Your feet hurt. Maybe it’s that stabbing pain in your heel when you get out of bed. Maybe your arches ache after a long day at work, or your ankles feel unstable when you walk. You’ve tried drugstore insoles and they helped a little, but not enough. The pain comes back. You keep searching for something that actually works. Custom arch supports might be the answer, but figuring out where to get them in Central Virginia feels overwhelming. Do you need a prescription? Should you visit a podiatrist or go to a specialty store? What’s the difference between all these options?
This guide shows you seven places to get custom arch supports in the Richmond area. You’ll learn how each option works, what the process looks like, who each place serves best, and what you’ll pay. Some options take your foot measurements in a clinic. Others use technology to scan your feet. A few let you order online. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to go for the support your feet need.
1. Achilles Foot and Ankle Center
Achilles Foot and Ankle Center operates 13 locations across Central Virginia, making it one of the most accessible options for custom arch supports near me. The practice specializes in podiatry and foot care, with doctors who can diagnose your foot problems and prescribe medical-grade orthotics. You’re not just buying arch supports off a shelf. You’re getting a full medical evaluation that identifies the root cause of your pain.
Option overview – Achilles Foot and Ankle Center
This medical practice focuses exclusively on foot and ankle conditions. The podiatrists here treat sports injuries, diabetic foot complications, heel pain, and nerve disorders. They use digital imaging, ultrasound guidance, and fluoroscopy to analyze your foot structure and gait. Custom orthotics represent just one treatment option they offer. Your doctor might also recommend physical therapy, injections, or surgical procedures depending on your condition. The practice accepts all major insurance plans and runs a state-of-the-art Foot and Ankle Surgery Center for patients who need more advanced interventions.
How the custom arch support process works
Your visit starts with a comprehensive foot and ankle examination. The podiatrist reviews your medical history, watches how you walk, and uses imaging technology to see what’s happening inside your feet. They create a three-dimensional cast or digital scan of your feet to capture exact measurements. This data goes to an orthotic laboratory that fabricates your custom supports. The entire process takes two to three weeks from your initial appointment to picking up your finished orthotics. You return for a fitting appointment where the doctor checks how the orthotics work with your shoes and adjusts them if needed.
Custom orthotics from a podiatrist address specific medical conditions, not just general comfort.
Who this option is best for
Choose Achilles Foot and Ankle Center if you have diagnosed foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, or diabetic neuropathy. This option works well when over-the-counter insoles haven’t solved your problem. You benefit most if you want medical supervision throughout the process and prefer working with doctors who can adjust your treatment plan. Patients with insurance coverage save significantly here because medical orthotics often qualify for reimbursement.
Price ranges, insurance, and how to book
Medical-grade custom orthotics typically cost $400 to $800 per pair before insurance. Your insurance may cover 50% to 80% of the cost with a prescription from your podiatrist. Medicare covers custom orthotics for diabetic patients who meet specific criteria. You can book appointments through their patient portal or call any of their 13 Central Virginia locations directly. They offer same-day appointments for urgent foot problems.
2. The Good Feet Store
The Good Feet Store takes a retail approach to arch supports, operating as a specialty chain focused entirely on foot pain relief through arch support systems. You won’t need a prescription or medical diagnosis to visit. The store fits customers with prefabricated arch supports that come in multiple styles and flexibility levels. Their locations across Central Virginia offer walk-in appointments and personalized fittings from trained staff members.
Option overview – The Good Feet Store
This national retail chain sells proprietary arch support systems designed to address foot, knee, hip, and back pain. The stores don’t employ podiatrists or medical doctors. Instead, trained fitting specialists evaluate your feet and recommend arch supports from their product line. Each system includes multiple inserts you can swap between different shoes. The company emphasizes that their supports are clinically tested and backed by customer testimonials. You can walk into any location without an appointment, though scheduling ahead reduces wait times.
