Custom Orthotics Northcote

Handmade here in the clinic by our qualified orthotist.

Truly Customised, Built to Last

Custom orthotics are medical-grade devices worn inside your shoes to support better foot function, reduce pain, and improve long-term movement. At AFOC, we don’t outsource. We make your orthotics here in our clinic, ensuring quality at every step.

Our founder, Geoff Dowling, is both a senior podiatrist and qualified orthotist. He also developed Modulign, a fully customisable orthotic system now used by clinics across Australia.

Why Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics offer many potential benefits, particularly when handmade to fit the unique structure of your foot and address your specific concerns.

Custom orthotics aim to:

Reduce pain or discomfort

Improve gait and balance

Enhance foot function

Prevent further complications

Enhance the comfort of daily activities

Support the management of conditions

Research Into Custom Orthotics

Research shows that custom orthotics can play a valuable role in managing many foot and ankle conditions. They’ve been found to reduce pain and improve foot function, particularly for people with plantar heel pain. After just one month of use, custom orthoses have been shown to ease pain, improve walking patterns, and increase comfort during daily activity.

Clinical reviews also highlight that when orthotics are combined with other treatments, they can lead to better long-term outcomes. Whether it’s improving how you move, easing discomfort, or preventing future issues, orthotics are a well-supported tool in modern foot care.

Our Orthotics Process

1. Biomechanical Assessment

Your podiatrist will perform a thorough assessment of your feet and ankles to evaluate the structure, alignment, and any potential issues that may benefit from orthotics. This may include a gait analysis and examination of your footwear.

2. Casting

Your podiatrist will take casts of your feet to get an accurate impression. This can be done using several techniques, such as fibre glass and foam box. A positive cast is later taken from those impressions and is used for crafting the custom orthotic.

3. Casting Modifications

Our fully qualified orthotist, Geoff Dowling, draws on his years of experience to determine exactly the type of modifications that may be needed to address your specific problem. These are made to the positive casts, then they’re ready to go.

4. Manufacture

There are several materials that your custom orthotics can be made from, including soft foams, harder density foams, and plastics. Every foot is unique, as is every custom orthotic– your podiatrist and orthotist will work together to determine the most appropriate solution for your needs.

5. Fitting

Once your orthotics are complete, they will be adjusted and fine-tuned. Your podiatrist will fit them to your footwear (if required) and show you how to use them. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled in a few weeks so they can check in.

Conditions Treated with Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics may be used in the treatment and management of a variety of conditions, including:

Your Orthotics Questions Answered

How long do custom orthotics typically last?

They will generally last around five to six years, but this will depend on how often they’re worn, the materials they’re made from, and your daily activities. Children will likely need them replaced more often than this (typically every few years) due to growth.

What ages do we make custom orthotics for?

We can handmake custom orthotics for people of any age, from children through to adults and seniors. We are, however, generally hesitant to prescribe them to children under the age of nine– please make an appointment if you believe your child needs orthotics.

How much do custom orthotics cost?

A pair of custom orthotics will typically cost around $760. This is, in part, because they are completely handmade– they are not the same as off-the-shelf orthotics or even lab-made ones. Your podiatrist will be able to provide a more accurate cost estimate at the time of assessment.

Our Range of Orthotics

We offer a wide range of advanced lower limb orthotics to suit many conditions that cause pain, discomfort, or difficulty walking.

Solid Ankle AFO

Articulated AFO

Carbon Fibre AFO

Custom Orthotics, Handmade for You

Custom orthotics may help manage a wide range of foot and ankle conditions. At AFOC, we keep the entire process in-house, from assessment to fitting, to ensure the best results.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, book a consultation to see if orthotics are right for you.