Your Orthotic Options
Your podiatrist has recommended orthotic therapy. This guide explains the difference between prefabricated, Custom 3D and Specialist Custom Orthotics, so you understand what happens next.
You do not need to choose the most expensive option.
At The Podiatry Clinics, orthotics are clinically selected or individually prescribed according to your feet, condition, footwear, activity and treatment goals.
We will recommend the option we believe is most appropriate for you.
Your podiatrist guides the decision
We explain which orthotic option is most suitable, what it is designed to do and why that option fits your prescription.
What can inform your prescription?
Your prescription can combine information from clinical assessment, biomechanics, pressure analysis, gait and movement assessment, footwear assessment and 3D foot capture.
Support
Designed to help improve load, pressure or movement depending on your prescription.
Comfort
Materials, cushioning and accommodation can be selected around your needs.
Function
The device is designed around what we want it to achieve clinically.
Your orthotics are designed according to what we want the device to achieve.
Depending on your requirements, we can alter shape and contour, arch profile, flexibility, cushioning, pressure distribution, local accommodation, heel and rearfoot features, top-cover materials, overall profile and features for particular footwear or activities.
Compare your orthotic options.
A simple side-by-side guide to show the main differences between the three pathways.
| Feature | Prefabricated | Custom 3D | Specialist Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinically selected | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Made specifically for you | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3D foot capture | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Individual digital design | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pressure/gait data can inform prescription | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom accommodation | Limited | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flexible custom construction | — | ✓ | Available depending on prescription |
| Thin/rigid specialist construction | — | Limited | ✓ |
| Digital prescription retained | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Price | £XX | £250 | £450 |
Both are genuinely custom orthotics.
The difference is not that the £250 orthotic is only partly customised. The difference primarily relates to the materials, manufacturing technology and type of construction used to produce the orthotic.
Our £250 Custom 3D Orthotic uses a specialist flexible 3D-printed construction that is highly adaptable and suitable for many patients.
Think of them as two different engineering solutions rather than “good” and “better”.
If our £250 Custom 3D Orthotic provides everything your prescription requires, there may be no reason for you to spend more.
What does my £250 include?
Your initial biomechanical or orthotic assessment is charged separately.
Your orthotic pathway.
Prescription
We complete the measurements and digital information required for your prescription.
Digital Design
Your clinical findings and foot data are translated into your individual orthotic design.
Manufacture
Your orthotics are manufactured using the material selected for your prescription.
Fitting
We check the orthotics with your footwear and explain how to gradually introduce them.
Review
We review your response and make adjustments where clinically required.
How long will my orthotics last?
There is no fixed lifespan that applies to every orthotic. Wear depends on material, activity, body weight, footwear, frequency of use and prescription.
Your annual orthotic review.
We can check symptoms, orthotic wear, fit, comfort, footwear, changes in activity and whether adjustment, refurbishment or replacement should be considered.
Would a second pair help?
Once you are comfortable with your prescription, an additional pair can be useful for work shoes, everyday footwear, trainers or sports footwear. Because we retain your digital prescription, additional Custom 3D Orthotics can often be manufactured using your existing design, with modifications where appropriate.
Ask us about additional-pair pricing.Book your Orthotics Assessment or contact the clinic.
If you have already had your assessment and would like to proceed with your orthotics, contact our team. If you have not yet been assessed, please book an Orthotics Assessment first.