Getting custom orthopaedic shoes for the first time raises a lot of questions before you even pick up the phone. What happens at the appointment? How long does the whole thing take? What do you need to bring?
For most people, uncertainty about the process is the main thing standing between them and booking the appointment. This page walks through every stage from your first foot assessment to your fitting and follow-up, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.
The short version: a 30 to 60 minute foot assessment, 3D foot scanning, custom design and manufacture at around 6 to 8 weeks, then fitting and follow-up. The detail below matters because each stage shapes what comes next.
Getting custom orthopaedic shoes for the first time raises a lot of questions before you even pick up the phone. What happens at the appointment? How long does the whole thing take? What do you need to bring?
For most people, uncertainty about the process is the main thing standing between them and booking the appointment. This page walks through every stage from your first foot assessment to your fitting and follow-up, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive.
The short version: a 30 to 60 minute foot assessment, 3D foot scanning, custom design and manufacture at around 6 to 8 weeks, then fitting and follow-up. The detail below matters because each stage shapes what comes next.
The Process at a Glance
Getting custom orthotics takes seven steps, from booking to follow-up. Here is what happens at each stage and what to bring-
| Step | What happens | Typical time | What to bring or do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Book your appointment | A few minutes | Referral, NDIS or fund details if you have them |
| 2 | Foot assessment | 30 to 60 minutes | Most-worn shoes, orthotics, x-rays, referral |
| 3 | Recommendation and plan | Same visit | Ask about options, timeframes and costs |
| 4 | 3D foot scan | Same visit | Comfortable socks |
| 5 | Design and manufacture | About 6 to 8 weeks | Nothing needed from you |
| 6 | Fitting and adjustments | One visit | Socks you will normally wear with the shoes |
| 7 | Follow-up review | As arranged | Report any rubbing or pressure points early |
The Process at a Glance
Getting custom orthotics takes seven steps, from booking to follow-up. Here is what happens at each stage and what to bring-
| Step | What happens | Typical time | What to bring or do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Book your appointment | A few minutes | Referral, NDIS or fund details if you have them |
| 2 | Foot assessment | 30 to 60 minutes | Most-worn shoes, orthotics, x-rays, referral |
| 3 | Recommendation and plan | Same visit | Ask about options, timeframes and costs |
| 4 | 3D foot scan | Same visit | Comfortable socks |
| 5 | Design and manufacture | About 6 to 8 weeks | Nothing needed from you |
| 6 | Fitting and adjustments | One visit | Socks you will normally wear with the shoes |
| 7 | Follow-up review | As arranged | Report any rubbing or pressure points early |
Step 1. Book Your Appointment
You can book online or call us. Foot Balance Technology has clinics at Westmead, Castle Hill and Campbelltown (Thursdays only). All locations are accessible by public transport.
A referral is not required, though one is recommended, particularly for complex conditions or where you are claiming through a private health fund. If you are accessing services through NDIS, icare or DVA, having your plan or fund details ready when you call will save time.
Step 1. Book Your Appointment
You can book online or call us. Foot Balance Technology has clinics at Westmead, Castle Hill and Campbelltown (Thursdays only). All locations are accessible by public transport.
A referral is not required, though one is recommended, particularly for complex conditions or where you are claiming through a private health fund. If you are accessing services through NDIS, icare or DVA, having your plan or fund details ready when you call will save time.
Step 2. Your Foot Assessment
The foot assessment is where the process properly begins. It runs for 30 to 60 minutes and covers everything needed to understand how your feet are actually functioning, not just how they look.
The assessment covers checking your foot posture, analysing your gait using video or pressure mapping, examining plantar pressure and reviewing your footwear and medical history. We will also take time to understand your symptoms, your daily routine and what you are hoping to achieve.
This matters more than it might sound. Pain in the knee, hip or lower back often starts with how the foot is loading with each step. The assessment is designed to find what is actually driving the problem, not just respond to where it hurts.
What to bring: the shoes you wear most often, any current or previous orthotics, relevant x-rays and your referral if you have one. Comfortable socks are useful for the scanning step that follows.
If you have a foot that is red, hot, swollen or suddenly more painful than usual, particularly if you have diabetes, seek medical review before your appointment rather than waiting.
Step 2. Your Foot Assessment
The foot assessment is where the process properly begins. It runs for 30 to 60 minutes and covers everything needed to understand how your feet are actually functioning, not just how they look.
The assessment covers checking your foot posture, analysing your gait using video or pressure mapping, examining plantar pressure and reviewing your footwear and medical history. We will also take time to understand your symptoms, your daily routine and what you are hoping to achieve.
