Why your lifestyle, preferences, and past experiences matter just as much as your foot shape.
Custom orthotics aren’t just shaped to your feet—they’re shaped to your life. At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we take time to understand you before we ever start building your orthotics. Why? Because two people can have the same foot structure and need completely different orthotic designs based on how they move through the world.
Here’s a closer look at the thought process that goes into creating orthotics that actually work for you.
1. What activities do you do most often?
Are you a runner? A hiker? On your feet all day for work? Do you walk the dog twice a day or play tennis on weekends? Your daily movement patterns help us determine:
- The level of shock absorption you need
- The type of support that will protect you over time
- How much flexibility your orthotics should have
An orthotic that’s perfect for a factory worker may not be right for a yoga instructor.
2. What kind of shoes do you wear—and want to wear?
Shoes matter. If your orthotics don’t fit into the shoes you actually wear, they’ll end up collecting dust in your closet. We always ask:
- Do you wear athletic shoes, work boots, or dress shoes?
- Do you rotate shoes often, or wear the same pair every day?
- Do you want orthotics for casual wear or performance?
Sometimes we even build different orthotics for different shoes to keep you comfortable and supported in every part of life.
3. What’s your age, weight, and activity level?
These factors influence how much structure and support you’ll need. For example:
- A heavier patient may benefit from firmer materials for stability
- An older adult might need more cushioning for arthritis or fat pad atrophy
- A teen athlete recovering from injury may need orthotics that adapt as they grow
The right orthotic balances function and comfort, tailored to your body and your goals.
4. What’s worked before—and what hasn’t?
This is one of the most valuable parts of the conversation. If you’ve worn orthotics in the past, we’ll ask:
- What did you like about them?
- What bothered you?
- Were they too bulky? Too hard? Did they make your feet slide around?
Patients who use descriptive language—like “they felt like bricks,” or “they collapsed by the end of the day”—help us fine-tune every detail.
5. How do you describe your ideal orthotic?
Even if you’ve never had orthotics before, your feedback matters. We want to hear:
- How you want them to feel
- Whether you prefer soft cushioning or a firmer base
- What kind of foot or leg discomfort are you trying to solve
It’s not about just “correcting” your feet—it’s about helping you move better and feel better.
Your Orthotics Should Work for You—Not the Other Way Around
At Lighthouse Foot and Ankle Center, we use a mix of clinical expertise and personal insight to design orthotics that match your unique lifestyle. Whether we’re 3D printing custom designs or molding same-day orthotics with our Podiatech system, our goal is simple: give you the right support, in the right shoes, with the right feel.
Why See a Direct Care Podiatrist?
As a direct care podiatrist, you don’t need a referral or insurance approval to get orthotics that actually help. You get:
- Fast access to care
- Upfront pricing
- A personalized experience focused on your needs, not insurance checkboxes
Call 207-774-0028 to start the conversation about custom orthotics—your feet will thank you.
