Orthotics
Orthotics
Andrew personally makes all orthotics so they are bespoke to each shape of each individual foot. There are quite high numbers of people who have differences between left and right feet and taking a plaster mould/scan is essential. Where preformed orthotics or off the shelf orthotics will not be of help.
Bespoke Foot Orthortics
Orthotic materials are researched using force plates, for both support and shock absorption, depending on individual cases. Materials e.g. for sports (used by runners, cricket, rugby, footballers and national athletes) provide excellent shock absorbency and support. Firmer orthotic materials are used to give support but take up less space within shoes, where the foot is wide, less space, or where shoes are slim or shallow, where a slimline orthotic is used.
For different activities, just walking, sports, differing densities of materials are used to suit differing conditions & lifestyles.
For children, specific orthotic materials are used to provide comfort in activities, with amounts of support to keep the feet straight and will prevent inrolling in both school and training shoes.
Andrew will manufacture using many materials specific to each person's needs, ranging from very soft and shock absorbing, to carbon fibre orthotics, which are thinner and lighter and stronger than other materials. Specific materials are used for specific conditions.
Carbon Fibre Orthotics
The properties of carbon fibre orthotics enable orthotics made of this material to be thinner, lighter, stronger than other materials. The orthotics are made using carbon fibre impregnated with an epoxy resin or carbon fibre laminated with a thermoplastic. Due to the inflexibility and hardness however carbon fibre is not recommended for many and not for sporting activities where heel strike shock absorbency is important.
Carbon fibre is not recommended where shock absorption is required (see different densities of thermoplastic). Carbon fibre foot orthotics can be made from a plaster cast of a foot and pressed over the mould, or from a 3D scan then milled from the three-dimensional scan.
Kevlar Orthotics
Orthotics made of kevlar are made from a carbon fibre derivative which is a mix of carbon fibre and fibres of nomix. Fibres of nomix mixed into the carbon fibre produce differing degrees of flexibility into kevlar orthotics. Kevlar orthotics are thin light and durable. Kevlar orthotics can be used for some sports (see different densities of thermoplastic).
Fibre Glass Orthotics
The properties of fibreglass orthotics make orthotics to be light, strong and durable. Due to the hardness of the material they are rarely used for sporting activities and tend to be used where there is a limited space such as within evening shoe/walking shoe. Fibre glass orthotics may be made from plaster casts of the feet or made from three-dimensional scans of feet.
Thermoplastic Orthotics
The properties of thermoplastic orthotics. Thermoplastic orthotics allow for different amounts of shock absorption as required. A lower density of thermoplastic orthotics will allow good shock absorption and cushioning and will reduce the heel strike shock.
Thermoplastic orthotics for this reason are used particularly for sports and will reduce the forces of running and walking on concrete and tarmac.
Thermoplastic orthotics made of a higher density give more support and control of angle from the orthotic and are again used widely for sporting activities. Thermoplastic orthotics are ideal for training and gym used within training shoes and are also used within walking shoes for cushioning.
Orthotic Innovations
Click here to find out more about Andrew Roots patented invention which considerably improves the accuracy of foot orthotics manufacture.
WHY US
Why Choose Us
Truly Bespoke Orthotics Care
Handcrafted from moulds or scans for exact fit and alignment.
In House Manufacturing Precision
Orthotics made on site using calibrated equipment for precise correction.
Advanced Biomechanical Assessment Expertise
Corrects movement, reduces shock, and relieves ankle knee hip pain.
Proven Sports Grade Materials
Lightweight shock absorbing materials trusted by athletes and everyday walkers.
Book Your Foot Assessment Today
Take the first step toward pain-free movement with expert podiatry, personalised assessments, and bespoke orthotics designed for lasting comfort.
Orthotics FAQ’s
What are moulded orthotics?
Moulded Orthotics are made to measure foot supports made from plaster moulds or 3 dimensional scans of feet. They give an exact fit and provide degrees of correction and amounts of support to keep the body in straight alignment. They are used widely for walking and in sports and running to provide shock absorption.
What materials are moulded orthotics made from?
In the past many moulded orthotics were made from hard materials such as carbon fibre and fibre glass. Recently more specialist shock absorbing materials are commonly used to reduce shock and give cushioning in walking especially sporting activities and running. The materials used are shock absorbing light and easy to clean. They are used by national sports people and used widely also for walking.
Is it best to have a plaster bandage cast or a 3D scan impression to make moulded orthotics?
There is no research at present to suggest scanning is more accurate than plaster bandage casting. I use both three dimensional digitised scanning and plaster bandage casting depending on differing conditions and height of support required. Digitised casting is the only repeatable method of taking three dimensional impressions of a foot. The London Foot Hospital bought a digital casting machine patented and designed by myself.
What can moulded orthotics do for me?
The main function of moulded orthotics is to correct body alignment or increase shock absorption and therefore to help in ankle ,knee hip and lower back pains alignment, especially if the feet roll in (excess pronation) during walking and running.
Why should I have moulded orthotics?
For many people moulded orthotics are invaluable in reducing shock and maintaining straight walking and running. This improves body posture and helps higher joints in the knees, hips and in the back.
Are made-to-measure moulded orthotics better than off the shelf orthotics?
Bespoke orthotics are moulded around the exact contours of each foot. The highest forces of shock which go up the body are as the heel strikes down. Therefore they fit accurately and when using a shock absorbing material moulded around the contour of the heel this increases the surface area and reduces the impact of the ground forces. Over days and weeks of wearing bespoke orthotics significantly less shock will be transferred up into the body to the ankles, knees, hips, lower and upper back when walking or running.
What is the price of moulded orthotics?
Making moulded orthotics is labour intense and highly skilled to keep the body at exactly the correct angle. Plaster bandage is placed around the foot and the ankle whilst the plaster sets can be recorded by a patented system electronically. Or a three dimensional scan may be taken. A positive mould is then made out of plaster or resin. The chosen material for the orthotic is then heated within an oven and pressed over the mould of each foot under pressure separately. As the material cools it retains the memory of the shape of each foot mould exactly. Next the height of the orthotic is ground. Finally the angle of the orthotic is ground using calibrated horizontal grinders. These are calibrated to single level degree accuracy. The angle of the orthotics is of the utmost importance and a single degree incorrect at foot level can lead to swaying and leaning at higher levels. For these reasons making moulded orthotics is time consuming and skilled. Please see our price page for listing of charges.
Do you offer a service which covers private medical insurance?
Orthotics and biomechanical assessments are now covered by very few private health schemes. The majority of people who have orthotics now self pay.
