“Orthotic” isn’t one product — it’s a category. The right device depends on what you’re trying to fix and what shoe you’ll be living in. At Ace Health Centre we routinely make three different styles, all manufactured to the same prescription accuracy. Here’s how to know which one suits you. Our custom orthotics Gold Coast patients receive are made to precise prescription specifications.
Hard Orthotics — Maximum Control
A hard custom orthotic is a rigid shell, usually 3D-printed in a precision polymer. Think of it as a structural device — it doesn’t squash under your weight, so it consistently controls how your foot loads at every step.
- Best for: heavy or active feet, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, severe overpronation, knee tracking issues, sport in firm shoes
- Footwear: trainers, work boots, hiking boots
- Lifespan: 4–5+ years
Soft Orthotics — Cushion and Offload
A soft orthotic is moulded in EVA or shock-absorbing foam. It still corrects alignment but its priority is cushioning and offloading hot spots — wounds, neuromas, fat-pad atrophy or arthritic feet.
- Best for: diabetics, arthritis, fat-pad loss, Morton’s neuroma, painful calluses, elderly patients
- Footwear: roomy trainers, diabetic-style shoes
- Lifespan: 12–18 months for the top layer; shell often reusable
Dress Orthotics — Slim Profile, Real Function
A dress orthotic is the modern professional’s friend — a thin, narrow custom device that fits inside a court shoe, brogue, dress flat or boot.
- Best for: office workers, hospitality staff, people in suits or heels who can’t wear bulky inserts
- Footwear: court shoes, dress flats, low heels, slim leather boots
- Lifespan: 3–4 years
How We Decide on Your Custom Orthotics Gold Coast Prescription
Your podiatrist will:
- Watch you walk barefoot and in your usual shoes
- Run a video gait analysis
- Assess your joint range and tissue load
- Talk through your daily footwear, your sport and your symptoms
Many patients end up with a pair of styles — a hard pair for the gym and a dress pair for work — manufactured from the same scan, which keeps cost down.
Will Insurance Help?
For general information on orthotics and foot health, the Healthdirect website is a useful starting point.
Most private health funds with extras cover offer a rebate on custom orthotics. We’ll check your level on the phone before you come in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than one pair? Absolutely — and it’s common. A hard sport pair plus a dress pair is the most popular combination, both manufactured from the same scan.
How long do they take to make? 1–2 weeks from scan to fit-up. We’ll book your fit appointment when you order.
Will I need to break them in? Yes. Wear them 2 hours on day one and add 1–2 hours daily. Most patients are in all day by the end of week one with no issues.
Book Your Custom Orthotics Gold Coast Assessment
One appointment, one scan, one prescription. Call (07) 5572 6222 or book online.
