Cheap(er) custom orthotics?

missityflissity

Hi all,

I bought a groupon for a biomechanical foot assessment and went for the assessment in central London yesterday.

The chiropodist explained every little issue with my feet - and there are many! - and how a foot 'should' look. Between my hypermobility, freakishly flat fleet, claw toes, collapsed arches, to name a few things, I'm going to be looking at about 700 quid to get custom orthotics - for flat shoes only!

Since I'm terrified of getting arthritis and a myriad of other associated problems, does anyone know a way of getting custom biomechanical orthotics made, in the 300 and under price tag?

Am I right in thinking this would be cheaper if it weren't in central London?

Thanks! :j

Herongull

I would get a second opinion. A chiropodist who needs to use groupon doesn't like the best in the business. Especially if they then decide that your feet are in such bad shape that you need £700 custom orthotics.

Some people only need off-the-shelf orthotics. You can get good quality off-the-shelf orthotics for around £20 or so.

I believe you can get modified semi-custom orthotics for around £80 or so at specialised running shops if you need something more than off-the-shelf. Have a look at runners forums or small ads in running magazines.

Fully custom-made orthotics start at around £150, but can cost as much as £500. I got mine at the Leyton Foot Clinic for around £150 a few years ago and they are the best I've had.

Katiehound

I had orthotics made for me about 10 years ago (should really think about getting new ones as they are getting flexible...ugh) and I think then they were about £250. Quite a few visits made to podiatrist with walking up and down on a mat linked to the computer- so he could see where the pressure was , plaster foot casts etc- etc.
He was recommended by my osteopath.

Armchair23

There are lots of podiatrists, running sportswear shops etc., that you can go to for gait analysis and 'prescribed' insoles.

At £700 someone is most definitely having a laugh.

I had some custom made for £125 I think, 3 or 4 years ago.
They turned out to be way less comfortable and useful than a
pretty expensive but off the shelf pair of Vasily (?) insoles.

Definitely don't spend that amount of money without exploring other options.

missityflissity

Thanks, I think I'll try to get a referral from my GP and see how that goes, but also go to a local chiropodist...

Does anyone know if orthotics are covered by the NHS? My research is proving inconclusive

theoretica

The NHS does have orthotics services - worth asking if you qualify. Also you might google your NHS podiatry service. In my area you can self refer without going through your GP.

missityflissity

Thanks so much - I can self-refer!!

gleek1

I see you have decided to go for an NHS referral, but i have pretty horrendous feel and I have been using superfeet custom orthotics in my running and walking shoes for the past 8 year - well not in my runners anymore because I have gone for a shoe with a lower drop and I can now run in a neutral shoe - but anyway, they cost about 80 or so. You get them vacuum packed to your foot - very odd but might be worth a shot.

I got mine from a local running shop, but cotswold outdoor do them in their stores.

HTH