This matters more than it might sound. Pain in the knee, hip or lower back often starts with how the foot is loading with each step. The assessment is designed to find what is actually driving the problem, not just respond to where it hurts.
What to bring: the shoes you wear most often, any current or previous orthotics, relevant x-rays and your referral if you have one. Comfortable socks are useful for the scanning step that follows.
If you have a foot that is red, hot, swollen or suddenly more painful than usual, particularly if you have diabetes, seek medical review before your appointment rather than waiting.
Step 3. Your Recommendation
At the end of the assessment, we will explain what the findings show and what the most appropriate options are. That might be custom orthopaedic shoes, custom orthotics, footwear modifications or a combination. In some cases the recommendation will be something simpler.
This is the right moment to ask about timeframes, costs and funding. Nothing moves forward without your understanding and agreement.
Step 3. Your Recommendation
At the end of the assessment, we will explain what the findings show and what the most appropriate options are. That might be custom orthopaedic shoes, custom orthotics, footwear modifications or a combination. In some cases the recommendation will be something simpler.
This is the right moment to ask about timeframes, costs and funding. Nothing moves forward without your understanding and agreement.
Step 4. Your 3D Foot Scan
If custom orthopaedic shoes or custom orthotics are the recommended path, a 3D scan of your feet is taken during the same visit. The scan captures the precise shape, contours and pressure distribution of each foot in a level of detail that no standard measurement can match.
The 3D foot scan is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes. The data it produces is the foundation of the custom design. Shoes built from a precise digital model of your feet fit and function differently from anything made to a standard last.
Step 4. Your 3D Foot Scan
If custom orthopaedic shoes or custom orthotics are the recommended path, a 3D scan of your feet is taken during the same visit. The scan captures the precise shape, contours and pressure distribution of each foot in a level of detail that no standard measurement can match.
The 3D foot scan is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes. The data it produces is the foundation of the custom design. Shoes built from a precise digital model of your feet fit and function differently from anything made to a standard last.
Step 5. Design and Manufacture
Your shoes are designed around your scan data, your assessment findings and your daily life. The design accounts for your specific foot shape, any deformity or pressure areas, the activities you need to support and the style and material options available to you.
Manufacture takes about 6 to 8 weeks for custom orthopaedic shoes. That timeframe reflects the level of individual work involved. These are not modified off-the-shelf shoes. They are built from the ground up for your feet.
You will not need to do anything during this stage. The clinic will be in touch when your shoes are ready.
Step 5. Design and Manufacture
Your shoes are designed around your scan data, your assessment findings and your daily life. The design accounts for your specific foot shape, any deformity or pressure areas, the activities you need to support and the style and material options available to you.
Manufacture takes about 6 to 8 weeks for custom orthopaedic shoes. That timeframe reflects the level of individual work involved. These are not modified off-the-shelf shoes. They are built from the ground up for your feet.
You will not need to do anything during this stage. The clinic will be in touch when your shoes are ready.
Step 6. Your Fitting
The fitting appointment is when you try your new shoes for the first time. Wear the socks you intend to use with the shoes day to day, as this affects how the fit feels and how any adjustments are made.
You will walk in the shoes during the appointment so we can assess how they are performing. Minor adjustments are made on the spot if needed. The goal is that you leave with shoes that feel right, not shoes you are told will feel right eventually. If further adjustment is needed after wearing them at home, that is what the follow-up is for.
Step 6. Your Fitting
The fitting appointment is when you try your new shoes for the first time. Wear the socks you intend to use with the shoes day to day, as this affects how the fit feels and how any adjustments are made.
You will walk in the shoes during the appointment so we can assess how they are performing. Minor adjustments are made on the spot if needed. The goal is that you leave with shoes that feel right, not shoes you are told will feel right eventually. If further adjustment is needed after wearing them at home, that is what the follow-up is for.
Step 7. Follow-Up Reviews and Adjustments
A follow-up review is scheduled after you have had time to wear the shoes in daily life. This is standard practice, not a sign that something has gone wrong. Custom shoes interact with how you actually move, and minor refinements after real-world wear are a normal part of the process.
If you notice rubbing, pressure points or discomfort before your scheduled review, contact the clinic early rather than waiting. A fit issue caught at the start is straightforward to fix. If you leave it for weeks, it can be far more difficult.
Where relevant, training is also provided for primary caregivers who assist with footwear and daily care. Footwear modifications such as rocker soles or build-ups can also be discussed and arranged at follow-up if they are part of your prescription.
Step 7. Follow-Up Reviews and Adjustments
A follow-up review is scheduled after you have had time to wear the shoes in daily life. This is standard practice, not a sign that something has gone wrong. Custom shoes interact with how you actually move, and minor refinements after real-world wear are a normal part of the process.
