When it comes to the comfort and support of your feet, you have a few options available to choose from. You can go with store-bought insoles that slip right into your shoes and provide some of the help you need, or you can go with custom orthotics designed specifically for your feet.
As you look at all of the options available for you, you may wonder whether the store-bought or the custom orthotics are going to be best for your condition and what some of the differences are between them.
Let’s take a closer look at these and determine how they are similar and how they are different.
How Custom Orthotics are Different From Store-Bought:
There are a few differences that you will be able to notice between a store-bought insole and your custom orthotic. While they can both be used to provide support to the foot, they are not the exact same thing. Some of the differences include
Custom Orthotics Have a Different Fit Than Store-Bought
The first thing to check is the fit. Store-bought orthotics can be nice, but they are not custom-made. This means that they will come in a limited variety of sizes, materials, and shapes.
The customer will need to pick the one that will fit their feet the best. While some stores carry a testing machine that can provide recommendations, your selection will be limited.
On the other hand, a custom orthotic will not fit a one size fits all mode. Instead, they will be designed so that they fit the different parts of your own foot. After a full exam, medical history, and a 3D mold of the foot, you can get a pair of orthotics that are tailored to your foot and will not fit anyone else at all.
This is what will make the custom orthotic more effective, especially if you have a major medical condition of the foot or something else to deal with. You can rest assured that these are going to fit your feet well and feel as comfortable as possible.
Comfort Levels Differ Among Custom Orthotics and Store-bought Orthotics
We can also take a look at the comfort that is going to come out of these two types of insoles. Store-bought orthotics are not designed to work for all foot types and all shoes.
They kind of resemble your foot, but not exactly. There may be some comfortable store-bought orthotics out there, but they are not going to be as comfortable as your custom orthotics.
When you choose to work with a podiatrist to help get a custom orthotic, you will get a pair that is designed just for your foot, with cushioning and protection in all the right spots. Everything will be taken into consideration to ensure that the orthotic will be able to fit you well and provides a ton of comfort when you wear them all day long.
Custom Orthotics and Store-bought Orthotics Provide Different Levels of Support
The next thing to consider is the amount of support that your feet need. Whether you are on your feet walking and standing all day long, you are a runner, or you have a major issue with the foot that needs support, you need to pick an insole that is going to provide that all.
The amount of support you can get will depend on whether you get store-bought or custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are going to be designed with a good amount of support in mind.
Without support, the insole is not going to provide you with everything that you need. Some store-bought orthotics can provide support, but this support is often lacking and will not be as strong as your feet may need, which can cause more damage to the feet as well.
Custom orthotics are going to be designed while taking into account the exact structure of the feet and are crafted with some of the best materials. Everything is designed based on what will work best for you, ensuring that you get the right support that will work well for you. You just won’t be able to get that when choosing to work with a store-bought orthotic.
Custom Orthotics Are More Expensive Than Store-bought Orthotics
The amount that you will spend on the custom orthotic will be more than you will spend on a store-bought orthotic. Since the store-bought ones are mass-produced to fit as many people as possible, the cost can be lower.
As the custom orthotic is designed to fit your foot specifically, the cost is going to be a bit higher. Most store-bought orthotics are going to be relatively inexpensive, especially when they are compared to custom orthotics.
This is a good example of you getting what you pay for. The custom orthotic is often considered a better quality item, which makes it a good choice for you to go with, even if it does cost a bit more.
Keep in mind that you may be able to get your insurance plan to pay for some or all of the cost of the orthotic. This means that it is possible to get a discount, making the orthotic more affordable for your feet. You will have to check with your insurance provider to see what they offer for your needs.
Custom Made Orthotics Taking Better Care of the Joints Than Store-Bought Orthotics
A custom pair of orthotics will be able to help with re-aligning the joints. Whether you are dealing with hip or knee pain, you may be surprised to learn that the problem is all the way down at the feet. Your podiatrist will be able to do a gait analysis and check out your posture to see whether a problem with the feet is causing all of these problems in the joint.
If this is the case for you, then you will find that a pair of custom orthotics is going to be one of the best choices for your needs. You can utilize them to help provide safety and security to the feet, putting them back in alignment and making your feet feel amazing as well. This can solve some of the problems of the joints, giving you the relief that you need.
With store-bought orthotics, you will not be able to get the same kind of relief at all. They are better if you plan to add some cushion while you walk around or stand at work, but the amount of support they provide can be minimal for most patients. If you have joint pain, then it is best to go with custom orthotics.
Which is Better for Me: Custom-made Orthotics or Store-bought Orthotics?
You will have to take a closer look at the issue in your foot and which product will be able to provide you with some of the support that you need. For minor foot pains and aches, a store-bought insole can be a great way to get some comfort and relief.
For a major medical condition of the foot, a custom orthotic could be a better option. No matter the issue with your foot, we are here to help you out.
Take our free analysis to help determine what type of orthotics will be best for you. If you have decided that a pair of custom orthotics makes the most sense for your feet, give us a call or leave your information so we can provide you with the relief that you need.