How the custom arch support process works
Your fitting starts with a consultation about your pain symptoms and daily activities. The specialist watches you walk and stand to assess your foot mechanics. They create a foam impression of your feet to identify pressure points and arch height. Based on this evaluation, they recommend specific arch supports from their inventory. You try different options in the store, walking around to test comfort and support. The fitting process takes 30 to 60 minutes and you leave with your arch supports the same day. No waiting for laboratory fabrication.
The Good Feet Store provides immediate solutions without medical prescriptions or insurance paperwork.
Who this option is best for
This option suits you if you want immediate results without medical appointments. People who prefer trying products before buying benefit from the in-store testing process. The system works well if you wear multiple types of shoes throughout your day since you can move the supports between footwear. You might choose this route if you don’t have insurance coverage for orthotics or prefer paying upfront rather than navigating medical billing.
Price ranges, insurance, and how to book
Good Feet arch support systems range from $399 to $599 per pair. The stores typically sell packages with multiple arch supports at higher price points. Insurance doesn’t cover these purchases because they’re retail products rather than prescribed medical devices. You can locate stores through their website and book appointments online or walk in during business hours.
3. Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit Kiosks
Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit kiosks offer technology-driven foot analysis in retail locations throughout Central Virginia. You’ll find these interactive machines at Walmart, CVS, and other major retailers. The kiosks scan your feet in seconds and recommend specific insoles from Dr. Scholl’s product line. This option eliminates appointments and medical consultations entirely. You complete the entire process during your regular shopping trip.
Option overview – Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit kiosks
These standalone kiosks use pressure mapping technology to analyze how your feet distribute weight when you stand. The machine identifies your arch type and pressure points, then matches you with numbered insole options from Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit line. You buy the recommended insoles directly from the store shelf. The kiosks operate 24/7 during store hours without requiring staff assistance. Dr. Scholl’s positions this as a convenient alternative to expensive custom orthotics, though the insoles are mass-produced rather than individually fabricated.
How the custom arch support process works
You step onto the kiosk platform barefoot and follow on-screen instructions that take about two minutes. The sensors create a foot map showing pressure distribution across your feet. The screen displays your recommended Custom Fit number (ranging from CF 110 to CF 440) based on your arch height and foot shape. You walk to the foot care aisle, find the package matching your number, and purchase it immediately. The entire process from scanning to checkout takes less than 10 minutes.
Dr. Scholl’s kiosks provide instant recommendations without waiting for appointments or laboratory work.
Who this option is best for
Choose this option if you want immediate relief without scheduling appointments. The kiosks work well for mild foot discomfort rather than serious medical conditions. You benefit most if you prefer trying affordable solutions before investing in medical-grade orthotics.
Price ranges, insurance, and how to book
Dr. Scholl’s Custom Fit insoles cost $49.95 to $59.95 per pair at most retailers. Insurance doesn’t cover these purchases since they’re over-the-counter retail products. Find kiosk locations through the Dr. Scholl’s website by entering your zip code.
4. Foot Solutions and similar stores
Foot Solutions operates retail stores dedicated to foot wellness throughout the United States, with locations serving the Richmond and Central Virginia area. These stores combine retail convenience with professional fitting services, positioning themselves between medical clinics and mass-market retailers. You work with trained foot care specialists who analyze your gait and recommend solutions from their inventory of custom orthotics, comfort footwear, and arch supports.
Option overview – Foot Solutions and similar stores
Foot Solutions stores focus exclusively on foot health products and services. The staff includes certified pedorthists and foot care specialists who complete manufacturer training programs. They offer custom molded orthotics, prefabricated arch supports, and therapeutic footwear designed to address various foot conditions. The stores stock products from multiple manufacturers rather than selling a single proprietary system. You’ll find options for diabetic foot care, arthritis relief, and sports-related injuries. Similar stores in Central Virginia include independent orthotic shops and specialized footwear retailers that follow comparable business models.
