Custom Foot Orthotics
Made-to-measure orthotics, designed by a qualified orthotist from a 3D scan of your feet. Free 30-minute assessment in Maynooth, Limerick and Athlone.
Reviewed by David Kingston, B.Sc. (Hons) Orth, MIAPO - October 2026
Custom foot orthotics are insoles made to the exact shape of your feet to support, cushion or realign them as you walk. At Optimum Foot Clinic, orthotist David Kingston assesses your gait, 3D-scans your feet and prescribes orthotics for problems such as heel pain, plantar fasciitis and knee pain. Assessments are free at our Maynooth, Limerick and Athlone clinics.
What Are Custom Foot Orthotics?
Custom foot orthotics are medical devices worn inside your shoes, shaped from a scan of your own feet. They change how load passes through your feet and legs, easing pressure on painful areas. Unlike shop-bought insoles, each pair is prescribed for your foot shape, your symptoms and the activities you do.
A prescription covers more than shape. It sets the materials (firm or flexible), the amount of arch support, any heel raise, and cushioning under specific areas such as the ball of the foot. A runner, a nurse on 12-hour shifts and a retired farmer with the same diagnosis may each need a different device.
Which conditions can custom orthotics help?
Custom orthotics are most useful for pain linked to how your feet take load - heel, arch, forefoot and some knee pain.
They're usually one part of treatment, alongside stretching, strengthening, footwear changes or physiotherapy.
These are the conditions we see most often:
| Condition | How Orthotics Help |
|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis (irritation of the thick band of tissue under the foot) | Supports the arch and cushions the heel to reduce strain on the plantar fascia |
| Heel pain from standing or walking all day | Spreads pressure away from the sore spot under the heel |
| Achilles tendinopathy (painful, stiff Achilles tendon) | A small heel raise can reduce load on the tendon while it recovers |
| Shin splints (pain along the inner shin bone) | Controls excessive inward rolling of the foot that can add stress to the lower leg |
| Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain) | Offloads the painful joints and redistributes pressure across the forefoot |
| Painful flat feet or overpronation (the foot rolling inward) | Supports the arch and steadies the foot when it lands |
| High arches (pes cavus) | Fills the gap under the arch so load isn't concentrated on the heel and forefoot |
| Knee pain linked to foot posture, such as pain at the front of the knee | Can improve how the leg lines up above the foot; often combined with strengthening |
How do custom orthotics work?
Custom orthotics work by changing where and when force goes through your foot.
By supporting the arch, controlling rolling, cushioning sore areas or raising the heel, they take load off irritated tissues so they can settle.
They don't change your foot bones.
Orthotics manage symptoms; they don't cure the underlying condition on their own.
Research shows that for some problems, such as plantar heel pain, a well-chosen off-the-shelf insole can work about as well as a custom one.
David will tell you if that's the case for you.
Equally, if your feet are flat or high-arched but pain-free, you probably don't need orthotics at all.
Are custom orthotics better than shop-bought insoles?
Custom orthotics are better when your feet are uneven, your problem is specific, or shop insoles haven't helped.
They're built to your feet and prescription, so they fit precisely and target the right area.
For mild, general aching, a good off-the-shelf insole may be enough - and costs less.
| Question | Custom Foot Orthotics | Off-The-Shelf Orthotics |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Matches your feet exactly, including left–right differences | Approximate; same shape for both feet |
| Best suited to | Ongoing pain, specific conditions, uneven feet, high activity | Mild aching, general comfort, short-term use |
| Assessment | Full biomechanical assessment first | None, chosen by you |
| Typical lifespan | Usually 2-3 years, depending on use and material | Often months |
| Cost | From €150; often part-covered by health insurance | Usually lower; rarely covered |
| How they're made | From a 3D scan of your feet, to an orthotist's prescription | Mass-produced in standard sizes and arch heights |
What happens at a custom orthotics appointment?
Your first appointment is a free 30-minute assessment with orthotist David Kingston. He'll find out what's causing your pain, check how you move, and tell you whether custom orthotics are likely to help. If they are, he'll scan your feet so he can make your orthotics.
There's no obligation to go ahead.
- Book - call (01) 505 2130 for Maynooth or Limerick, or (090) 649 4903 for Athlone.
- Talk it through - your symptoms, medical history, work, sport and footwear.
- Examination - joint range of motion, foot posture and muscle strength.
- Gait assessment - David watches how you stand and walk, and run if relevant.
- 3D foot scan - a quick, painless scan that creates a digital model of each foot.
- Fitting - about 4 weeks later, you try your orthotics in your own shoes, and David checks the fit.
- Review - if needed, a follow-up to check progress and make any adjustments.
What to bring: the shoes you wear most (work shoes and runners), any GP, consultant or physio letters, and shorts or loose trousers.
How do I get used to new orthotics?
Most people need one to two weeks to get used to new orthotics. Start with an hour or two a day and add an hour or two each day until you're wearing them all day.
Some new awareness under the foot is normal; sharp or increasing pain isn't — stop and contact us.`
- Wear them in supportive shoes with a removable insole; take the original insole out first.
- Build up to sport last, once they're comfortable for everyday walking.
- Move them between shoes, or ask about a second pair for work or sport.
How much do custom orthotics cost in Ireland, and do insurance plans cover them?
The 30-minute assessment is free.
Custom foot orthotics start from €400 per pair and include the 3D scan, fitting, and any reviews and adjustments as needed.
You get a firm price at your assessment, before anything is ordered.
Custom 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 amount and any referral rules. You may also be able to claim tax relief on the cost using Revenue's Med 1 form for health expenses.
What our patients say
Custom Foot Orthotics FAQ
Do I need a GP referral for custom orthotics?
How long does it take to get custom orthotics?
Will custom orthotics fit in all my shoes?
How long do custom orthotics last?
Will I have to wear orthotics forever?
Can I wear custom orthotics for running or sports?
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.
Custom Foot Orthotics FAQ
Find out if custom orthotics are right for you.
To book a free 30-minute custom foot orthotics assessment in Maynooth, Limerick or Athlone, call (01) 505 2130.
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.