orthotics Archives - Frank’s Custom Shoe-Fitting

What Can You Put Inside Of A Shoe?

Most shoes on the market today have some sort of built-in or added cushion. Well, some dress shoes don’t, but others do. That being said, if there’s already cushioning then what can go inside of a shoe?

In the video below, we’ll explore some of the other options to help the shoe not just fit better but also help if there are some foot issues going on.

As you know, the human foot is a complex structure. It acts like a tripod, with 26 moving parts. This allows you to stay stable and move efficiently.

The problem is, most of today’s shoes don’t support this. They’re very “flat” on the inside.

Because of this, a lot of times your shoes can cause all sorts of problems and cause you to feel unstable.

If that’s the case, you will need extra support.

So then, what can you put inside of a shoe to help?

The first thing is…

An Over-The-Counter Insert

The over-the-counter insert is exactly what it sounds like. You buy any insert from a store and slide it into the shoe.

Two popular brands are Currex and Superfeet.

Depending on the brand, they can come in a range of sizes and shapes.

Also, some focus more on arch support, while others focus more on cushioning.

The challenge with the OTC inserts is that they’re generic and made for many people and may not work for your feet.

If you’re someone that needs a more specific solution to put in your shoe, then you’ll want to look into…

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are specifically designed for your feet.

The orthotics that we make are high-quality and are extremely durable. In fact, the orthotic itself (not the top cover) can last most of your life.

The top cover can be made of different materials, such as EVA, neoprene, and even microsuede, and will have to be replaced once it’s worn down.

There is also a protective bottom cover that we add to give it even more durability.

Not only that, but we can add things such as a heel post for stability, a scaphoid or medial overlay to help the arch, and even a metatarsal bar for support towards the front of the foot.

Once the custom orthotic is completed, you can put it inside your shoe, and it will help with your specific foot issue.

The Importance Of Quality Materials

It’s crucial to use good materials for orthotics. Cheap plastics can break down quickly. They don’t provide the right support.

High-quality components are essential for the orthotic to be effective.

Lastly, investing in good materials means a better solution for your feet.

The Role of Filler and The Final Fit

Another thing you can put inside of a shoe is what is called “filler.” This is a layer of foam or EVA.

This layer can be thin, like a sixteenth of an inch, or thicker.

Sometimes we’ll even place custom orthotics on top of the shoe’s original insole to make sure there is a snug fit.

Because the goal is for your foot to feel “secure but not cramped.”

And to make sure your toes have plenty of room.

In the end, standard shoes often don’t support your feet properly.

The chances are you will have to put something inside your shoes.

If you need help figuring out what would be best, scroll down below and schedule an appointment.

That way we can give you the personalized attention you need and will help find the perfect solution to put inside your shoes.

Why Orthotics Fail

Want to know why orthotics fail? Watch this video…

Many times over the years I’ve heard many new customers say…

“The old custom orthotics I had done somewhere else don’t work.”

Or they’ll say…

“The orthotics I have never worked and it was just a waste of money.”

In a lot of situations, they’re absolutely right.

That’s because their orthotics failed them.

And when I look at their orthotics it’s pretty easy to see why.

Many times the mold in their customer orthotics is wrong.

Or the over-the-counter orthotic is the wrong type for their foot.

But there is also one BIG reason why orthotics fail that most people never take into consideration.

And no, it’s not the person or business that provided their last pair.

Although, sometimes it is.

It has to do with their foot, and the shoes that they’re using with their orthotics.

And in the video above, you’ll see exactly what it is with their foot and shoes that causes many over-the-counter orthotics, and custom ones to not work for them.

If you’re thinking about getting a pair it’s important to understand why orthotics fail so that way you know exactly what to look for.

If you’d like some help finding or choosing what would be right for your feet, then scroll down and

Many times over the years, I’ve heard many new customers say…

“The old custom orthotics I had done somewhere else don’t work.”

Or they’ll say…

“The orthotics I have never worked, and it was just a waste of money.”

