Off-the-Shelf Insoles Aren't Doing Enough
You've probably tried the gel insoles from the pharmacy. Maybe they helped a little, but the foot pain keeps coming back. That's because store-bought insoles are built for the average foot — not yours.
When your feet aren't properly supported, the effects travel upward. Heel pain, knee aches, lower back tension — these can all trace back to how your feet move when you walk. Guessing at a solution rarely fixes the underlying issue.
If you've been searching for custom orthotics near you, it's likely because you already know something needs to change. A proper assessment and a pair of orthotics made specifically for your foot structure can address the problem at the source.
What Are Custom-Made Orthotics?
Custom-made orthotics are prescription foot supports fabricated specifically for your feet. Unlike mass-produced insoles, they're based on a detailed assessment of your foot structure, gait, and the conditions you're dealing with.
They fit inside your regular footwear and work by redistributing pressure, correcting alignment, and reducing strain on the areas that need it most. They're commonly used for heel pain, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, knee pain, and general fatigue from prolonged standing or walking.
How We Fit and Prescribe Your Orthotics
At Stayner Foot Clinic, custom orthotics are prescribed and fitted by Jannel Somerville, a registered chiropodist with years of clinical experience in foot care. The process starts with a full assessment — not just your feet, but how you move.
What that looks like in practice:
- A biomechanical and gait assessment to understand how your feet function
- Casting or imaging to capture the exact shape of your foot
- A prescription sent to a lab for fabrication, with materials and design chosen for your specific needs
You can learn more about Jannel and her approach on our About page.
What to Expect at Your Orthotics Appointment
Assessment
Casting
Fitting and Follow-up
What Patients Notice After Getting Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics don't just reduce foot pain, they tend to have a broader effect on how you feel on your feet day to day:
- Less heel and arch pain during daily activities and longer walks
- Reduced fatigue in the feet, knees, and lower back
- Better stability and comfort in footwear you already own
Most patients find relief within the first few weeks of consistent wear, with improvement continuing as their body adjusts to proper alignment.
Common Questions About Custom Orthotics
Many extended health plans in Ontario cover custom-made orthotics when prescribed by a registered chiropodist. Coverage amounts and requirements vary by plan, so it's worth checking with your provider before your appointment.
Pharmacy insoles are pre-made for a general foot shape. Custom orthotics are cast from your actual foot and prescribed based on a clinical assessment. The fit, materials, and correction are specific to you.
Most custom orthotics last two to five years depending on usage, body weight, and the activities you do. Jannel can advise on when a replacement or adjustment is appropriate.
No referral is required. You can book directly with Stayner Foot Clinic for an orthotics assessment.
Yes, in most cases. We take footwear needs into account during the assessment — for example, whether you need orthotics for dress shoes, work boots, or athletic footwear.
Ready to Get Orthotics That Actually Fit?
Jannel Somerville has been providing hands-on foot care to patients in this community since 2019.
