In the world of foot pain solutions, the word “custom” gets thrown around a lot — but not all orthotics are created equal. At Complete Feet, we believe it’s important for patients to understand the difference between true medical-grade custom orthotics and the generic products sold in retail stores or online.
If you’ve been told you need orthotics, here’s how to tell whether you’re getting the real deal — or just a fancy insert.
✅ What a True Custom Orthotic Actually Is
A true custom orthotic is:
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Prescribed by a specialist based on your specific foot mechanics, symptoms, and diagnosis
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Made from a mold or impression of your feet in a corrected, non-weight-bearing position
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Built in a professional lab using durable medical-grade materials
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Often reimbursable by insurance (depending on coverage and medical necessity)
At Complete Feet, we use a crush-box foam impression method that captures your foot in its ideal alignment — not while you’re standing flat. This approach produces the most accurate orthotic for long-term comfort, function, and correction.
❌ What a Custom Orthotic Is Not
Many products labeled as “custom” are actually:
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Pre-molded inserts selected from a limited set of sizes or shapes
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Based on a scan or pressure plate reading — not an actual mold
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Made from soft foam that wears down quickly
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Sold at very high prices, but not recognized as medical devices by insurance companies
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Available in retail chains that are not medical providers
If it didn’t come from a detailed foot impression and a prescription-based process, it’s not truly custom — no matter how much you paid for it.
Why It Matters
When you’re dealing with foot pain, knee issues, or back discomfort caused by poor alignment, guessing isn’t good enough. True custom orthotics are built for your foot, your gait, and your needs — not just pulled from a shelf.
Get Evaluated the Right Way in Hoover
At Complete Feet, we’ve helped patients across Hoover and Birmingham walk, stand, and move with comfort again using real custom orthotics — no gimmicks, no shortcuts.
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