If you notice rubbing, pressure points or discomfort before your scheduled review, contact the clinic early rather than waiting. A fit issue caught at the start is straightforward to fix. If you leave it for weeks, it can be far more difficult.
Where relevant, training is also provided for primary caregivers who assist with footwear and daily care. Footwear modifications such as rocker soles or build-ups can also be discussed and arranged at follow-up if they are part of your prescription.
Common Worries, Answered
Will it hurt?
The foot assessment and scanning are entirely comfortable. The fitting involves walking in new shoes, which occasionally reveals a pressure point that needs adjusting. That is exactly why the fitting appointment exists.
Will they look like medical shoes?
Custom orthopaedic shoes are available in a range of styles and materials. The functional requirements of the shoe shape the design, but appearance is part of the conversation during the design stage.
How many visits will I need?
Most people complete the process in three visits: the assessment and scan, the fitting and a follow-up review. Some presentations require additional reviews, particularly where the condition is progressive or complex.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. Bringing a family member, carer or support person is welcome at any stage.
What if they do not fit properly?
Adjustments are part of the service. If something is not right after the fitting, contact the clinic. The shoes are made for your feet. Getting the fit right is the point.
Common Worries, Answered
Will it hurt?
The foot assessment and scanning are entirely comfortable. The fitting involves walking in new shoes, which occasionally reveals a pressure point that needs adjusting. That is exactly why the fitting appointment exists.
Will they look like medical shoes?
Custom orthopaedic shoes are available in a range of styles and materials. The functional requirements of the shoe shape the design, but appearance is part of the conversation during the design stage.
How many visits will I need?
Most people complete the process in three visits: the assessment and scan, the fitting and a follow-up review. Some presentations require additional reviews, particularly where the condition is progressive or complex.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. Bringing a family member, carer or support person is welcome at any stage.
What if they do not fit properly?
Adjustments are part of the service. If something is not right after the fitting, contact the clinic. The shoes are made for your feet. Getting the fit right is the point.
Who You Will See: Pedorthist vs Podiatrist
At Foot Balance Technology you will be seen by Dr Sayed Ahmed, a certified pedorthist and the first person in Australia to hold a PhD in Pedorthics.
Pedorthists specialise in footwear, foot orthoses and footwear modifications: the design, manufacture and fitting of devices that support and improve the function of the foot and lower limb. Podiatrists diagnose and treat a broader range of foot and lower limb conditions, including skin and nail conditions, diabetes-related foot care and biomechanical assessment for injury management. The two disciplines work alongside each other, and a GP or podiatrist referral can support access to funding pathways.
Every decision about your footwear at Foot Balance Technology, from the assessment findings to the final fitting, is made by someone whose entire training and practice is built around exactly this kind of work.
Who You Will See: Pedorthist vs Podiatrist
At Foot Balance Technology you will be seen by Dr Sayed Ahmed, a certified pedorthist and the first person in Australia to hold a PhD in Pedorthics.
Pedorthists specialise in footwear, foot orthoses and footwear modifications: the design, manufacture and fitting of devices that support and improve the function of the foot and lower limb. Podiatrists diagnose and treat a broader range of foot and lower limb conditions, including skin and nail conditions, diabetes-related foot care and biomechanical assessment for injury management. The two disciplines work alongside each other, and a GP or podiatrist referral can support access to funding pathways.
Every decision about your footwear at Foot Balance Technology, from the assessment findings to the final fitting, is made by someone whose entire training and practice is built around exactly this kind of work.
Costs and Funding
The cost of custom orthopaedic shoes depends on what the prescription involves. Because no two pairs are the same, Foot Balance Technology does not publish a fixed price. Call us or ask at your first appointment for an accurate figure.
Funding options include NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA (a referral from an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist or podiatrist is required), workers compensation and third-party claims, and many private health funds including Medibank, HCF, BUPA and HealthShare. Medicare does not cover custom orthopaedic shoes or consultations.
Costs and Funding
The cost of custom orthopaedic shoes depends on what the prescription involves. Because no two pairs are the same, Foot Balance Technology does not publish a fixed price. Call us or ask at your first appointment for an accurate figure.
Funding options include NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA (a referral from an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist or podiatrist is required), workers compensation and third-party claims, and many private health funds including Medibank, HCF, BUPA and HealthShare. Medicare does not cover custom orthopaedic shoes or consultations.
