StepCraft® is the brainchild of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, the leader in premium custom foot orthotics since 1964.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has always been a little outside of the mainstream: obsessively high standards, one-of-a-kind manufacturing process, and outside-the-box thinking. Now, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned and created a line of premium insoles offering the comfort, support, and performance that have made our custom orthotics legendary for over 60 years.

As part of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, StepCraft is uniquely positioned to create insoles with unparalleled fit, comfort, and performance. Our insoles feature a proprietary shape to help align the foot and lower body to enhance biomechanical function.

StepCraft makes finding the right fit is easy!

Simply choose the style that most closely matches the medial arch of the foot (and/or the desired level of support).

•  Low: For Low Arches
•  Mid: For Medium Arches
•  High: For High Arches

Critically, there are no trade-offs when switching between Low, Mid, and High – every style includes the same custom orthotic-inspired design and features.

•  Antimicrobial coating
•  Premium foam
•  Advanced composite foundation
•  Link2™ Technology
•  Human Heel Geometry™
•  HexHeel™ System

It’s no longer necessary to choose from dozens of styles and colors.

StepCraft insoles are available in the following sizes:

•  Men’s 4/5, 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, and 12/13
•  Women’s 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, and 13/14

Add a pair of StepCraft insoles to your favorite shoes and you’ll immediately experience a deeper connection to your day-to-day life and the activities you love – a connection that links you to 60+ years of amazing patient outcomes at Northwest Podiatric Laboratory. We call this Link2™, which is a simple representation of a powerful concept: the link or connection between your feet and amazing foot pain solutions from Northwest Podiatric Laboratory. This connection is the result of conscious design decisions and material choices inspired by hard-earned experience crafting custom orthotics we call Link2™ Technology.

Proudly Made in the USA (of US and Imported Materials), StepCraft is available via healthcare professionals in Spring 2025 and online at www.stepcraft.com in Fall 2025.

Ready to step up? Visit StepCraft’s website to learn more!

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is the leader in the design and manufacture of premium custom foot orthotics. Located off the beaten path in the far northwest corner of Washington State, we’ve always been a little outside the mainstream with obsessively high standards and outside-the-box thinking. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete, and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a pioneer in the biomechanics of the foot, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, we produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering from foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory celebrates their 60th Anniversary

Blaine, WA – Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is proud to celebrate 60 years providing unrivaled quality and service to our valued healthcare providers. For six decades, we have helped patients by crafting premium custom and OTC foot orthotics. All of this due to the hard work of our dedicated employees and loyal partnerships we have established throughout the years.

From its humble beginnings operating out of a basement in Lynden, WA, Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has grown to become a trusted name in the industry. Today, with over 45 employees using the latest innovation and technology, we remain steadfast and continue to provide patients with the best possible products to help alleviate their pain.

Our commitment to unmatched quality, revolutionary materials and biomechanics expertise has made us the go-to provider of custom and OTC foot orthotics for licensed healthcare professionals across North America and Japan. We are proud of our reputation and we will continue to uphold it for many years to come.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating this important milestone. Over the past 60 years, we have built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.  I personally want to thank all the healthcare providers both old and new who have partnered with us in providing their patients with quality orthotics.  In doing so, we have improved their quality of life, one person at a time. A big thank you to all our partners, the best is yet to come!” – Ruben Valle, CEO

A special thank you to our late founder Dennis Brown and former Vice President, Chris Smith, DPM. Without their drive for ingenuity and biomechanics excellence, we would not be where we are today.

Join us in celebrating this special occasion! Visit nwpodiatric.com or contact 800-443-7260 to learn more about our premium custom orthotics and why they are the best in the world.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory makes prescribing life-changing orthotics easier than ever with a recent update to its SmartCast® app that introduces the ability to scan patients using iPad Pro and iPhone models with Face ID.

With 58 years of orthotic industry experience and 10+ years crafting custom orthotics from digital scans, healthcare professionals rely on Northwest Podiatric Laboratory to minimize cost and complexity while maximizing positive patient outcomes.

Upgrading from plaster, fiberglass socks, impression foam, and dated scanners to a modern scanning system is a game-changer for practices of all sizes and only requires three software/hardware components:

•   SmartCast Foot Positioning System® to align and hold patient’s foot for scanning.
•   SmartCast® app to scan patients and submit orders.
•   Apple iPad Pro or iPhone model with Face ID. (Scans captured with the Structure Sensor are also accepted.)

Healthcare professionals with compatible iPad Pro and iPhone models can download and try the updated SmartCast app for free – simply search NWPL in the App Store.

