Orthopedic Institute insoles

Hi there,
I tried searching through an existing thread about orthopedic insoles, but since nobody seemed to be replying, I figured I’d just start my own.
I’m curious to get your take on custom-made orthopedic insoles—specifically the kind where they don't require a formal prescription from an orthopedic specialist, but instead just have you step into some foam to get a footprint. If any of you have gone this route, were you actually happy with the results? And more importantly, is there a noticeable difference compared to the standard ones we get covered by our insurance? I was at a pharmacy in Santa Monica recently and spotted a flyer for Orthopedic Institute insoles. Basically, you just step into a foam mold right there in the shop, they gather all your data, pay a portion upfront, and then the rest is settled once they ship them to your door. The flyer says they arrive at your house within ten days. Since I'm already having to shell out for my little one's insoles anyway, the idea of skipping the crowds and the long wait for a doctor's appointment sounds pretty tempting—especially since the pharmacist there actually recommended them.
Has anyone here actually tried them?

I’m using these inserts—not from the Orthopedic Institute, but they're foam-based—and I honestly love them. My orthopedic consultation at a private clinic went something like this: "Your feet are misaligned. Are you wearing orthotics? No? Well, you really should be—go get some custom ones made." 🤣

So, yeah, that entire diagnosis was basically useless when it came to actually getting the inserts made.

In my experience, custom-molded insoles based on a precise foam impression are truly the superior choice. Anything else I have tried has been nothing more than a complete waste of money, often involving endless headaches over returns and complaints.

Honestly, these assessments drive me absolutely crazy—I mean, we spent half a day just waiting at the clinic in Malibu, only for the orthopedic specialist to take one look at my little one’s foot and tell us there’s grade 3 flat feet. He walked a few steps in front of him, and that was it—just a quick referral to the Orthopedic Institute to get custom insoles made. To make matters worse, even the footprint they took on paper wasn't even accurate because he couldn't stop squirming... and then we waited nearly two months for the actual insoles to arrive 😈, apparently because they were "slammed" with patients. I think we might just pivot to those over-the-counter options you find at drugstores instead. At least I know the scan will be more reliable and we won't be waiting an eternity to actually use them. Once they arrive, we'll report back with our thoughts! 😊😊😊 We might even give that foam option a shot—they claim to have twenty-five years of experience, so I suppose that counts for something. Thanks for all the input ☺

This topic's getting a bit old, but Orthopedic Specialties is still around and kicking.
I’m dying to know—how can I actually be certain that the inserts they mail me are truly custom-made from my own foot scan, and not just some off-the-shelf drugstore basics passed off as premium?