Dr. Foster's Honest Opinion of The Good Feet Store
As a board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Joel Foster frequently sees patients who have purchased inserts from The Good Feet Store. Many patients come to him after spending hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars there, only to find that their foot pain hasn’t improved. In this article, Dr. Foster shares his honest thoughts on The Good Feet Store's inserts and addresses some of the key concerns he's observed with their products and services over the years.
While it might seem like a quick fix to visit The Good Feet Store and purchase a pair of inserts, there are often better and more affordable alternatives available. Here’s a closer look at the issues Dr. Foster often hears about and how individuals can avoid wasting money on products that may not be right for them.
4 Main Problems With The Good Feet Store:
1. Unqualified Staff Providing "Medical Treatment"
One of the biggest concerns Dr. Foster has with The Good Feet Store is the lack of medical expertise among the staff. Though they refer to themselves as “certified arch support specialists,” this certification does not indicate any formal medical training. The staff is essentially self-certified and does not have the qualifications needed to properly diagnose foot or ankle conditions. A proper diagnosis is essential in determining whether orthotics are necessary, and in many cases, patients discover that they don’t need them at all. Dr. Foster has encountered patients who bought pre-fabricated inserts at The Good Feet Store, only to later find out that their pain was caused by a stress fracture or tendon tear—conditions that orthotics could not fix.
2. Being Sold Multiple Pairs When Only One Is Needed
Another issue Dr. Foster has with The Good Feet Store is their tendency to sell multiple pairs of inserts for different activities. For example, customers may be encouraged to buy one pair for work, another for exercise, and yet another for relaxation. The truth, however, is that a well-designed orthotic should work for all activities. When tailored correctly to the individual, an orthotic should provide the necessary support for various situations, eliminating the need for several different pairs.
3. Prefabricated Inserts, Not Custom Solutions
Despite claiming that their products are "custom fit," The Good Feet Store sells prefabricated insoles. True custom orthotics are designed specifically for each individual, taking factors like foot flexibility, weight, and Foot pathology into account. These orthotics are created from molds that capture the unique shape and biomechanical needs of the feet, making them far more effective than generic, pre-fabricated insoles.
4. Sky-High Costs for Basic Products
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of The Good Feet Store is the cost. “I am shocked honestly at what people tell me that they've paid at The Good Feet Store for a pair of pre-fabricated insoles off the shelf. The lowest that I have ever heard is $1,200, and I have had patients that have spent upwards to nearly $5,000 for prefabricated insoles. To me, this is really just outrageous.” Dr. Foster notes that there are far better and more affordable options. For instance, insoles from reputable brands like Powerstep, known for excellent arch support, typically cost only $50 to $85, and can be easily found on Amazon or in local stores.
At Dr. Foster’s office, heat-molded orthotics are available for just $60. These orthotics are customized to the individual's foot and provide similar support to the generic products sold at The Good Feet Store. For those looking for a truly custom solution, Dr. Foster offers orthotics created from a biofoam mold of the feet, ensuring the most biomechanically correct position. These custom orthotics are priced at just $375—a much better value for a product tailored to an individual’s needs and designed to last for years.
The Bottom Line: Invest in What Works
When addressing foot pain, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Proper diagnosis and custom orthotics made specifically for the individual are far more effective than the products sold at The Good Feet Store. For those serious about improving their foot health, Dr. Foster recommends consulting a qualified podiatrist who can perform a thorough assessment and guide the patient toward the right solution.
At Dr. Foster’s office, patients can find some of the best orthotics and braces in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, and at a better value too. He encourages individuals not to waste their time and money on products that aren't tailored to their specific needs. Investing in custom-calibrated orthotics will more effectively address the underlying biomechanical issues causing pain, ensuring that feet get the proper support they need.
Dr. Joel Foster is a board-certified podiatrist who has helped countless patients achieve lasting relief from foot pain. If you are considering investing in orthotics or are ready to take the next step in improving your foot health, call our office to schedule an appointment today!