How the custom arch support process works
Your appointment begins with a comprehensive foot assessment that includes gait analysis and pressure mapping. The specialist watches you walk and uses specialized equipment to identify how your feet function. They create a foam impression or digital scan of your feet to capture your unique foot shape. Based on this data, they recommend either prefabricated orthotics that match your foot profile or truly custom orthotics fabricated in a laboratory. Prefabricated options are available immediately. Custom fabricated orthotics take two to three weeks to manufacture and require a follow-up fitting appointment.
Foot Solutions bridges the gap between medical clinics and retail stores by offering professional fittings without requiring prescriptions.
Who this option is best for
This option suits you if you want professional guidance without medical appointments. People searching for custom arch supports near me who prefer a middle-ground solution benefit from this approach. The stores work well if you need specialized footwear along with your orthotics since staff can help you find compatible shoes. You might choose this route if you’ve tried drugstore insoles without success but aren’t ready to visit a podiatrist.
Price ranges, insurance, and how to book
Custom orthotics at Foot Solutions typically cost $400 to $600 per pair, while prefabricated options range from $150 to $300. Some health insurance plans cover these purchases with a letter of medical necessity from your doctor, though coverage varies significantly. Contact locations directly to schedule appointments or visit their website for store hours and available services.
5. Online custom orthotic brands
Companies like Upstep, Wiivv, and Custom Insoles by Corefit deliver custom arch supports directly to your doorstep without requiring store visits or medical appointments. These brands use smartphone technology and mail-in foot impression kits to capture your foot measurements remotely. You complete the entire ordering process from home, receive your custom orthotics in the mail, and contact customer service if adjustments are needed. This approach combines the convenience of online shopping with personalized orthotic fabrication.
Option overview – Online custom orthotic brands
Online orthotic companies operate entirely through e-commerce platforms and remote measurement systems. You order through their websites, submit your foot data using their proprietary methods, and receive individually fabricated arch supports. Most brands employ licensed podiatrists who review your measurements before manufacturing begins. These companies emphasize affordability compared to medical-grade orthotics while maintaining customization standards. They typically offer 180-day money-back guarantees and free return shipping if the orthotics don’t relieve your pain. The products arrive in standard packaging within two to three weeks of ordering.
How the custom arch support process works
You start by downloading the brand’s smartphone app or ordering a foam impression kit. Apps guide you through photographing your feet from multiple angles while standing on paper. The software analyzes these images to calculate your arch height, foot length, and pressure points. Foam kits require you to step into special foam boxes that capture three-dimensional impressions of your feet. You mail these impressions back in prepaid packaging. A podiatrist reviews your data and approves the orthotic specifications. The laboratory fabricates your custom supports and ships them directly to your address. The entire process takes three to four weeks from ordering to delivery.
Online brands eliminate travel and waiting rooms while maintaining customization quality through remote measurement technology.
Who this option is best for
This option works well if you live in rural areas without nearby orthotic providers or have mobility limitations that make store visits difficult. You benefit from online ordering if you want lower prices than medical clinics offer but more customization than retail kiosks provide. These brands suit people comfortable with technology who can follow digital instructions accurately. Choose this route if you’re searching for custom arch supports near me but prefer shopping from home.
Price ranges, insurance, and how to book
Online custom orthotics cost $99 to $299 per pair, significantly less than medical-grade options. Most insurance plans don’t cover these purchases because they’re direct-to-consumer retail products rather than prescribed medical devices. Order directly through company websites by selecting your product, completing the measurement process, and checking out with a credit card.
6. Running specialty stores in Central VA
Running specialty stores like Fleet Feet and local independent shops provide gait analysis services and arch support fittings as part of their commitment to injury prevention. These stores employ trained staff who understand biomechanics and how foot structure affects athletic performance. You don’t need to be a serious runner to use these services. They work with walkers, hikers, and anyone seeking better foot support during physical activity.
Option overview – Running specialty stores in Central VA
These retailers specialize in athletic footwear and performance gear while offering complimentary or low-cost gait analysis. Staff members watch you run or walk on a treadmill, often recording video to analyze your foot strike pattern. They stock prefabricated arch supports and insoles from brands like Superfeet, Powerstep, and Sof Sole. Some locations partner with local podiatrists to offer custom orthotic services through external laboratories. The stores focus on matching you with products that prevent injuries rather than treating existing medical conditions.
