Runner’s Info

Running shoes are an important purchase for
hobby, recreation & competition. Find out how to
choose them.

Let Us Know Your Foot Structure, and We Can Give You a Recommendation!

So Many Running Shoes to
Choose From – Where to
Start?

Running Shoes and a water bottle are the only equipment needed for this sport. Wearing the wrong shoe can cause injury and long term damage to your body. It is crucial to retire your old shoes when they are worn out and find the proper fitting shoe for your feet.

Start by examining your foot

  • Is your foot Wide or Narrow? Thick or Thin? Fatty or Bony?
  • Pronating (roll in) or Supinating (roll out)
  • Is the Long Arch: Flat, Low, Medium or High
  • The Longer Toe: the Big Toe or the Second Toe
  • The Front Part (forefoot): Like a Square or Like a Triangle
  • Does the Front Turn Toward or Away from the Other Foot
  • Is the Top (instep): High or Low
  • Is the Heel: Narrow or Wide
  • Any deformities: Bunion, Hammer Toes, Bump on Instep

How To Pick the Right Running Shoes

The assessment is complimentary and included in the price of the orthotics.  There’s no obligation to purchase.

The initial appointment usually lasts approximately one hour. We will take the time to note your history, listen and then do a series of different tests to determine the underlying problem causing the pain. A full explanation and demonstrations of the findings will be shared and discussed with you for possible therapies to resolve the condition(s).

Two to three pairs of well-worn footwear to see the wear patterns at the bottom and to give us an idea of the types of footwear you prefer. If you have a prescription or a recommendation from your physician, please bring it as well.

We can make several types of orthotics to accommodate your needs.

* Plastic Orthotics – Full and 3/4 Length
* Rubber Orthotics – Aggressive, Medium or Mild Support – Hard or Cushioned
* Soft and Cushioned Orthotics – Full and 3/4 Length
* For Daily Use, For Casual Wear & Sport Orthotics
* Relief for Pressure Areas and Ulcers
* Motion Control for In-Toeing and Out-Toeing
* Thin for Casual and Cobra for Dress Shoes
* Children Orthotics from Ages 3 and up

We Can Accommodate:
Running Shoes, Waking Shoes, Casual Footwear, Winter Boots, Safety Footwear, Dress Shoes, Sandals, Slippers, Cleats, Skates, Ski Boots

Your hand-crafted foot orthotics are created to your specific needs in our own laboratory and will be ready approximately 7 days after your initial assessment.

  • Complimentary lower limb biomechanical and gait analysis assessment
  • 3-Dimensional foot casting none weight bearing
  • Hand-Crafted Custom-Made Foot Orthotics (not computer generated, custom fitted or modified)
  • Discounted prices for additional pairs
  • Follow-up appointments included (4 weeks after purchase, yearly check-ups and every 6mts for children under the age of 16)
  • Adjustments as needed
  • A detailed gait analysis report sent to your referring health care professional (optional) and a copy for your health insurance claim

Our Warranty Includes: working with our clients until they reach comfort and satisfaction at no extra cost – Most adjustments are done on-site while you wait

You don’t require a prescription to get an assessment.  If you decide to purchase orthotics you will need a detailed prescription specifying custom orthotics and a reason why you require the orthotics to be eligible to claim reimbursement through your private health care insurance.  With a prescription you also save all taxes and if you don’t have extra insurance coverage you can claim the cost on your income tax.

Yes.  All our Pedorthists are fully certified under the Pedorthic Association of Canada and the College of Pedorthics of Canada and continue to pursue education in the field to improve their knowledge and abilities in Pedorthic Therapy.

Orthopedic Footwear Are
Extra Supportive

If you don’t wear orthotics you will need to take into consideration the structure of your foot along with its attributes. By looking over your answers concerning your feet, try to find the shoe that fits your foot best and not try to reshape a shoe to accommodate your feet.

If you experience no pain, no foot structural issues, your arches remain in neutral when you stand, you can try shoes with a straight last (structural shape of the shoe in relation of the heel to the toes) or with a varus (front curves a little inward) depending how your foot is shaped. Make sure that the big toe and little toe are not being pinched on the sides. The shoe can also have an increase supination control (the upper of the shoe is glued on an angle toward the outer edge of the shoe ” / “. This is to help promote quick pronation after heel strike to increase speed of the run.

If your arches are unstable and roll in when standing, try a shoe with some pronation control (extra support on the inner section of the shoe); and if your arches roll out try a supinator control (extra stability control on the outer part of the shoe). If you have any forefoot issues (big toe stiffness or pain, ball of foot pain or ankle stiffness or pain), it is best to find a shoe with a rocker sole at the front (curved upward to help propel the body forward and decreasing strain on the forefoot and ankle).

Bony feet and high arched feet may consider extra cushioning with a slight rocker sole at the back of the heel to decrease the impact upon heel strike. Tight calf and tight foot muscles can try running shoes with a slight heel raise to decrease the strain on the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia and tendons attached to the toes. A high instep, a bump on the instep and hammer toes can try extra deep shoes with a soft upper. There are different ways to tie laces to help decrease pressure on the top of the foot. Ask the shoe fitter the best way to tie your laces.

What Our Customers
Have To Say

At Ottawa Custom Orthotics, we take pride in earning
repeat business, referrals and great reviews from our
clientele. Read our Google Reviews to see what customers
are saying about us.

See What Our Happy Customers Say On Google

Are You Experiencing Pain Or Discomfort?
Ottawa Custom Orthotics Is Ready To Help!

Ottawa Clinic Located at Hunt Club

Orléans Clinic

Foot, Knee, Hip or Back Pain? We Can Help.
Book An Appointment or Tell Us About Your Conditions.