Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Orthotics: What’s the Difference?

Let’s be honest—your feet carry a lot of weight (literally). And when they’re sore, tired, or not quite doing their job properly, it can mess with your whole day… or your whole body.

So when someone says “you might need orthotics,” it sounds promising—but also kind of vague, right?
And then you see a wall of options at the chemist and think, Wait, which ones are actually going to help?

Let’s break it down: custom orthotics vs. off-the-shelf.
What’s the difference, and more importantly—what’s actually right for you?

Off-the-Shelf Orthotics: Quick Fix or Long-Term Help?

These are the ones you grab from the pharmacy. They usually come in “S, M, L” sizes and claim to do everything from soothing heel pain to correcting your posture.

And hey—they do have their place!

✅ Pros:

• Super convenient

• Affordable

• Can give short-term relief for mild or occasional foot discomfort

But here’s the thing:
They’re generic.
They’re designed to work for as many people as possible… which often means they don’t quite fit anyone perfectly.

They don’t take into account how your foot moves when you walk, how high your arches are, or whether one leg is doing more work than the other. So while they might help for a little while, they’re not a long-term solution for recurring pain or alignment issues.

Custom Orthotics: Made Just for You

Custom orthotics are exactly what they sound like—tailored foot support designed around your body, your movement, and your needs.

At Sport & Spine Physio in Adamstown, we don’t just hand you a pair of inserts and hope for the best. We start with a proper assessment:

👣 We look at your feet, your posture, how you walk, and how your joints move
🦵 We chat about your pain, lifestyle, and goals
📋 Then, we create orthotics that actually match your feet—not a vague shoe size

It’s a hands-on, individualised process that leads to real results.

✅ Benefits of custom orthotics:

• Built specifically for your feet and body mechanics

• Long-term support for issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, knee pain, or lower back pain

• Can help improve the way you move, stand, and even balance

• Durable and designed to last

Custom orthotics are more of an investment upfront—but they’re made to last longer and actually solve the problem, not just cushion it.

Which One Do You Actually Need?

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

👉 If your pain is new, mild, or only pops up after a big day on your feet—off-the-shelf might be enough to start with.

👉 But if your foot, knee, or hip pain has been lingering... or if you’ve tried the cheap options and nothing’s changed... custom orthotics are worth every cent.

Because sometimes the issue isn’t just in your foot—it’s how the whole body moves together. And that’s where working with a physiotherapist (like us!) makes a big difference.

Ready to Find the Right Fit?

At our Adamstown physiotherapy clinic, we take the guesswork out of foot pain. If you’re not sure what’s going on or what kind of support you really need, come in for an orthotics assessment. We’ll talk, assess, and figure out a plan that actually works.

📞 Call us on 024957 3747 or visit sportandspinephysio.com.au to book your spot.

Because your feet aren’t just carrying you through the day—they’re carrying you through life. Let’s make sure they’re supported properly.