Soft 3D Orthotics · Accommodative comfort

Soft 3D-printed custom orthotics on the Gold Coast.

A soft, accommodative orthotic for people who need cushioning and shock absorption rather than rigid correction. Particularly suited to older feet, arthritic feet, sensitive skin, and anyone who’s tried firmer orthotics and found them uncomfortable.

Book a scan & fit Call (07) 5572 6222

What “accommodative” means and when it’s the right call.

An accommodative orthotic supports the foot in the position it’s in — rather than trying to correct it back to a textbook position. Soft, multi-density foam construction. Cushioning at the heel and ball. Total-contact support across the arch. The aim is comfort and shock absorption, not biomechanical correction.

This is the right choice when correction isn’t the answer. Arthritic feet that don’t need or tolerate rigid support. Older feet with sensitive skin. Feet with structural deformities that have to be lived with, not corrected. Diabetic feet (though we have a specific diabetic orthotic for that case).

Soft orthotics are more comfortable from day one. The trade-off is that they wear out faster and don’t address biomechanical issues. We’ll tell you straight if you need correction rather than comfort — or if comfort is the right priority.

Who soft orthotics suit

Six situations where soft orthotics are the right choice.

Soft orthotics are an accommodative tool. These are the most common reasons we prescribe them.

Foot or ankle arthritis

Cushioning at the painful joints, support without forcing motion that hurts. Often the difference between staying mobile and not.

Sensitive or thin skin

Older feet, post-cancer treatment, certain skin conditions. Soft orthotics protect skin that doesn’t tolerate firmer materials.

Heel pad atrophy

Heel pad fat thins with age, leaving the heel bone less protected. Soft orthotics with a heel cushion replace what age has taken away.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Multiple painful joints, deformities, sensitive skin. Soft, total-contact orthotics that accommodate the changed foot shape rather than forcing it back.

Recovery from foot surgery

Post-surgical cushioning while the foot heals. Often replaced with a different orthotic style once recovery is complete.

When firmer orthotics weren’t tolerated

You’ve been prescribed orthotics in the past and they hurt. Soft orthotics may give the support without the discomfort.

How we make them

Three steps from your first scan to your first wear.

Biomechanical assessment.

60-minute appointment with a podiatrist. We assess your gait, your foot mechanics, your footwear and the symptoms driving you to consider orthotics. If orthotics aren’t the right answer, we’ll tell you that.

3D scan, custom design.

A handheld 3D scan with a focus on pressure-mapping the parts of the foot that hurt or are at risk. We design the orthotic to cushion those specific zones and total-contact-support everywhere else. Manufactured in Australia from layered EVA and PU foams.

Fit, wear-in, review.

Orthotics arrive in about two weeks. We fit them, confirm they sit right in your shoes, and book a six-week review to check how they’re wearing and how your feet are responding. Adjustments included in the original price.

Common questions

soft orthotics questions we get asked.

01 Do I need a GP referral?

No. For private extras you can book directly. For Medicare GPCCMP, DVA or NDIS funding the relevant referral or plan is needed — bring it to the assessment and we’ll bill the scheme directly.

02 Can I claim them on private health?

Yes, on extras policies that include orthotics — the rebate level varies between funds. We HICAPS the rebate at the time of fitting. Bring your card.

03 How long do they last?

Soft orthotics wear faster than firmer ones because the foam compresses. Expect 12-24 months for the shell, 6-12 months for the top cover. We can replace just the cover at half the cost of new orthotics.

04 Will they fit in my shoes?

They fit most shoes with a removable insole — running shoes, work shoes, casual shoes, deep-toe-box dress shoes. Slim profile means they work in more footwear than hard orthotics do.

05 How long until they’re comfortable?

Most comfortable from day one — usually a few days of adjustment, not weeks. Start at half a day, build to all-day wear by the end of the first week.

06 What if they hurt or don’t feel right?

Come back. Adjustments are included in the price. The orthotic should be doing work, but it shouldn’t be causing pain — if it is, we can heat-mould, grind down, or rebuild a section until it’s right.

HICAPS on the spot with every major fund · Medicare GPCCMP, DVA, NDIS & WorkCover funding accepted where applicable.