In a lot of situations, they’re absolutely right.

That’s because their orthotics failed them.

And when I look at their orthotics, it’s pretty easy to see why.

Many times, the mold in their custom orthotics is wrong.

Or the over-the-counter orthotic is the wrong type for their foot.

But there is also one BIG reason why orthotics fail that most people never take into consideration.

And no, it’s not the person or business that provided their last pair.

Although, sometimes it is.

It has to do with their foot and the shoes that they’re using with their orthotics.

And in the video above, you’ll see exactly what it is with their foot and shoes that causes many over-the-counter and custom orthotics to not work for them.

If you’re thinking about getting a pair, it’s important to understand why orthotics fail so that you know exactly what to look for.

If you’d like some help finding or choosing what’s right for your feet, then scroll down and schedule an appointment.

This will ensure that you don’t end up with a pair that are wrong for you.

What’s The Secret To Our Orthotics?

Today we’re going to talk about what the secret to our orthotics is.

In the world of foot orthotics there is no shortage of ways that podiatrists, pedorthists, and other prosthetic professionals use to create orthotics.

As technology advances there is a bigger push to rely on digital processes.

And here at the store we’ve used and tried just about every thing out there to try and create the perfect orthotic.

But after thousands of happy customers, we have one process that works better than anything else we’ve tried.

And that process is using the slipper cast method.

Now, this method isn’t anything new.

In fact, it’s been around quite a while and it’s messy, and can take a bit of time.

But the way we’re doing it here at the store, and then how the actual orthotic is made is the key.

And in the video on this page, you’ll see how this process is done, and the secret to how our orthotics are made.

Video Highlights

– 00:03 Experimenting with different insert ideas and orthotic companies for 28 years.

– 00:06 Encountered Labs that generate subortholene and other plastic types.

– 00:16 Found Labs that offer three-dimensional foot scans.

– 00:24 Explored heated moldable type inserts that mold to your foot.

– 00:33 Northwest Podiatric Laboratory excels in this field.

– 00:39 Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is the time-tested model for other orthotic systems.

– 00:48 Precise casting process capturing the perfect shape of the foot.

– 00:57 Using the sub Taylor ankle joint neutral position for the foot cast.

– 01:16 Deep Freeze molding process creates the most ideal orthotic shape.

– 01:39 Orthotics from Northwest Podiatric Laboratory have prevented arthritic conditions.

If you are in pain or in need or custom orthotics, scroll down to schedule an appointment.

Superfeet Black Versus Blue Orthotics

Today, we are going to dive into the Superfeet black versus blue orthotics breakdown.

Like the previous articles and videos we did…

Superfeet green versus orange

Superfeet green versus blue

I will explain the differences between the two and what type of feet work best with them.

You’ll also learn about when to use the black orthotics versus the blue ones.

To see the full comparison, make sure to watch the video above.

And if you’d like to see the breakdown and some more details of what is included in the Superfeet black versus blue orthotics video, take a look at this.

– The Black Orthotic is the thinnest and lowest volume with stabilizing pillars in the back.
– The Blue Orthotic has a plain pane system to accommodate the arch.
– Both arches are broad across the middle and very light and shallow.
– The Blue Orthotic is recommended for cleated situations like soccer and football.
– The Black Orthotic is a universal option for lower-volume shoes.
– Both orthotics are recommended for flatter lower-arched foot types.

Lastly, if you’d like to try blue or black orthotics, scroll down and schedule an appointment.

Superfeet Green Vs Orange Insoles

Today we’re going to dive into Superfeet green vs orange insoles and what the differences are between the two.

You’ll also learn the type of feet that would match best with these.

If you didn’t know, Superfeet is one of the most popular orthotic brands you can find.

They have a variety of styles and fits that are all color coordinated.

And the green and orange are some of their more popular styles.

To learn which one is better for certain feet, we’re doing the Superfeet green vs orange comparison.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of the two orthotics.