How the custom arch support process works
Your visit includes a biomechanical assessment on their treadmill while staff observes your gait cycle. They identify whether you overpronate, supinate, or maintain neutral foot alignment. Based on this analysis, they recommend specific arch supports from their retail inventory. You try different options with various shoes to test comfort and support. Most customers leave with prefabricated insoles the same day. If you need truly custom orthotics, staff can refer you to partnering podiatrists who create medical-grade supports.
Running stores excel at preventing athletic injuries through proper foot support and footwear selection.
Who this option is best for
Choose running specialty stores if you’re an active person experiencing foot fatigue during exercise or daily activities. This option works well when you’re searching for custom arch supports near me but want athletic-focused expertise. You benefit most if you need guidance matching arch supports with appropriate athletic shoes since staff can address both simultaneously.
Price ranges, insurance, and how to book
Prefabricated arch supports cost $40 to $80 per pair at running stores. Gait analysis is typically free with purchase. Insurance doesn’t cover these retail products. Visit stores during business hours without appointments or call ahead to schedule dedicated fitting time.
7. Hospital and rehab orthotics clinics
Major hospital systems and rehabilitation centers in Central Virginia operate specialized orthotics and prosthetics departments that serve patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or managing chronic conditions. These clinical settings employ certified orthotists (COs) and certified pedorthists (CPeds) who hold advanced credentials in biomechanics and orthotic fabrication. You access these services through physician referrals, typically after surgery or when managing complex medical conditions that affect your mobility.
Option overview – Hospital and rehab orthotics clinics
Hospital-based orthotic clinics function as integrated parts of larger medical systems like VCU Health, Bon Secours, and other regional healthcare networks. These departments work directly with physicians, physical therapists, and surgeons to create comprehensive treatment plans. The orthotists here fabricate medical-grade custom devices for patients with neurological conditions, post-surgical needs, diabetic complications, and severe biomechanical issues. Unlike retail stores, these clinics handle complex cases requiring coordination with multiple healthcare providers. They maintain on-site fabrication laboratories and work exclusively through medical referrals rather than accepting walk-in customers.
How the custom arch support process works
Your journey begins with a physician referral to the hospital’s orthotics department. The certified orthotist conducts a thorough evaluation that includes reviewing your medical records, assessing your functional limitations, and analyzing your gait. They create detailed molds or digital scans of your feet and often fabricate temporary devices for immediate use while your custom orthotics are being made. The fabrication process takes three to four weeks and involves multiple fittings to ensure proper function. You return for follow-up appointments where the orthotist makes adjustments and coordinates with your physician about your progress.
Hospital orthotics departments excel at managing complex cases requiring coordination between multiple medical specialists.
Who this option is best for
This option serves you best if you’re recovering from foot or ankle surgery or managing serious medical conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, or severe diabetic neuropathy. People searching for custom arch supports near me who have complex biomechanical needs benefit from this clinical approach. You gain the most value if you need ongoing medical supervision and prefer a team-based approach to your foot care.
Price ranges, insurance, and how to book
Hospital-based custom orthotics cost $500 to $1,200 per pair depending on complexity. Most health insurance plans provide substantial coverage for medically necessary orthotics prescribed by physicians. Medicare covers these services when documentation meets their criteria. You book appointments through physician referrals to the hospital’s orthotics department rather than scheduling directly.
Next steps
Your search for custom arch supports near me ends with choosing the right provider for your needs. Consider your pain level, budget, and timeline when deciding between medical clinics, retail stores, or online options. Start with the option that matches your situation best. If you’re in Central Virginia and want comprehensive medical care with insurance coverage, schedule an appointment at Achilles Foot and Ankle Center today. Their podiatrists will diagnose your condition and create custom orthotics that address the root cause of your foot pain.