The SmartCast app was recently added to the VA App Store, making custom orthotics from Northwest Podiatric Laboratory available to healthcare professionals at VA locations across the United States.

To learn more about how scanning with the SmartCast app and prescribing custom orthotics from Northwest Podiatric Laboratory can elevate your practice, visit www.nwpodiatric.com or call 800-443-7260.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is the leader in the design and manufacture of premium custom foot orthotics. Located off the beaten path in the far northwest corner of Washington State, we’ve always been a little outside the mainstream with obsessively high standards and outside-the-box thinking. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete, and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a pioneer in the biomechanics of the foot, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, we produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering from foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com

It is with profound sadness that Northwest Podiatric Laboratory announces the passing of beloved Founder and President Dennis Brown.

“Dennis has been the heart and soul of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory since 1964,” said Ruben Valle, CEO. “He lived and worked by a strict set of core values: responsibility, respect, honesty, integrity and fairness; all of us at Northwest Podiatric Laboratory are beneficiaries of Dennis’ vision and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Born in 1925, Brown lived a full and impactful life. He escaped desperate circumstances in war-torn London by joining the British Army in 1941 at the age of sixteen. A two-decade career in the British, and then Canadian Army ensued. Along the way, Brown’s athletic abilities afforded a scholarship offer for track and field and a spot on England’s Olympic Boxing Team (unfortunately, the army would not release him to pursue either opportunity).

Following his military career, Brown landed in Vancouver, Canada where his gift for solving problems and a chance meeting with a podiatrist would spark a passion that became his life’s work for the next 60 years. Beginning with the purchase of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory in 1964 and bolstered by the addition of renowned podiatrist, Dr. Chris Smith, in the 1970’s, Brown developed proprietary production techniques and technology for crafting biomechanically superior custom foot orthotics using advanced materials like carbon fiber. Identifying the need for more affordable foot pain solutions, Brown and Smith then established Superfeet to provide insoles to the public. In the decades that followed, Northwest Podiatric Laboratory and Superfeet established themselves as two of the most respected companies in their field.

Brown was responsible for more than 60 product patents and, staying true to his mantra of “Improve one-eighth of one percent every week,” he could be found in his research and development lab well into his 80’s. His curious mind and passion for invention never wavered.

Inspired by his own fight for survival in wartime London as a young man, Brown and his wife, Audrey, established numerous scholarship programs for deserving students. A man of legendary generosity, Brown touched an incalculable number of people – extending his reach far beyond the tens of millions of people who wear insoles and orthotics he developed or inspired.

Brown is survived by his wife, friends from around the globe and, hundreds of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory employees past and present.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is the leader in the design and manufacture of premium custom foot orthotics. Located off the beaten path in the far northwest corner of Washington State, we’ve always been a little outside the mainstream with obsessively high standards and outside-the-box thinking. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete, and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a pioneer in the biomechanics of the foot, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, we produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering from foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com

Proven custom braces designed for today’s foot and ankle specialists

Richie Braces and NWPL –  a perfect match

Richie Braces is the “Northwest Podiatric Laboratory of custom braces.” Since the mid-1990’s, Richie Braces has perfected a range of custom braces renowned for their quality, biomechanical soundness and great patient outcomes.

NWPL’s PTTD/AAF custom orthotic is special because it can provide support and stability in a form factor that’s more “shoe-friendly” than most other foot orthoses. However, many patients simply require a higher level of support and stability than a custom foot orthotic can provide. The addition of Richie Braces to our product line up provides a “next level” solution for patients who need it most.

Finally (and most crucially), Richie Braces shares our values. Dr. Douglas Richie shares our passion for helping people by applying tried and true biomechanical principles to foot pain. In fact, Dr. Richie was a student of our longtime Vice President and Medical Director, Christopher Smith, DPM. The relationship between Dr. Richie and Dr. Smith extended far beyond podiatry school; Dr. Richie became a friend and trusted colleague of Dr. Smith’s for over 40 years.

Although we don’t craft Richie Braces ourselves, we can offer an elevated overall experience – the same consistency, innovation, and service you expect from NWPL.

Our purpose is to “best serve each other, our community, our partners and those suffering from foot pain, ultimately enhancing their quality of life” and Richie Braces are simply one more tool to help us fulfill this purpose.