Your Nearest Clinic
Westmead
19/1A Ashley Lane, Westmead 2145
Castle Hill
Unit 8, 15 Carrington Road, Castle Hill 2154
Campbelltown
20 King Street, Campbelltown (Thursdays)
Your Nearest Clinic
Westmead
19/1A Ashley Lane, Westmead 2145
Castle Hill
Unit 8, 15 Carrington Road, Castle Hill 2154
Campbelltown
20 King Street, Campbelltown (Thursdays)
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at my first foot assessment appointment?
The assessment runs for 30 to 60 minutes and covers foot posture, gait analysis using video or pressure mapping, plantar pressure analysis and a review of your footwear and medical history. It looks at how your feet are actually functioning, not just how they appear.
How are custom orthopaedic shoes made, step by step?
The process starts with a foot assessment and 3D foot scan, followed by custom design built around your scan data and assessment findings. The shoes are then manufactured, which takes about 6 to 8 weeks for custom-made footwear, before a fitting appointment and follow-up review.
How long does it take to get custom orthopaedic shoes after my assessment?
Manufacturing takes about 6 to 8 weeks from when the design is finalised. Total time from your first appointment to having shoes on your feet is typically a little longer, depending on how quickly the assessment and design stage are completed.
What should I bring and wear to my foot assessment and shoe fitting?
To the assessment: the shoes you wear most often, any current or previous orthotics, relevant x-rays and your referral if you have one. To the fitting: the socks you intend to wear with the shoes day to day.
Do I need a referral to see a pedorthist for custom shoes?
No. A referral is not required to book. It is recommended, particularly for complex presentations, and may assist with private health fund claims. DVA requires a referral from an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist or podiatrist.
What is the difference between a pedorthist and a podiatrist?
Pedorthists specialise in footwear, foot orthoses and modifications. Podiatrists work across a broader range of foot and lower limb conditions including skin, nail and diabetes-related care. Both can be involved in your care, and a podiatrist referral can support funding pathways.
How much do custom orthopaedic shoes cost, and can I claim through NDIS, Medicare or my health fund?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the prescription. Call us for an accurate figure. Funding options include NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA, workers compensation and many private health funds. Medicare does not cover custom orthopaedic shoes.
What happens if my custom shoes do not fit properly or need adjusting?
Contact the clinic. Adjustments are part of the service, and a follow-up review is scheduled after your fitting for exactly this reason. If something feels wrong before your review date, call rather than waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at my first foot assessment appointment?
The assessment runs for 30 to 60 minutes and covers foot posture, gait analysis using video or pressure mapping, plantar pressure analysis and a review of your footwear and medical history. It looks at how your feet are actually functioning, not just how they appear.
How are custom orthopaedic shoes made, step by step?
The process starts with a foot assessment and 3D foot scan, followed by custom design built around your scan data and assessment findings. The shoes are then manufactured, which takes about 6 to 8 weeks for custom-made footwear, before a fitting appointment and follow-up review.
How long does it take to get custom orthopaedic shoes after my assessment?
Manufacturing takes about 6 to 8 weeks from when the design is finalised. Total time from your first appointment to having shoes on your feet is typically a little longer, depending on how quickly the assessment and design stage are completed.
What should I bring and wear to my foot assessment and shoe fitting?
To the assessment: the shoes you wear most often, any current or previous orthotics, relevant x-rays and your referral if you have one. To the fitting: the socks you intend to wear with the shoes day to day.
Do I need a referral to see a pedorthist for custom shoes?
No. A referral is not required to book. It is recommended, particularly for complex presentations, and may assist with private health fund claims. DVA requires a referral from an orthopaedic surgeon, rheumatologist or podiatrist.
What is the difference between a pedorthist and a podiatrist?
Pedorthists specialise in footwear, foot orthoses and modifications. Podiatrists work across a broader range of foot and lower limb conditions including skin, nail and diabetes-related care. Both can be involved in your care, and a podiatrist referral can support funding pathways.
How much do custom orthopaedic shoes cost, and can I claim through NDIS, Medicare or my health fund?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the prescription. Call us for an accurate figure. Funding options include NDIS, icare, My Aged Care, DVA, workers compensation and many private health funds. Medicare does not cover custom orthopaedic shoes.
What happens if my custom shoes do not fit properly or need adjusting?
Contact the clinic. Adjustments are part of the service, and a follow-up review is scheduled after your fitting for exactly this reason. If something feels wrong before your review date, call rather than waiting.
Reviewed by Dr Sayed Ahmed, Certified Pedorthist CM Australia
Dr Ahmed holds Australia's first PhD in Pedorthics and is the founder of Foot Balance Technology
Reviewed by Dr Sayed Ahmed, Certified Pedorthist CM Australia
Dr Ahmed holds Australia's first PhD in Pedorthics and is the founder of Foot Balance Technology
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he Process: From Foot Assessment to Custom Shoe Fitting