Foundations Footwear - Frequently asked questions


Do I need to make an appointment and how do I make one?
Yes, an appointment should be made to make sure that your individual time is set aside. Simply call 914-8338 or email bill@foundationsfootwear.com to make an appointment or have any of your questions answered.


Do you take insurance?
We do not directly bill your insurance company, so you must file the claim yourself. Only a small percentage of plans cover these services, so we offer very affordable prices because we know so many of you must pay out of pocket. Also, you must have a prescription from a doctor before you can bill your insurance company.

If you have a “Health or Flex” spending account at work you can use it to pay for needed services.


What are foot orthotic insoles?
An orthoses (orthotic) is an apparatus that can support, accommodate, align, prevent or correct deformities, or improve function for the foot.


Can I wear my orthotics in any shoe I want?
A foot orthotic can only achieve its goal in conjunction with the right footwear. We can make an orthotic to fit almost any shoe, but one made specifically for a pair of running or athletic shoes will probably not fit into most fashion shoes.


What are the orthotics made of and how long do they last?
For good supportive shoes with removable full length insoles a foam based rubber orthotic is popular, especially with people with sensitive feet, active people or athletes. If the shoe is flimsy or has fit constraints then a semi-rigid or rigid type may be necessary. Softer type orthotics have a one-year-warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Rigid or semi-rigid types have a three-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. There is no warranty against covering breakdown. After a period of time, most orthotics can be refurbished for an additional cost.


I had some orthotics made from you and I want another pair; how is this possible?
As of 2007 casts of your feet go home with you so that you can bring them back in the future to make additional pairs. Computerized images of your feet are stored so that they can be remade quickly without having to come back in. If possible it is recommended to come back in for re-evaluation if more than a year has past or if having an issue.


Who benefits from custom orthotics and orthopedic footwear?
Sufferers of chronic back, hip, knee, ankle or foot issues. If you have never had someone look at your feet, shoes and watch you walk or run then you are missing the obvious cause for most of these problems. Therapy is key but often does not “stick” because the minute you walk out the doctor’s or therapist’s office things go back to the way they were if your body’s foundation is bad.

People who are on their feet all day can distribute weight and pressure evenly thus reducing stress on feet, knees and back.

Fitness enthusiasts or athletes can help disperse shock and distribute pressure evenly, thus reducing the chance of injury allowing them to train more. Also, good mechanics are instrumental if you want to have an efficient and powerful stride, pedal stroke, golf stance/follow through, jump or movement in the weight room.

Diabetic or arthritic patients protect and relieve pressure points from their feet.


 What is a Certified Pedorthist?
Pedorthics is the design, manufacture, modification and fit of footwear, including foot orthoses (orthotics) to alleviate foot problems caused by disease, overuse, congenital defect or injury.

A certified pedorthist (C.Ped.) is a professional whose competence in the practice of pedorthics is credentialed by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. They are specialists in lower limb anatomy; pathology; biomechanics; gait analysis; footwear fitting; below the ankle orthotic design and fabrication; and patient/practice management.

Pedorthics is the practice, pursuant to a written order/prescription when addressing a medical condition, of evaluating, treatment planning, patient managing, measuring, designing, fabricating, assembling, fitting, adjusting or servicing, necessary to accomplish the application of a pedorthic device for the prevention or amelioration of painful and/or disabling conditions of the foot and ankle.

Foundations Footwear works as part of the allied health care team of doctors and therapists, dispensing footwear and foot orthotics to keep people as mobile as possible.