What are custom orthotics?

Custom orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts designed from a patient’s anatomy, gait, and clinical findings to improve mechanics, pressure distribution, and alignment.

How are custom orthotics different from over-the-counter insoles?

Custom orthotics are patient-specific and clinically prescribed, while over-the-counter insoles are generic and primarily focused on cushioning.

Can clinics produce orthotics in-house?

Yes. Many clinics now use digital scan-to-CAD workflows and 3D printing to produce orthotics in-house, reducing dependence on external lab turnaround.

How long does orthotic turnaround take?

Traditional outsourced workflows often take weeks, while in-house digital workflows can reduce turnaround to days when staffing and print capacity allow.

Custom Orthotics Guide for Clinics

Orthotics: Complete Guide to Custom Foot Orthotics, Cost, and In-House Production

Orthotics are custom medical devices designed to support, align, and improve foot function. This guide covers how they work, who needs them, how they are made, and how clinics are now producing them in-house using 3D printing.

Orthotic design software lets clinics design and manufacture custom orthotics in-house using 3D printing—eliminating outsourced lab pairs for many pairs, cutting turnaround from weeks to same-day when capacity allows, and keeping margin that used to leave the practice.

Orthotic design software enables clinics to design and manufacture custom orthotics in-house, replacing traditional lab workflows.

What Are Orthotics?

Orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts designed to correct foot mechanics, redistribute pressure, and improve alignment of the foot and lower limb. They are commonly prescribed by podiatrists and other healthcare providers to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overuse injuries.

Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are designed based on a patient's anatomy, gait, and clinical findings.

Custom Orthotics vs Over-the-Counter Insoles

Feature	Custom Orthotics	OTC Insoles
Design	Patient-specific	Generic
Purpose	Corrective	Cushioning
Cost	$300–$500	$20–$60
Clinical Input	Required	None

What Conditions Do Orthotics Treat?

Plantar fasciitis
Flat feet (pes planus)
High arches (pes cavus)
Heel pain
Shin splints
Diabetic foot pressure management
Knee, hip, and lower back alignment issues

How Custom Orthotics Are Made

Clinical evaluation and diagnosis
Foot scanning or casting
Prescription and biomechanical input
Design using orthotic CAD software
Manufacturing (lab or in-house 3D printing)
Fitting and adjustment

Modern clinics increasingly use digital workflows and 3D printing to streamline this process.

How Much Do Custom Orthotics Cost?

Custom orthotics typically cost between $300 and $500 per pair, depending on the provider and materials used.

Learn more in our full cost breakdown.

The Shift Toward In-House Orthotics

Traditionally, clinics outsource orthotic production to external labs, resulting in higher costs and long turnaround times.

Today, clinics are moving toward in-house production using 3D printing and orthotic design software. This allows for faster delivery, lower costs, and greater control over patient outcomes.

Why Clinics Are Bringing Orthotics In-House

Clinics typically reduce per-pair costs by $90–$120 when moving in-house
Increase margins to 60–90% depending on pricing and workflow
Deliver orthotics in days instead of weeks

Explore the lab vs in-house comparison or calculate ROI on our profitability page, then review a clinic case study.