Types of Richie Braces and clinical indications

— Richie Brace Standard – PTTD (mild-to-moderate), Lateral Ankle Instability, Peroneal tendinopathy and Cavo-varus deformity

— Richie Brace Dynamic Assist – Dropfoot, Peroneal Nerve Injury and Post-CVA

— Richie Brace with Arch Suspender – PTTD (mild-to-moderate) and Lateral Ankle Instability

— Richie Brace Restricted Hinge – PTTD (moderate to severe w/ subluxed TN Joint), Dropfoot (equinus Severe varus/valgus; weak calf), DJD (ankle or rearfoot w/ dropfoot & spasticity), Peroneal Tendinopathy (order with lateral arch suspender), Lateral Ankle Instability (severe; order with lateral arch suspender) and Peroneal Never Injury (fixed varus in hindfoot/ankle; order with lateral arch suspender)

— Richie Brace California AFO – PTTD (severe; stage IV), DJD (severe), Charcot Arthopathy, Ankle Deformity

— Riche Brace Gauntlet – PTTD (stages III and IV), DJD (severe), Hindfoot Deformity and Charcot Arthopathy

— Richie Brace Solid AFO – Dropfoot (fixed equinus; knee instability; spasticity; weak calf)

— Richie AeroSpring Bracing System – Achilles Offloading System (Tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon and Post-surgical and non-surgical management of the Achilles tendon rupture), Plantar Fascia Offloading System (Severe recalcitrant plantar heel pain syndrome), Midfoot Offloading System (treatment of sprain of the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints and Treatment of degenerative arthritis of the midfoot joints), Dropfoot Stability System (neurologic conditions resulting in foot drop or loss of posterior leg muscle strength)

Get started today

Whether you’re brand new to custom braces or have order Richie Braces for years, we make the process easy!

Cast patient (fiberglass socks), complete print Rx (enclosed) and ship to NWPL

OR

Scan with the new SmartCast® app (using brace/AFO scanning mode) and submit to NWPL.

Click here to learn more about casting and scanning for the Richie Brace

Click here to download and/or print our Richie Brace Rx Form

Please contact our amazing Customer Care Team with questions at [email protected] or 800-443-7260.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is an industry leader in custom foot orthotics and related technologies. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a pioneer in the biomechanics of the foot, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, the partners have built a company that utilizes proprietary production techniques and technology to produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering from foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com.

Legendary experience, quality and shape in proven polypropylene

Why does an innovator like NWPL craft orthotics using a material as ubiquitous as polypropylene?

One of the keys to our longevity and success centers on our willingness to listen to the needs of healthcare professionals and people suffering foot pain. Our new polypropylene custom orthotics are thoughtfully designed to maintain the core values thousands of healthcare professionals have trusted since 1964.

— Value – The industry-leading NWPL experience is now more accessible than ever.
— Shape – The one-of-a-kind shape of our orthotics is simply superior and transcends a specific material.
— Experience – We spent 1000’s of hours on new systems and processes to raise the bar for NWPL poly orthotics.
— Innovation – Polypropylene allows for new options including integrated posts crafted into the orthotic shell.

Features

— Trusted Northwest Podiatric Laboratory shape.
— Standard heel grind (flat area on bottom of shell in the heel) on non-posted orthotic to minimize bulk and improve shoe fit.
— Sleek and strong integrated heel posts and forefoot posts (featuring the classic NWPL shape).
— Maximum strength with minimal bulk.
— Unmatched NWPL look and feel. Polypropylene orthotics you can truly be proud of.

Benefits of polypropylene custom orthotics from NWPL

1. Orthotics designed and finished by NWPL. Shell made by a trusted partner to our specs.
2. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory’s best value in decades.
3. As easy to prescribe as they are to fit in nearly any type of shoe – from soccer cleats and running shoes to hiking boots and casual shoes.
4. A great option for healthcare professionals seeking new tools for their treatment toolbox.
5. Unbeatable support, reliability and patient outcomes.

When to order poly

Polypropylene is a versatile and reliable foundation when functional foot orthoses are required. Activities and pathologies where healthcare professionals most often choose polypropylene include:

— Patients seeking maximum bang for the buck
— Applications where maximum durability is a must
— As a replacement for existing custom orthotics

How to order

Healthcare professionals (podiatrists, physical therapists, etc.) can ship casts/impressions and print Rx form to NWPL OR scan and submit order via the new SmartCast® app.

Questions?

We’re here to help! Contact Customer Care at [email protected] or 800-443-7260.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is an industry leader in custom foot orthotics and related technologies. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a pioneer in the biomechanics of the foot, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, the partners have built a company that utilizes proprietary production techniques and technology to produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering from foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com.

Streamline your workflow by accessing your Northwest Podiatric Laboratory account online!

Log in from your desktop, laptop, tablet or phone for key information and insight about your NWPL custom and OTC orthotics!

Your online account provides instant access to the information you NEED.

