custom orthotics

 The “Kiosk” vs. The Clinic

If you type “Are custom orthotics worth the money?” into Google or ChatGPT, you will get millions of results. It is the number one question patients ask when we recommend them.

And it makes sense. You can walk into a pharmacy, step on a glowing kiosk machine, and buy a pair of “custom-fit” inserts for $50. So, why would you see a doctor for a prescription medical device that costs significantly more?

The answer lies in one simple distinction: Cushion vs. Correction.

In this blog, Atlantic Foot & Ankle Care explains why the kiosk can’t fix your feet…and how custom orthotics can.

The “Super Shoe” Trap

We are currently living in the era of the “Super Shoe.” People are spending $180+ on high-tech sneakers like Hokas, On Clouds, and Brooks, hoping the extra foam will solve their foot pain.

But here is the reality: A $200 shoe cannot fix a collapsed arch.

If your foot structure is fundamentally unstable (e.g., severe overpronation or flat feet), a soft shoe just gives you a softer surface to collapse onto.

You don’t need a pillow; you need a floor. You need a structural device that holds your bones in the correct position so the shoe can actually do its job.

The Kiosk Myth: “Cheater” Glasses for Your Feet

Think of store-bought inserts like the “cheater” reading glasses you buy at the drugstore.

The gel pads you buy at the store provide cushion. They feel good for about two weeks because they are soft. But soft things compress.

Custom orthotics provide correction. They are often rigid or semi-rigid because their job isn’t to be squishy; their job is to realign your skeleton.

The “Kinetic Chain” (Why Your Back Will Thank You)

You might be seeing some folks online who talk about a “Kinetic Chain,” which is essentially the idea that your body is a connected system.

For podiatrists, this is just biomechanics. And it’s straightforward:

  • If your foot rolls inward (pronates) every time you take a step, your knee has to twist inward to compensate. Then your hip drops. Then your lower back strains.
  • Many patients find that their chronic lower back pain or “Runner’s Knee” disappears once they stabilize their feet with orthotics.
  • The root cause wasn’t in the back; it was on the ground.

FAQs and Quick Answers

Here are the specific questions people are asking right now:

  • “Do custom orthotics last longer?”
    • Yes. While drugstore inserts wear out in 3–6 months, prescription orthotics are made of durable medical-grade materials (like carbon fiber or polypropylene) that typically last 3–5 years.
  • “Do they fit in normal shoes?”
    • Modern orthotics are not the bulky blocks of plastic from the 1990s. Podiatrists use 3D laser scanning to create low-profile devices that fit in dress shoes, cleats, and even some sandals.
  • “Do I really need them?”
    •  If you have recurring plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or uneven wear patterns on your shoes, the answer is likely yes.

The Verdict

Cushioning is fine. But it’s not enough.

If you are chasing a 10k step goal, training for a pickleball tournament, or standing for 8 hours a day at work, you need a structural solution tailored to your needs. And we can help!

Atlantic Foot & Ankle Specialists is here to provide compassionate care tailored to your individual foot and ankle needs. Contact our office in Chatham County at (912) 988-3323 to schedule an appointment today.