The orange insert has more forefoot cushioning, a deeper heel cup, and a more aggressive arch than the green insert, which has a patented orthotic form with wide sides and a deep heel cup.

Both provide wide arches and narrow heels that effectively align the lower limb, which is advantageous for the knees, hips, and back.

A person with a higher arch and a narrower heel who desires better response from the ankle to the knee, hip, and back may benefit from the orange insert.

But to really know for sure which one is right for your feet, you’ll have to try them.

To do that, scroll down, and schedule an appointment.

If you want to learn how Superfeet orthotics compare to Dr. Scholls, click here.

If you want to see how they compare to Powerstep orthotics, click here.

Video Summary:

Green and orange Superfeet are over-the-counter footbeds with different features
Green insert has a patented orthotic shape with a deep heel cup and narrower sides
Orange insert has added forefoot cushioning, deeper heel cup and more aggressive arch support
Both Superfeet help align the lower extremity better for positive effects on knees, hips and back
Recommended for people with higher arches, narrower heels, and looking for better reaction on ankles, knees, hips, and back

Powerstep Inserts Versus Superfeet Inserts

Today we’re going to dive into PowerStep inserts versus Superfeet inserts.

Just like shoe companies, each insert company approaches how they do things a little bit differently.

Both PowerStep and Superfeet have been around for quite a while.

They are two of the bigger players in the market.

Between the two companies, there are quite a few different offerings with their inserts.

That allows them to cater to various types of feet and/or issues.

And in the video on this page, I break down the approach these two companies take with their inserts, and…

What makes them different.

Even though I’ve carried Superfeet for over 20 years, I wanted to bring PowerStep into the mix because they provide a good product.

And their inserts have been able to help quite a few people.

If you want to know more about the PowerStep inserts versus Superfeet inserts, check out the video on this page.

And if you’d like to see which would be better for your feet, schedule an appointment by using the calendar below.

When To Replace Orthotics

Customers are always asking about when to replace orthotics.

They also ask about how to maintain and clean them so they can get the most out of them.

Well, the good news is that the technology and materials have improved over the years so a good pair of custom orthotics won’t just fall apart like they did years ago.

Of course, if you maintain them and clean them that goes a long way to keep them in great shape.

That being said how do we know when to replace orthotics?

In the video above I go into when to replace them…

And the simple ways to maintain and clean them.

I think you may be surprised by what you learn about this.

You’ll even get to see my personal pair of orthotics and what I do with them so I can get the most out of them.

So if you want to know when to replace orthotics and how to keep the ones you have clean make sure you watch the video above.

If you need orthotics please schedule an appointment by using the calendar below.

Everything You Need To Know About Shoes, Inserts, And Orthotics

A huge part of the process here at the store is helping to educate customers when it comes to shoes, inserts, and orthotics.

Normally, when you walk into any big box shoe store you’ll get a kid who brings out a pair of shoes when you tell them your shoe size.

Maybe they’ll put your foot in a measuring device (Brannock) but that’s about it.

So when you need real help with your feet there are a lot of unknowns and not too many reliable places to turn.

That’s why knowing what to look for shoes and inserts is so important.

And the video above is basic breakdown of that education process.

You’ll learn about…

How to know the basics of what a quality shoe is.
The different types of inserts and how to tell them apart.
And the custom orthotic process.

So if you want to know everything about the shoe, insert, and orthotic process check out the video.

And if you need help with any of this or are in pain schedule an appointment by using the calendar below.

Orthotics And Insoles Overview

When it comes to the orthotics and insole industry it’s expanding quite a bit.

More and more people are turning to orthotics for…

-A better fit.
-Performance.
-And to alleviate pain issues.

So we wanted share with you a short video breaking down what is actually taking place in the industry so that way you have a better idea about how orthotics and insoles can benefit you.

Not only that, you’ll learn about the difference between the orthotics and insoles and which companies are producing solid products.

So take a look at the video below.

If you have any questions just let us know.