What is a custom foot orthotic?

A custom foot orthotic is a medical device designed individually for each patient. Unlike generic insoles sold in pharmacies, it is made from precise impressions of your feet, captured during a biomechanical analysis performed by an orthotist. This device aims to correct the structural imbalances of the foot, redistribute plantar pressure and relieve pain in a lasting way.

How is a custom foot orthotic made?

The process of making a custom foot orthotic begins with an in-depth biomechanical analysis. Your orthotist analyzes your posture, your gait and the mechanics of your feet using advanced digital tools. Three-dimensional impressions of your feet are then captured, either by traditional phenolic foam casting or by 3D scanning. This data is sent to our workshop, where specialized technicians craft the orthotic shell from materials selected specifically for your condition.

The shell is then thermoformed, sanded and adjusted according to your orthotist’s specifications. Corrective elements such as raises, wedges or offloading pads are added as needed. Finally, a covering of leather, technical fabric or antibacterial material is applied for everyday comfort. The whole process generally takes between two and three weeks.

The materials used

The materials that go into a custom foot orthotic vary according to the condition being treated, the patient’s weight and their activity level. There are three main categories. Rigid polypropylene shells offer maximum biomechanical control and are recommended for significant imbalances. Semi-rigid shells made of thermoformed polymers combine correction and comfort, making them the most common choice. Soft orthotics made of EVA foam or memory foam prioritize cushioning and are well suited to diabetic patients and older adults.

The difference from a prefabricated insole

The fundamental distinction between a custom foot orthotic and a prefabricated insole lies in personalization. A store-bought insole is designed for an average foot and offers generic support. It can provide temporary comfort, but it does not correct the biomechanical imbalances unique to each individual. A custom foot orthotic, on the other hand, is designed from a precise analysis of your foot and your gait pattern. It acts on the alignment of the foot, ankle and knee, treating the cause of the pain rather than the symptom.

Who can benefit from a custom foot orthotic?

Custom foot orthotics are indicated for a wide range of conditions. People suffering from plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, hallux valgus or metatarsalgia benefit considerably from wearing properly fitted orthotics. Athletes, especially runners, gain an advantage in preventing injuries linked to mechanical overload. Workers who spend long hours on their feet see their fatigue and pain decrease significantly. Growing children whose foot development requires correction also benefit from early intervention.

At Marchildon, we make every custom foot orthotic in our workshop in Québec, following the strictest standards of the profession. Our orthotists, members of the Ordre des technologues professionnels du Québec, guide you from the initial assessment to the final fitting to guarantee an optimal result.