I have seen several of these stores around and am curious if anyone has gotten a custom orthotic from them and how it worked out? Instead ot taking a mold of your foot they apparently use computer foot-scanning technology and send the data back to their HQ in Atlanta where it is reviewed by a Podiatrist and the orthotic milled. The cost is around $200 and turn around is supposedly 5 business days. Would appreciate any feedback.
I’ve been wearing orthotics for about 13 years now in my sports shoes. I’ve worn them in running shoes, rugby boots, inline skates and snowboard boots.
There’s basically three ways to take a footprint mold from which they build the orthotic – old fashioned plaster, foam boxes you step into that mold to your foot, and computer pads (like the one you’ve mentioned). I’ve had all three done at one point or another.
Speaking to several podiatrists, chiropractors and GP, they all seem to agree with my experience – the plaster approach is best, particularly when done by a podiatrist. It’s most comfortable, and most beneficial. The foam boxes are pretty decent, but the worst for me was always the computer thingy – they never seemed to fit right, no matter how much tweaking was done. The other thing that’d concern me is that the podiatrist isn’t actually at the session, he’s in some far off city. Having him/her part of the mold-taking process is crucial – they can note certain nuances to your foot or gait that the mold may not pick up.
While the computer approach is cheaper, to me it’s wasted money – better to save up and get the plaster cast ones done.
I got a set from them last year and have been very pleased. I used to have IT band issues when I upped my mileage but have not experienced that since getting the orthotics. They also claimed a 5 day turn around but it was closer to 2 weeks.