What makes Dr Insole different from other orthotic providers?
Dr Insole specialises exclusively in the design and manufacture of fully bespoke insoles, made entirely in-house and on-site using traditional orthopaedic footwear methods.
Our specialist comes from a third generation of orthopaedic footwear manufacturing, with decades of hands-on experience making custom boots, shoes, and specialist insoles. This background means every insole is shaped, adjusted, and finished by an experienced maker — using established, traditional techniques rather than templates or mass-production — and never produced by a third-party lab.
Unlike many providers who rely solely on scanning technology or prefabricated shells, we take a true physical 3D cast of each foot and then manually adapt that cast by hand before the insoles are made. These traditional methods are now used by very few manufacturers, but they allow for a level of precision, balance, and individual adjustment that scanning alone cannot provide.
Because everything is made on-site, any trimming, refinements, or adjustments can be carried out directly, without the delays associated with sending insoles away to external laboratories. This allows us to refine fit and comfort efficiently and ensures your insoles are finished and adjusted properly, without unnecessary waiting.
Do I need to see a podiatrist to have custom insoles made?
No. Many people choose to come to Dr Insole directly for bespoke insoles.
We specialise in the making and fitting of custom insoles, using traditional methods, physical casting, and detailed assessment to ensure each insole is made accurately and adjusted correctly for the individual.
Over the years, we have also made insoles for medical professionals and for people who have been recommended to us by healthcare practitioners, based on the quality of our workmanship and attention to fit.
Our role is not to diagnose medical conditions, but to focus on the careful design, manufacture, and adjustment of insoles so they perform as intended in everyday use.
What materials are your insoles made from?
Our insoles are made using medical-grade urethane Flexifoam, available in a range of densities depending on the level of support and comfort required.
This material is chosen for its durability, shock absorption, and ability to retain its shape over time. The density is selected during the making process to suit the individual, rather than using a single standard material for every insole.
All materials are cut, shaped, and finished by hand as part of our traditional manufacturing process.
Why do I need orthotic insoles?
If you are having problems with your feet, knees or back, then the chances are that custom-made insoles could help. Our website is full of articles about how exactly our insoles can help you. Whether it is making those shoes that little bit more comfortable, getting you ahead in your chosen sport or helping relieve chronic foot pain, our insoles will be designed specifically to help you.
Do I need to make a cast or participate in gait analysis?
At Dr Insole we take a holistic approach to insole making. This means that we will guide you through the whole process step-by-step, with cast formation and gait analysis combining to give us an overall picture of your issues and how to make the right insoles for you.
How long do your insoles last?
Our insoles are made from a durable urethane Flexifoam compound, which is long lasting and hard wearing. The top cover is made from EVA, providing comfort through its cushioning properties.
The lifespan of the insole depends on a number of factors, including frequency of use, type of shoe, and the type of insole made. Insoles designed primarily for comfort, using softer Flexifoam, tend to last around a year.
Our firmer insoles, or hybrid insoles combining different densities of Flexifoam, which are designed to provide greater structural support, often last two years or more.
Can I have one pair of insoles for all my shoes?
No- different shoe shapes have a profound effect on the usefulness of the insole and so our insoles must be adapted to a specific shoe. All shoes vary- some are very straight and some very curvy. Our insoles must fit smugly within any concave in your shoes otherwise they are subject to being bent, snapped or folded and rendered useless.
Beware of any service that offers a one-insole-fits-all product. These insoles tend to have a small plinth in the heel that supports the insole. However this plinth reduces the effectiveness of the insole and embeds itself into the shoe which can damage the shoe itself.
Why do you make a cast of my feet?
We use a cast to ensure that our insoles are designed to fit you perfectly. Only a cast can help us take a perfect three-dimensional view of your feet, helping us to identify every single factor that could be causing you trouble. The cast allows us to analyse and revisit the shape of your foot while we make the insoles and ensure that everything specific to your feet is taken into account.