Custom-made orthotics are only available from a podiatrist, in general are very rigid, and in most cases can cost several hundred dollars. Custom orthotics are for patients with serious biomechanical disorders, i.e. more serious than the common degree of excess pronation that most of us suffer from. For example, some people suffer from ‘excess supination’ – the opposite to over-pronation. Their feet roll outwards or ‘supinate’ and the arch remains high and stiff when hitting the ground (this is called a Cavus foot or High Arched foot and only affects 5% of the population). Supinators will need a custom-made orthotic that corrects this type of condition. Also, people with very large bunions, foot ulcers, foot deformities or completely flat feet will need to see a podiatrist and be fitted with a custom device. Although biomechanically correct, many patients find it very hard getting used to these custom devices, because they are very rigid and uncomfortable.
Footminders are pre-made orthotics, which are much more comfortable, not as hard as a custom-made orthotic. Footminders orthotics are not tailored to a person’s specific foot shape, however they are self-molding over time. They will gradually feel more comfortable as you use them. After approximately 4-6 weeks of wear they will entirely conform to your foot shape because of body weight and body heat. So the longer you wear them, the more comfortable they’ll feel!
Importantly for the treatment of common foot complaints (e.g. Plantar Fasciitis) podiatry research has shown that for 70-80% of people suffering from over-pronation a pre-made orthotic will provide sufficient correction and there is no real need to spend hundreds of dollars on a custom orthotic.