We offer two types of orthotics in our office. Custom orthotics, and Quadrasteps semi-custom orthotics. These shoe inserts change the way you walk, stand, and distribute weight through your entire body. They have a many things in common, but they also have a few key differences. Sometimes patients ask a follow up question, which is, "are Quadrasteps any better than drugstore shoe inserts?" In a word, YES. The chart below shows the differences between these three types of shoe inserts.
| Custom Orthotics | Quadrasteps |
Drugstore Shoe Inserts |
|
| Gives support to specific areas that your foot needs | Exact support based on your exact way each of your feet are individually shaped. | Specialized support based on the way your feet are shaped |
Minimal support, mostly cushion
|
|
Feels soft to the touch by giving your feet cushion
|
More support than cushion | More support than cushion | Primarily cushion. |
|
Relieves stress points on feet
|
Yes,with exactness | Relieves stress points caused by foot shape | No |
|
Fixes alignment in feet and body
|
Yes | Yes | No |
|
Improves gait and body pains
|
Yes | Yes |
No |
|
Recommended and evaluated by a doctor
|
Yes | Yes | No |
| Inexpensive | Usually, depending on insurance | Very affordable | Cheap |
As you can see, custom orthotics are highly advantageous, followed by semi-custom orthotics. Unfortunately, drugstore orthotics do not offer many advantages at all. Their cheap cost and cushy feel convince many customers to buy, but they do not function as an orthotic should, and are essentially a waste of money. They do not change the way the foot is aligned or striking the ground. Custom orthotics are obviously the best choice, but if a patient is uninsured or under-insured, semi-custom Quadrastep orthotics offer most of the benefits at a more affordable cost. Call our office for help deciding which is the best route for you.
