With Health Insurance: Copay or 10%-50% Coinsurance
Without Health Insurance: $10-$800
Foot orthotics support and cushion the foot and can be used to treat problems with alignment that can contribute to injury. They can be used for foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, hammer toe and neuroma.
Typical costs:
For patients covered by health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for doctor-prescribed foot orthotics consists of a durable goods copay or coinsurance of 10%-50%. Foot orthotics are excluded by some insurance plans. For example, most Aetna plans[1] typically do not cover orthotics.
For patients not covered by health insurance, foot orthotics typically cost about $10-$80 for off-the-shelf orthotics, or about $100-$200 for non-prescription orthotics made from a do-it-yourself mold of the patient's feet. Prescription custom orthotics typically cost about $200-$800.
For example, FootSmart.com charges about $6-$80 for off-the-shelf orthotics[2] . OrthoticShop.com charges about $6-$50 for off-the-shelf cushioned insoles[3] , about $20-$60 for off-the-shelf low arch insoles[4] or for off-the-shelf overpronation[5] insoles, which help to stop overpronation, which occurs when the foot from rolls inward too much during walking or running.
FootSmart.com charges about $100-$130 for non-prescription custom fit orthotics [6] made from a foam mold of the feet taken by the patient and mailed to the manufacturer. And OrthoticShop.com charges $100 -$200 for non-prescription custom fit orthotics[7] made from a mold taken by the patient.
According to Podiatry Today, the typical cost of prescription custom foot orthotics[8] ordered through a doctor ranges from $400 -$600. Patients on a forum at AllNurses.com report costs for custom orthotics[9] of about $200-$800.
A patient can purchase a pair of off-the-shelf orthotics to provide cushioning, padding or arch support -- or to address overpronation or other issues. Some companies also offer orthotics that can be made from a mold for a better fit; typically, the company sends a mold kit, the patient takes molds of the feet and mails them to the company, which makes the orthotics.
If a patient is experiencing foot pain or discomfort that might be caused by a foot problem such as plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma or flat feet, for example, a doctor can prescribe custom orthotics if necessary. The doctor typically will conduct an exam, gait analysis and do casting of the feet. The casts are then sent to a laboratory that manufactures the orthotics to fit that patient.
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society offers an overview of foot orthotics[10] . The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers a list of the types of orthotics used for various conditions[11] .
Additional costs:
Physical therapy, which typically costs $50-$350 per session, might be required.
Discounts:
Some websites that sell off-the-shelf orthotics or pads offer discounts. For example, FootSmart.com offers discounts[12] such as free shipping or $15 off plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
Shopping for foot orthotics:
Patients can buy off-the-shelf orthotics at drug stores, running stores and online. Websites such as OrthoticShop.com[13] and FootSmart.com[14] sell both off-the-shelf and non-prescription custom fit orthotics.
A podiatrist can diagnose foot problems and prescribe orthotics. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers a podiatrist locator[15] .
In some cases, a patient may need to see an orthotist, a certified health professional who specializes in braces and other orthotics, to get evaluated and fitted for orthotics. The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics offers an orthotist locator[16] by state.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
Had a set made by same company 2 years but toes 3 and 4 became numb on both feet. Now I have to pay $500 again to have new orthotics. Next I will try some place cheaper.
I went to a podiatist out of network he said he would bill the insurance and whatever I would receive I was to give to him. no problem since I was paying zero. Long story short- he billed the insurance over $5K- all he did was feel my foot then recommended orthotics- he took the mold with the foam and said bye I received one check for $1200 for one date of service and then a second check? for $1400??The first check had the explanation of benefits saying surgery? 3 separate lines for over $2k and an office visit- the second check he had Radiology services-on 2 different lines for over $1500 and 2 lines stating medical supplies I now believe is the orthotics each billed for $600 which they paid $440 each.This is HIGHWAY robbery- I was not brought up to cheat anyone whether it is to me or MY insurance company?what should I do? Please advise.
I had been experiencing right hip and knots in my right thigh for years, despite getting regular adjustments and therapeutic massages. In addition, my right tibia would rotate inward causing me much pain. While at the gym, I finally realized that my right leg was slightly shorter than my left leg, and had my chiropractor fit me with custom cirrhotics. It's been just two weeks since I started wearing them and what a difference! The hip pain is 98% gone, the thigh knots are sporadic and easily resolved with a heating pad and my tibia is getting used to being aligned with the rest of my body. I should mention that the price I paid was for TWO sets of inserts - one for athletic shoes and one for dress shoes - plus the fitting and aftercare by my chiropractor. I am so in love with these inserts that I intend to have orthotic shoes made for me.
Prescription or Over-the-Counter: From Walking Company
My podiatrist recommended me to try the ABEO shoes and orthotics! WOW, what a difference!!! The orthotic inserts are made for my high arch support needed, and I had no idea that I needed an extra metatarsal support!! My feet are so happy now, I can walk longer again!!! They are only $79 compared to $400-500 my physical therapist wanted to sell me! And the over the counter ones didn’t work at all! ABEO also has walking shoes, dress shoes, sandals, and even slippers with orthotics built into the shoes to wear around the house on my wood floors!! A MUST TRY Orthotic and Shoes , you can find at the Walking Company or online!
I got Soley orthotics from my doctor at Podiatry Associates around a year ago. I was looking at their site and saw the post above and felt I should relay my experience as it was greatly different from that posted here. I have used custom orthotics all my life and from dozens of companies over the years, but the ones from Soley stood out. They fit like a dream and greatly helped with my arch issues. As for materials mine have held up perfectly even here at a year when normally the soft material begins to show signs of wear. Remember we walk and sweat on these things all day everyday they take a ton of beating. Over the years I have been told to expect the top covers to satin good shape for about a year, in reality some wear faster than other. For me Soley's have held up as well if not better than the other pairs I have used over the years and their support has been great. When I had questions related to care the offered to my doctor to personally call and help with whatever I needed.
Prescription or Over-the-Counter: Over the counter.
Im looking to but a Seattle foot. The softest foot made. I've had a prosthetic leg for over 35 years. When I walk you can't tell I have a prosthetic unless I have shorts on. Can you help. I wear boots all the time because im a farmer. Any info please" [email protected]
For the money I spent I would have been happier with an over the counter orthotic. The material is so cheap that after 1 month of wear it is bunching up where the hard heal cup and the under arch material meet. There is absolutely no cushioning provided by the foam "memory" material which is already completely compressed and has no spring back left to it, and the bottom is covered with some thin cheap felt type material that is supposed to wick moisture. However, all it really seems to do is rub off onto the inside bottom of my shoe leaving them black from the orthotic. It has no grip to the bottom so it constantly rubs against my shoe. My insurance covered $0.00 so I got to pay for this myself. I don't know if it was the manufacture of these orthotics that used such cheap material or if this is the industry standard, but I would never waste my money on this product again. I will be lucky if they hold up for 3 months. Although I have a foot condition; that I was assured by my Podiatrist would be better treated with a prescription orthotic instead of an over the counter brand that I have been wearing for years with very comfortable success, I will never waste my money on this junk again. Definately all hype and just another gimmick to bilk the patient and over-charge the insurance companies. What is really suspect about this whole thing is that I found out after the fact that my Podiatrist at Podiatry Associates Of Indiana and Soley Orthotics have a contract. They are her only supplier of this product, and they will not even speak with the patients if we have problems with their product. Which means we have to pay another copay/cost share to see the Podiatrist if we need to discuss these orthotics.
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]