We recommend annual check-ups to ensure optimal fit and function.