When you’re looking for a long-lasting, high-quality, and cost-effective shoe insert to help you live with less pain or discomfort, you’re probably in the market for a good insole or custom orthotic. But for anyone doing product research online, the number of options and different but similar terminology can be overwhelming as you try to make the best choice for your needs.
At Biocorrect, our pedorthists create custom orthotics after an in-person or virtual appointment where we thoroughly evaluate your feet, legs, and lifestyle to recommend the best fit. This process does cost more up front than a blue-and-yellow-brand shoe insert, but is often a long-lasting and highly satisfying solution for whatever your needs might be.
What are orthotics, insoles, and shoe inserts?
The words used to describe shoe inserts, whether customized or bought off-the-shelf, can be confusing because they overlap in what they mean. We’ll try to be as clear as we can:
- Orthotics – Usually custom-fit based on a foot scan or foot mold and produced with a pedorthist specialist. Some people use “orthotics” to describe any insole designed for a specific purpose, such as running or long periods of standing.
- Insoles (shoe inserts) – Not custom fit but readily available in shoe stores, big box stores, etc. This includes automated insole devices you might see in some stores where a commercial scanner or scale recommends a slightly specialized but not custom-fit product for your preferences.
- Custom insoles/custom orthotics – Anything described as “custom” typically involves a foot assessment that informs the production of a unique sole for your foot shape.
Cost of orthotics vs. insoles
It’s no secret that custom-fit products of all kinds are more expensive than those that may be “customizable” that you might find in stores. At Biocorrect, for example, we do offer high-quality over-the-counter insoles for a few different specific needs, like slim-fit orthotics or running orthotics. These are much more affordable than the boutique, one-of-a-kind orthotic you get when doing a custom-fit evaluation, but offer less form-fitting and personalized support than the full deal.
The real value of custom orthotics comes from how long they last and how effective they are at relieving your pain or achieving your goals. Orthotics usually last at least 5 years, making a one-time cost of $350 more like $70 per year, or a little less than $6/month. In contrast, store shoe inserts can cost upwards of $60 depending on your choice, and can wear out much faster, or fail to address the concerns you have effectively, requiring you to try again with a different type or a different brand. If you end up buying insoles regularly, especially more than once a year, the costs add up and make an orthotic a cheaper option in the long run.
We understand that not everyone has the flexibility to make such a large purchase but really needs immediate, assured relief from certain conditions, like plantar fasciitis or for surgery recovery. We encourage you to ask our team about how we can make your orthotics more affordable, especially if you have an HSA or FSA account, which can be used to pay for any services or products at Biocorrect.
Benefits of orthotics vs. shoe insoles
The main benefit of a custom-fit insole or custom orthotic is the personalized attention and uniquely manufactured shoe insert that perfectly fits and supports your feet, no matter what kind of condition you may be dealing with. While insoles are readily available and affordable, they are one-size-fits-all products, even if they claim to offer customization.
Meeting with a pedorthic specialist or physical therapist is really the best way to know what foot, ankle, knee, or back condition you’re suffering from, and how a shoe insert solution may or may not help alleviate your symptoms effectively. Off-the-shelf shoe inserts may help for a short time, but as your foot settles and the foam or gel wears down, people often find the lack of personalized support no better than using nothing at all.
See yourself in a custom orthotic
The number of people who could benefit from a custom orthotic is staggering; even if you don’t have a diagnosed foot or ankle condition, you can probably relate to feeling pain in your lower body after standing for a long time or walking in a pair of old shoes. Orthotics may be able to help relieve and prevent conditions like that, whether they’re currently bothering you or you’re wary of experiencing them in the near future.
Getting a custom-fit orthotic is easier than you might think. Start a conversation with our team to see how we can help you get the support you need for your daily life.
