Orthotics Services in Ireland
Custom foot orthotics, children's orthotics and foot drop AFOs, prescribed and fitted by a qualified orthotist in Maynooth, Limerick and Athlone.
Reviewed by David Kingston, B.Sc. (Hons) Orth, MIAPO October 2026
Optimum Foot Clinic is an orthotist-led clinic offering three services: custom foot orthotics for adults, children's foot orthotics, and ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for foot drop. Every service starts with a free biomechanical assessment - a check of how your feet, ankles and legs move when you stand and walk. Clinics are in Maynooth, Limerick and Athlone.
What services does Optimum Foot Clinic offer?
We offer three orthotic services, each starting with the same free assessment. An orthotic is a device worn in or on the shoe that supports, realigns or controls the foot and ankle. The right one depends on your age, your symptoms and what you need to do day to day.
Custom Foot Orthotics
Made-to-measure insoles, shaped to your feet after a full gait assessment. They can help with heel pain, arch pain, knee or lower-back pain linked to how you walk, and recurring running injuries.
Who it's for: adults with foot, ankle, knee or back pain related to foot mechanics.
Children's Foot Orthotics
Orthotics designed for growing feet. We see children with heel pain from Sever's disease (calcaneal apophysitis - irritation of the heel growth plate), knee pain from Osgood-Schlatter disease, painful flat feet, in-toeing and hypermobility.
Who it's for: active children and teenagers with foot, heel or knee pain, and parents worried about how their child walks.
Foot Drop AFOs
Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) that lift the front of the foot so the toes don't catch when you walk. We are Ireland's only TurboMed Centre of Excellence, fitting the TurboMed Xtern - an AFO worn outside the shoe with no skin contact at the foot or ankle.
Who it's for: adults and children with foot drop after stroke, MS, nerve injury, sciatica or other neurological conditions.
Which orthotics service do I need?
Most people can match their main problem to one service using the table below. If you aren't sure, book the free assessment - the orthotist will tell you which service fits, or whether you need orthotics at all.
Not every foot problem needs an orthotic. Painless flexible flat feet in young children, for example, usually need no treatment at all. We'll tell you honestly if that's the case.
What is an orthotist?
An orthotist is a degree-qualified clinician who assesses, designs and fits orthoses - braces, insoles and supports for the body.
Orthotists focus on how the foot, ankle and leg work together, and on prescribing the right device.
David Kingston holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Orthotics and is a member of the Irish Association of Prosthetists & Orthotists (MIAPO).
What happens at a free orthotics assessment?
The free assessment takes 30 minutes. David asks about your symptoms, examines your feet and legs, and watches how you stand and walk. You leave knowing what's causing the problem and which option - orthotic or not - makes sense.
There is no obligation to buy anything.
- Book - call (01) 505 2130 (Athlone: (090) 649 4903) and choose Maynooth, Limerick or Athlone.
- Talk it through - your symptoms, medical history, activity level and footwear.
- Hands-on examination - joint range of motion, foot posture and muscle strength.
- Gait assessment - David watches you stand and walk (and run, if relevant).
- Your recommendation - what's going on, your options, and the cost if a device is recommended.
What to bring: the shoes you wear most often, any GP, consultant or physio letters, and shorts or loose trousers so your knees can be seen.
Why choose Optimum Foot Clinic?
1. A qualified orthotist, every time.
Your assessment and fitting are done by David Kingston, B.Sc. (Hons) Orth, MIAPO - not a sales assistant or a scanning machine.
2. Ireland's only TurboMed Centre of Excellence.
Specialist experience fitting the TurboMed Xtern foot drop AFO for adults and children, with a trial device used in clinic.
3. Three clinics, evening appointments.
Maynooth, Limerick and Athlone. Maynooth is open until 7pm Tuesday to Thursday.
How much do orthotics cost in Ireland, and are they covered by insurance?
The initial assessment is free.
Custom foot orthotics start at €125, and AFOs start at €150, depending on the prescribed device.
You get an exact price before anything is ordered.
Orthotics are classed as medical devices (also called surgical appliances).
Most Irish health insurers cover them in part or in full, depending on your plan, including VHI, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, Level Health, HSF Health Plan and Garda Medical Aid. Check your policy for the exact amount.
You may also be able to claim tax relief on what you pay using Revenue's Med 1 form for health expenses.
What our patients say
Orthotics Services FAQ
Do I need a GP referral to book?
How long does it take to get custom orthotics?
Are custom orthotics better than shop-bought insoles?
Will orthotics fit in my everyday shoes?
How long do orthotics last?
What age children do you see?
Please see your GP first if you have new, unexplained foot pain with swelling, redness, or fever; pain at night; or sudden weakness in your foot or leg.
Orthotics Clinic Locations
You can book a free 30-minute biomechanical assessment in our main clinic in Maynooth. If you prefer, you can book an appointment in one of our satellite clinics in Limerick or Athlone.