There are two aspects to this answer - the quality and the fit.

In terms of quality, we use a reputable orthotic lab that guarantees against breakage for the lifetime of the device. Should the shell of your orthotics break, we will gladly replace it at no cost.

In terms of the fit, most people get at least 2-3 years wear out of their orthotics. The length of time a pair of orthotics will last depends on the shape of your feet. Just like the rest of your body, your feet change over time. If your feet change significantly, then you will need an updated pair of orthotics. Our chiropodist closely monitors the fit of your orthotics during your orthotic check-up appointments so you will know when you will need to update your orthotics.

They take about 2.5 weeks to manufacture. There is a rush option available to have them available in one week.

Our goal is to provide a pair of orthotics that will fit into most if not all of your shoes because the more you wear your orthotics, the more relief you will feel. We recommend that you bring your most commonly worn pairs of shoes to your appointment. The chiropodist will consult with you to decide which style of orthotic will best suit your shoe wardrobe.

Yes, there are slimmer dress orthotics or more aggressive athletic orthotics. There are other "hybrid" orthotic types that may accomodate both dress or athletic shoes. Then there are different lengths that you can choose from: half, three-quarter, or full-length orthotics. And finally, there are many top cover options from vinyl (the most common), suede, leather, neoprene, amongst many other choices. It may seem very daunting to have to make all these decisions, but the chiropodist will be able to help you choose the best style of orthotic depending on your shoe wardrobe and lifestyle. All custom orthotics are the same price, regardless of style.

Yes, kids can start wearing orthotics at about the age of 4-5 once they have a normal adult heel to toe gait. Before the age of four, children's bones are not adequately developed so we do not recommend custom orthotics for kids younger than four. Pediatric patients will most likely have to update their orthotics more frequently than an adult because kids' feet are growing. A pair of orthotics will last a child about 2 shoe sizes. For example, if a child gets a pair of orthotics and they are a size 6, that child will need a new pair of orthotics when he/she is a size 7.5 or 8.

How the impression of your feet is taken to make your custom orthotics is of the utmost importance because it affects the shape and functionality of your custom orthotics. There are many ways to take an impression of your feet, but it can be simplified into two categories: weight-bearing or non-weightbearing.

Weight-bearing impression methods include foam-boxing or stepping on a digitized mat. Foam boxing is usually done while a patient is standing or sitting down. An individual may help place your feet into the box. Stepping on a mat will result in a 2D impression of your foot and identifies areas of high pressure. Weight-bearing impressions capture your feet while it is in its "deformed" state. That is, if your feet are flat, the impression of your feet would then be captured in its low-arched state. Generally, orthotics created from weight-bearing impressions accommodate foot deformities.

At InStep, we use non-weight bearing impressions to create custom orthotics that correct foot deformities. Non-weight bearing methods include taking a 3D Laser Scan or casting your feet with Plaster of Paris while sitting or lying down. Your feet are held in a corrected, neutral position for your orthotic impression. Using Plaster of Paris to capture your feet in this neutral position has been the gold standard in the past, but plaster takes time to dry and is also very messy. Very recently, 3D laser scanner have been developed to capture a 3D impression of your feet which is faster and cleaner. InStep uses a 3D laser scanner, but we do use Plaster of Paris occasionally, especially for younger kids who have difficulty sitting still which makes it difficult to capture a clear image of the foot with the 3D scanner.

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You can rest assure that InStep uses best practices to ensure that your custom orthotics will treat your conditions.

No, as a primary health practitioner, a chiropodist is able to prescribe custom orthotics, but some insurance plans may require a referral from a family doctor in order for your insurance provider to cover the custom orthotics. We recommend giving your provider a call to be sure of how your coverage works before coming in.

Most plans have coverage for custom orthotics. We always recommend giving your provider a call to be sure of your coverage. If you would like to be 100% sure whether they will be covered before going ahead with the orthotics, we are happy to provide a predetermination letter for your provider.

Providing an incentive like free shoes when getting orthotics is not allowed by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario or insurance providers. There are some health providers that offer a free pair of shoes to entice you to use your orthotic coverage. What usually happens is the patient is given a pair of low-quality orthotic devices, but an attractive pair of shoes. Since this is not permitted, we do not participate in any of these activities. In the long-term, you, the plan member loses because health coverage decreases for items/services that are associated with these activities. InStep operates with integrity and complies with insurance policies and the policies of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.

'Orthotic shoes' is a term commonly used by some health professionals when they provide shoes with orthotics. At InStep, we do sell orthopedic footwear and of course, custom orthotics, but we do not bill them together. Our goal is for our custom orthotics to fit into the most amount of shoes, not just one pair because the more you wear your orthotics, the better your feet will feel! Also, orthopedic footwear and custom orthotics usually fall under different parts of insurance plans, and insurance providers require that they are billed separately.