ABOUT
We're pleased to
MEET YOU
NWPL is a leading custom orthotic laboratory. Our foot pain solutions are legendary.
Real CUSTOMER SERVICE
Working with us should be the easiest part of your day. Email or call our Customer Care team and you’ll get the best in the business – friendly professionals with decades of combined experience.
REVOLUTIONARY MATERIALS
Making the best performing product means challenging the status quo. That’s why we develop proprietary materials like Superglass® to form a thinner, lighter and stronger foundation for our orthotics. Better fit + better outcomes.
WE REALLY KNOW Biomechanics
When it comes to biomechanics, we’ve got you covered. Our deep understanding of the foot and how it works makes our shape unique. It’s why our patient acceptance rate is over 99%.
DECADES OF Experience
Creating world-class custom orthotics is an art and science requiring talented and experienced craftspeople. Our employees average 15 years of experience and over 1/3 have been with us for 20+ years. We know orthotics.
A DEDICATION TO Innovation
New ideas, processes and technologies are our passion – we have over 40 US patents to prove it. Innovating requires investment and isn’t always easy, but results in technology, materials and unrivaled performance you won’t find anywhere else.
Our Story
We are the leader in the design & manufacture of premium custom foot orthotics.
Located off the beaten path in the far northwest corner of Washington State, we’ve alway been a little outside of the mainstream: obsessively high standards, one-of-a-kind manufacturing processes, and outside-the-box thinking.
The Inventor
In 1964, Dennis Brown, retired British soldier, elite athlete and natural-born inventor, bought a fledgling custom orthotic lab and immersed himself in the field of orthotics and set out to reinvent how they could be made.
The Expert
In 1974, Dennis invited renowned expert and biomechanics pioneer, Dr. Chris Smith from the California College of Podiatric Medicine to be his partner. Chris’ well-regarded credentials gave NWPL instant credibility, and his knowledge of the foot’s function proved invaluable in new product development.
The Innovations
Using knowledge gained while working with carbon fiber, NWPL created a new top-tier product with a combination of fiberglass and graphite, called Superglass®. Out-of-the-box thinking established proprietary advancements in production resulting in a thinner, lighter and stronger custom orthotics.
The Comedian
In the mid-90’s Jerry Seinfeld called the lab looking for help. So impressed after traveling to the lab to have his orthotics made, he encouraged them to use his story. An ensuing friendship landed Dennis, Chris and their wives with invitations to a number of Seinfeld shows, including an appearance in the final episode!
The Doctor
Timothy Messmer brings a practicing healthcare professional’s invaluable experience and insight to NWPL.
Medical Director since 2018, Dr. Messmer insures sound biomechanical principles are followed, acts as an ambassador in the marketplace, provides education/consultation to healthcare professionals and more.
Dr. Messmer is a board-certified podiatrist who retired from private practice in 2020 after nearly three decades serving patients in Northwest Washington.
“I’m delighted to be part of an industry leader like NWPL. The values they hold mirror my own and its extremely fulfilling to contribute to the success of healthcare professionals and patients who rely on us.”
The Future
NWPL is an orthotic lab synonymous with out-of-the-box thinking, the relentless pursuit of revolutionary ideas, materials and technology, and exceptional customer care. This innovative spirit demands constant improvement of a dedicated team who, through years of specialized training, know orthotics like nobody else.
Northwest Podiatric Laboratory carries a deep sense of pride in its origins and ability to help people – employees, healthcare professionals and patients – today, and for generations to come.
“You always have to be looking for new ideas and innovations and you have to do it right, don’t cut corners. That’s what we’ve been doing for all these years, and that’s what made us successful.” Chris Smith, DPM – Former Vice President and Founding Medical Director