Custom Orthotics Sydney CBD
Custom orthotics are inserts made for your feet. We design and make them at our Sydney CBD clinic after a full biomechanical assessment.
If you have foot pain, heel pain or a lower limb injury, a custom orthotic can form part of your treatment. But only if the assessment shows a clear reason to use one.
What are Custom Orthotics?
A custom orthotic is a device that sits inside your shoe. It is made from a 3D scan of your foot — not from a generic mould.
Custom orthotics change the way your foot loads the ground. They can reduce pressure on painful areas, support a weak structure and improve the mechanics of how you walk and run.
Custom Orthotics Vs
Off-the Shelf Orthotics
| Off-the-Shelf | Custom Orthotic | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Generic size | Shaped to your exact foot |
| Purpose | General comfort | Targets your mechanics |
| Materials | Foam or gel | EVA, polypropylene or carbon |
| Who makes it | Factory | Orthotic Lab |
| Durability | 3–6 months | 2–5 years |
| Private health rebate | Sometimes | Yes (most funds) |
Conditions that Orthotics Can Help
Orthotics can help when abnormal foot mechanics contribute to your pain. Common conditions we treat with orthotics include:
• Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
• Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain)
• Flat feet (pes planus)
• High-arched feet (pes cavus)
• Bunions (hallux valgus)
• Morton’s neuroma
• Tibialis posterior tendinopathy
• Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain)
• Severs disease in children
• Lower back and hip pain with a foot mechanics cause
We do not prescribe orthotics for every patient. We only recommend them when the assessment gives a clear mechanical reason.
How We Make Your Orthotics
We use a 3D digital scanner to capture the exact shape of your foot. This gives us more detail than a plaster cast or foam impression box.
The scan takes about 5 minutes. We then design the orthotic using CAD software and send the files to a specialist orthotic laboratory for manufacture.
Step 1 — Assessment
We take a full history, assess your posture and watch you walk and run. We identify the mechanical factors driving your pain.
Step 2 — Foot Scan
We 3D scan both feet using a digital scanner. The scan captures your arch shape, foot width and pressure distribution.
Step 3 — Design and Manufacture
We design your orthotic to address your specific mechanics and the shoes you wear. The device is then made by a specialist laboratory.
Step 4 — Fitting and Review
We fit your orthotics at a follow-up appointment. We check the fit, make any adjustments on the spot and show you how to break them in.
Types Of Orthotics We Make
We make orthotics to fit different shoe types. At your appointment, we talk through your lifestyle and the shoes you wear so the device works for you day to day
Sports and Running Orthotics
Thin and lightweight devices for running shoes, training shoes and sports boots. We also make cycling-specific orthotics with a stiff carbon forefoot plate.
Dress and Work Orthotics
Slim-profile devices for formal and work shoes. These fit into shoes with less internal depth, including heeled shoes.
Casual and Every-Day Orthotics
A versatile mid-profile device for casual shoes and sneakers. The most common type we make for general foot pain and comfort
Paediatric Orthotics
Made for children with flat feet, in-toeing, out-toeing or growing pains. We review children's orthotics as they grow.
What To Expect At Your Appointment
Your orthotics consultation takes about 45–60 minutes.
We take a full history of your pain and how it affects your daily life. We then assess your posture, foot mechanics and walking gait. Where needed, we use video gait analysis.
By the end of the appointment, we will tell you clearly whether we think orthotics will help. If the evidence is not clear-cut, we can trial a short-term measure before you commit to a custom device.
Your 3D scan is taken at this first visit. Your orthotics are fitted at a second appointment.
Cost and Health Fund Rebates
Custom orthotics at Modpod Podiatry Sydney CBD have seperate billings for your assessment, scan, device and fitting appointment. This helps maximise rebates from health insurance. Ask our reception team for current pricing.
Most private health funds cover custom orthotics under extras cover. You can claim your rebate on the spot with your health fund card.
Getting Here
Our clinic is on Hunter Street in Sydney CBD. We are a 3-minute walk from Town Hall and Wynyard stations and close to St James.
We accept private health insurance with on-the-spot rebates.
- Suite 506/66 Hunter Street, Sydney NSW, 2000 (1 min walk from Martin Plc Metro)
- (02) 9538 7647
- info@modpodpodiatry.com.au
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MON - TUE: 8am-6pm
WED: 8am-5.30pm
THU - FRI: 8am-5pm
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do custom orthotics last?
Most custom orthotics last 2–5 years with normal daily use. Sports orthotics used for high-volume training wear faster and may need replacing or resoling sooner.
Will orthotics weaken my feet?
This is a common concern. The evidence does not support it. We prescribe foot and calf strengthening exercises alongside orthotics to maintain muscle function.
How long until I notice a difference?
Most people notice a change within 2–4 weeks. Chronic conditions may take longer. We review your progress at the fitting appointment and follow up as needed.
Can I transfer orthotics between shoes?
Some designs transfer between shoes. If you need your orthotics across multiple shoe types — for example, work shoes and running shoes — let us know at your appointment. We can plan the design or make two pairs.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by phone. If your GP has written an EPC plan, your consultation may be bulk billed.
At what age can children get orthotics?
We make paediatric orthotics for children from around age 4 onwards, depending on the nature of the problem. We review the fit and function as the child grows.
I was given orthotics before and they didn’t help. Why would these be different?
Hard, bulky orthotics that don’t address the right mechanics often fail. We take time to find the actual cause of your pain before prescribing anything. If orthotics are not the right tool, we will tell you — and use something that is.