Five Common Myths about Custom Orthotics, Debunked
- The Concern: Orthotics are too hard
The Reality: Available in materials ranging from firm support to soft, flexible cushioning. - The Concern: Custom orthotics won’t fit in my shoes
The Reality: They fit perfectly when you remove the factory liner; low-profile options exist for dress shoes. - The Concern: Orthotics are uncomfortable
The Reality: Normal adjustment period of 1–2 weeks; highly adjustable if discomfort persists. - The Concern: Custom Orthotics don’t work
The Reality: Highly effective when properly prescribed, worn consistently, and paired with good shoes. - The Concern: Orthotics will make my feet lazy
The Reality: They act like glasses for your feet, optimizing muscle function during use, rather than weakening the foot.
If you have been dealing with persistent foot, knee, or back pain, someone has probably suggested custom orthotics. But let’s be honest: if you haven’t taken the plunge yet, it is likely because you have some reservations.
At Active Alignment, we hear these concerns all the time. It’s normal to be skeptical about putting a device in your shoe and expecting it to improve or resolve lower body pain or misalignment.
To help you make an informed decision, we are breaking down the top five concerns people have about custom orthotics, and laying out the facts.
1. “Custom orthotics are too hard”
The Concern: Many people assume that because an orthotic is designed to support the foot, it must be made of rock-hard, unforgiving plastic that will feel like walking on a brick.
The Reality: Orthotics require a certain amount of structural integrity to actually change how your foot functions, but “hard” is a massive oversimplification. The most common reason an orthotic feels too hard, is because the mould or cast taken of the patient’s foot was not captured accurately.
Material Variety: At Active Alignment, our custom orthotics are hand made and crafted specifically for each patient. Materials include:
- a structural base like EVA foam, Aliplast XPE, or ultra thin Subortholen or polypropylene, and
- cushioning materials, such as memory foam (poron or neoprene) which are layered based on each patient’s needs.
Tailored to You: The material chosen depends entirely on your specific pathology, weight, activity level, and design preferences. For instance, an orthotic designed for running may feel vastly different from one designed for a dress shoe.
2. “They don’t fit in my shoes”
The Concern: You have a closet full of shoes you love, and you are worried that custom orthotics will force you to buy bulky, unattractive orthopedic shoes.
The Reality: This is one of the most common misconceptions, and it usually stems from a simple user error: forgetting to remove the original factory insole! Now that being said, an orthotic performs better in higher quality footwear, so if the shoes you love are not complementary to specific design qualities or are ill fitting, you may be required to upgrade to something better for outcomes.
Ditch the Liner: Most athletic and casual shoes come with a removable foam liner. When you take that out and replace it with your custom orthotic, it takes up approximately the same amount of volume.
Specialized Designs: Orthotics can be custom-crafted for specific types of footwear. If you wear dress shoes, low-profile orthotics can be fabricated specifically to fit those slimmer shoes.
3. “They are uncomfortable”
The Concern: You tried a pair of over-the-counter gel insoles once, or have tried a “custom” orthotic via 2Dimensional forceplate image…. and they made your feet hurt worse. You are worried true custom orthotics will do the same.
The Reality: There is a distinct difference between “uncomfortable” and an “adjustment period.”
The Adjustment Period: Your feet have likely been functioning out of alignment for years. Shifting them back into a healthy position takes time. It is completely normal to feel some pressure or slight muscle fatigue during the first week or two.
The Golden Rule: If they genuinely hurt after the initial 10 to 14 day adjustment period, the orthotics can be modified. As they are custom, your Pedorthist has the tools necessary to make adjustments to achieve the perfect balance of support and comfort.
4. “They don’t work”
The Concern: You know someone who spent hundreds of dollars on custom orthotics, only to leave them gathering dust in a closet because they “didn’t work.”
The Reality: When orthotics “fail,” it is almost always due to one of three things: an incorrect prescription, poor patient compliance, or bad footwear.
A True Custom Fit: True custom orthotics are created from a 3D cast or scan of your foot, specific to your biomechanics. Generic, heat-moulded, or pharmacy-aisle inserts are not custom, so may not yield the same therapeutic results.
The Team Effort: Orthotics are a tool, not a magic cure. They work best when paired with supportive footwear and, in many cases, specific stretching or strengthening exercises.
5. “They make my feet lazy and dependent”
The Concern: If a device does all the work for your feet, won’t your muscles weaken and become dependent on them?
The Reality: This is the ultimate foot health myth. Think of custom orthotics like eyeglasses. Wearing glasses doesn’t make your eyes “lazy”; it allows them to see clearly without straining.
Optimized Muscle Function: When your foot is out of alignment, certain muscles are working overtime to compensate, while others aren’t firing or working at all. Orthotics are designed to stabilize the foundation and optimize muscular function.
Better Activation: By placing your foot in the optimal position, orthotics actually allow your foot and leg muscles to work more efficiently by maximizing joint ranges and safely, reducing the risk of overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis.
Ready to take another look at custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are an investment in your long-term mobility and comfort. When designed properly by a qualified professional, they shouldn’t hurt, they shouldn’t ruin your style, and they certainly won’t make your feet weak.
If you are tired of living with foot fatigue or joint pain, contact us by calling or book an appointment online at one of our four locations in Southwestern Ontario.