Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-certified foot & ankle surgeon, 3,000+ surgeries performed. Updated April 2026 with current clinical evidence. This article reflects real practice experience from Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Quick Answer
Custom orthotics are prescription inserts made from a 3D scan of your foot. They address the structural cause of plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or metatarsalgia rather than just cushioning symptoms. Most patients feel improvement within 2-4 weeks. Covered by most PPO plans and Medicare when medically indicated.
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Two of the most popular podiatrist-recommended insoles go head-to-head. In this comparison, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM breaks down CURREX RunPro vs. PowerStep — covering arch support, cushioning, best use cases, and which patients he recommends each one to.
Quick Verdict
CURREX RunPro — Best for runners and athletes who need dynamic, biomechanically tuned support. PowerStep Pinnacle — Best for everyday plantar fasciitis relief and patients needing firm arch support in regular shoes.
CURREX RunPro: Built for Performance
CURREX RunPro insoles use a patented dynamic arch concept — the insole actually flexes with your foot’s arch during the gait cycle. Available in LOW, MED, and HIGH arch profiles. Lightweight TPU shell (28g), deep heel cup, and moisture-wicking top cover make it the top choice for runners logging 20+ miles per week.
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
View CURREX RunPro on Amazon →
PowerStep Pinnacle: The Plantar Fasciitis Workhorse
The #1 podiatrist-recommended OTC insole in the United States. Semi-rigid polypropylene shell, plush VCT® top cover, angled heel platform, and trim-to-fit design. My go-to recommendation for patients with plantar fasciitis who work on their feet all day — teachers, nurses, retail workers.
View PowerStep Pinnacle on Amazon →
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CURREX RunPro | PowerStep Pinnacle |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Running, sports, high mileage | Everyday wear, plantar fasciitis |
| Shell stiffness | Flexible / dynamic | Semi-rigid / firm |
| Arch profiles | LOW / MED / HIGH options | Medium arch (one profile) |
| Weight | Very light (28g) | Moderate |
| Dr. Biernacki rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for runners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for daily wear |
Which Should You Choose?
- You run 15+ miles/week → CURREX RunPro (match your arch height)
- You have plantar fasciitis and wear regular shoes → PowerStep Pinnacle
- You’re a runner WITH plantar fasciitis → CURREX in running shoes, PowerStep in casual shoes
Both are excellent — but if OTC insoles haven’t resolved your pain in 6-8 weeks, call us for a custom orthotic evaluation. Balance Foot & Ankle — (810) 206-1402
Ready to Get Expert Foot Care?
Dr. Biernacki and our team at Balance Foot & Ankle are accepting new patients in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Most insurances accepted.
or call (810) 206-1402
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Treated by Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM — Board-certified podiatric surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
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Currex vs. Powerstep Insoles — Podiatrist Comparison
Choosing between Currex and Powerstep insoles? Our podiatrists compare both brands and explain when custom orthotics are the better choice.
Explore Our Custom 3D Orthotic Program → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Banwell HA, et al. Efficacy of custom foot orthoses. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2014;7(1):1-11.
- Mills K, et al. Short-term efficacy of in-shoe foot orthoses. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2012;13:111.
- Landorf KB, et al. Effectiveness of foot orthoses for plantar fasciitis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2006;166(12):1305-1310.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home care isn’t resolving your your foot or ankle concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.
Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
In Our Clinic
The patients we see for custom orthotic consultations usually fall into two groups. First are athletes — runners, hikers, basketball players — looking to correct a biomechanical asymmetry they’ve identified themselves or their coach has flagged. Second are middle-aged patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, or early arthritis who have exhausted over-the-counter inserts. Our process begins with a 3D foot scan plus a gait-video analysis on our in-office treadmill. We select materials based on activity — a stiffer carbon composite for performance running, a softer plastazote top cover for diabetic patients, a semi-rigid polypropylene for everyday wear. Most patients adapt in 2–4 weeks.
Most Common Mistake We See
The most common mistake we see is: Wearing new orthotics all day from day one. Fix: break-in schedule of 2 hours on day one, adding 2 hours per day until full-day tolerance.
Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care
Seek immediate evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle if you experience any of the following:
- New sharp pain under the arch that did not exist before
- Skin breakdown over pressure points
- Diabetic patient with any new pressure spot
- Worsening of original symptoms after 4 weeks
Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day and next-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)
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