Custom Made Sports Orthotics

Custom-made sports orthotics are medical devices that allow the feet and ankles to function without pain and protect them from the repetitive stress of sports activities; or just normal walking.

They are designed and made from molds of your feet, constructed with comfortable “space-age” materials, under the supervision of a Board Certified Podiatrist with 30 years of experience treating athletes.

Custom Made Sports Orthotics: Pros and Cons

Orthotics are devices introduced to the shoes to rectify bio-mechanical foot issues such as problems with walking, standing, or running.

They can even assist in addressing foot pain caused by medical conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and diabetes.

Specifically designed for athletes and sports enthusiasts, custom-made sports orthotics offer various benefits but also have a few drawbacks.

Last update on 2026-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

1. Personalised Fit

Custom orthotics are tailored to suit your individual needs based on your unique foot structure, gait, and sports activity level. This offers a higher degree of comfort than over-the-counter options.

2. Enhanced Performance

Custom orthotics can enhance your athletic performance by ensuring correct alignment and aiding efficient movement patterns during sports activities.

3. Reduced Risk of Injury

By improving biomechanical function and alignment, these devices can help reduce the risk of common sports injuries like sprains or shin splints.

4. Long-Lasting

Though more expensive upfront, custom-made orthotics tend to be more durable than their generic counterparts due to the high-quality materials used.

Cons

1. Costly

The main disadvantage of custom orthotics is the cost associated with them. They’re typically much more expensive than off-the-shelf alternatives.

2. Adjustment Period

There may be an initial period of discomfort as your body adjusts to the new correction implemented by the custom-made orthotic.

3. Not Always Covered By Insurance

While some insurance policies might cover a portion of the cost, many do not cover custom-made orthotics fully due to their categorization as a non-essential treatment option.

4. Limited Versatility

Depending upon their design, some custom orthotics may not fit into all types of sports footwear, which could limit their usage across different sports activities.

In conclusion, whether custom-made sports orthotics are right for you depends on individual factors such as your specific foot condition, chosen sport, and budget considerations.

Our feet have nearly 100 individual working parts. To be pain-free and 100% efficient, these complex parts must exist in a specific relationship, one to the other.

Unfortunately, we may be born with fallen arches, loose muscles, or biomechanical defects such as pronation (a rolling out of the foot); or we may develop heel spurs, bunions, or other defects that ruin the perfect relationship of one-foot structure to the other.

When this happens, we develop tired, aching feet and ankles or pains in specific areas of our feet and ankles. Custom Made Sports Orthotics relieves foot and ankle fatigue and pain by supporting the individual components of the feet and stabilizing the ankles.

They allow the feet to function with 100% efficiency again.

Each sport applies intense and abnormal weight and stress to specific areas of the feet and ankles; these parts are not constructed to bear these abnormal forces. The result can be fatigue, pain, or loss of efficiency.

These orthotics will protect the stressed areas and re-distribute the abnormal weight to the entire foot. This will increase efficiency, allow you to be a better athlete, and reduce fatigue so you can participate in your sport for longer.

But most importantly, your pain will disappear by accommodating internal foot abnormalities, redirecting weight and stress, and supporting and stabilizing the feet and ankles.

Custom-made sports orthotics – What are they made of?

Custom-made sports orthotics, also known as insoles or shoe inserts, are specially designed to support the feet during physical activities. They can significantly enhance athletic performance while also reducing the risk of injury.

But what exactly goes into creating these essential athletic aids?

Here’s a breakdown:

1. Thermoplastic and Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA)

A large proportion of custom orthotics are comprised of thermoplastic materials. Thermoplastics are highly durable and maintain their shape under pressure, making them ideal for robust athletic use. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) is another lightweight material with excellent shock absorption.

2. Carbon Fiber

Some custom-made sports orthotics incorporate carbon fiber for a higher degree of flexibility and durability. This material is stiff yet exceptionally light, providing great stability without adding much weight.

3. Gel

In some cases, gels may provide additional cushioning or address specific pressure points on the foot.

4. Foam

Various types of foam might be used to add comfort and support in certain areas of the foot. They also help in distributing weight evenly across the foot.

5. Top Cover Materials

The top cover material varies depending on the shoe insert’s purpose and required comfort level. It could range from leather for luxury dress shoes to synthetic weaves that wick away sweat in sport’s shoes.

Remember that these materials can be combined differently depending on an individual’s unique needs, as determined by a podiatrist or orthotist during a fitting session.

Depending on your sport, they are made of semi-rigid or semi-flexible “Space Age” thermoplastic materials, which are guaranteed to be comfortable; these orthotics will last for many years.

These materials have a “memory,” so as you apply your weight to the foot, there is a certain amount of “give.” The orthotic returns to its original shape and height when your weight is removed from that foot.

Custom Made Sports Orthotics provide shock absorbency to the feet, ankles, knees, and lower back; and make these orthotics extremely comfortable.

Custom Made Sports Orthotics – FAQs

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1. What are custom-made sports orthotics?

Custom-made sports orthotics are specifically tailored insoles for your footwear, designed to correct the alignment of your feet and optimize foot function. They help improve your athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury.

2. Who needs custom-made sports orthotics?

Sportspeople who frequently experience discomfort or pain in their feet, legs, knees, or back during or after physical activities may benefit from custom-made sports orthotics. Also, those with conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or overpronation could find them helpful.

3. How are they made?

The process begins with a biomechanical assessment by a podiatrist who records various measurements and observations about your feet while you’re standing, walking, or running. This information is then used to create a 3D model of each foot, which serves as a template for crafting your unique pair of orthotics.

4. How long do they last?

The lifespan of custom-made sports orthotics can vary depending on factors such as usage frequency and intensity, but they typically last between 1-5 years.

5. Can I wear my custom orthotics in different shoes?

While it’s possible to transfer them from one pair of shoes to another, remember that not all footwear will accommodate them comfortably or correctly. They tend to work best in shoes with removable insoles and those that provide ample support.

6. How much do custom made sports orthotics cost?

The cost varies greatly depending on the condition’s complexity and where you live; generally speaking, you should expect to pay between $200 – $500.

7. Can I get them on a medical plan?

In some cases, yes – certain criteria must be met, though, and there may also be a waiting list due to high demand.

Please consult your GP or podiatrist for more accurate information about your circumstances.