•    Check order status (received and shipped)
•    Review order specs/details
•    Track UPS shipments
•    View, download and print invoices
•    Export order history to Excel
•    Access photos and scans submitted via SmartCast

In the coming months and years, we’ll add exciting new tools and features to your online account!

•    Order supplies and Northwest OTC Orthotics
•    Manage account preferences
•    Pay bills online
•    Dig into exclusive NWPL content and insight

SIGNING UP IS EASY!

1. Contact Customer Care at 800-443-7260 or [email protected].
2. Provide Customer Care with your preferred email and receive an invitation to set your NWPL account password.
3. Log into your account at account.nwpodiatric.com or by clicking Account Login in the upper-right of our homepage (nwpodiatric.com).
4. Manage your account and orders more easily than ever.

Here’s a sneak peak of what your Online Account access will look like.

                                               CONTACT US TODAY TO GET ONLINE ACCESS TO ALL YOUR NWPL ORDER INFORMATION

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is an industry leader in custom foot orthotics and related technologies. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a biomechanics pioneer, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, the partners have built a company that utilizes proprietary production techniques and technology to produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is proud to announce Richie Brace® custom ankle braces are coming in Summer 2021!

Since 1996, foot and ankle specialists worldwide have trusted Richie Brace to treat a variety of challenging pathologies – from PTTD and ankle arthritis to drop foot and ankle sprains – using innovative products based on Dr. Douglas Richie’s proven approaches to foot health and biomechanics.

Our long history of innovation and strong desire to help people with foot pain make ankle foot orthoses (AFO’s) the perfect extension to our lineup of premier foot pain solutions.

Whether you’re completely new to prescribing custom braces or are a longtime user of Richie Braces, Northwest Podiatric Laboratory and Richie Braces will ensure you experience great service, support and patient outcomes.

Far from being one-size-fits all, Richie Braces offers a full spectrum of innovative solutions to the problems podiatrists and other healthcare professionals see in their practices daily:

•  Richie Brace – Standard
•  Lateral Arch Suspender
•  Medial Arch Suspender
•  Richie Gauntlet
•  California AFO
•  Richie Solid AFO
•  Richie Brace – Restricted Hinge
•  Dynamic Assist
•  Richie AeroSpring
•  Richie OTC Dynamic Assist
•  Richie OTC Ankle Brace

Why order Richie Braces from Northwest Podiatric Laboratory?

•  Superior NWPL support and service.
•  Fast processing and turnaround time (especially for healthcare professionals based in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Northern California).
•  Submit orders via traditional fiberglass casts or digitally via the SmartCast® app.
•  Seamless and simplified experience for current NWPL partners.

The connection between Northwest Podiatric Laboratory and sports podiatrist Dr. Doug Richie (founder of Richie Braces) goes back decades – NWPL’s first Vice President and Medical Director, Christopher Smith, DPM, was Dr. Richie’s Professor of Biomechanics during his time at the California College of Podiatric Medicine.

Click here to learn more about the the Richie Brace® and the life-changing impact Dr. Doug Richie and his braces have had on tens of thousands of patients.

Step up with Richie Braces! To learn more about ordering Richie Braces from Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, contact us at 800-443-7260 or [email protected].

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is an industry leader in custom foot orthotic and related technologies. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a biomechanics pioneer, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, the partners have built a company that utilizes proprietary production techniques and technology to produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering from foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com.

We have updated our Healthcare Professional search! Now featuring a map view, you can search for local Healthcare Professionals in your area that currently partner with Northwest Podiatric Laboratory.

Visit nwpodiatric.com/provider-search and simply enter your zip code or allow to share your location and a list will populate or you can view the locations on the map.

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is the secret weapon for healthcare professionals and patients seeking to lessen or eliminate foot pain.

Since 1964, podiatrists, physical therapists, pedorthists and more have trusted NWPL’s experience and craftsmanship to help their patients live pain-free lives.

Using social media allows us to share the heart of our company and people. Yes, we craft amazing custom foot orthotics, but taking care of each other, our community, the environment, healthcare professionals AND the people who will wear what be make is our core mission.

Stay in the loop by following and liking NWPL on your favorite social media platforms!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

“It’s important that healthcare professionals and patients see that NWPL is more than just another orthotic manufacturer,” says Luke Wyatt, NWPL’s Director of Marketing. “Hundreds of individuals and companies mold plastic and glue foam, but there’s only one company in North America weaving together heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and a heart for people – and that’s Northwest Podiatric Laboratory.”

Our team of talented technicians craft custom foot orthotics to treat many types of foot pain.

• Plantar fasciitis
• Bunions
• Hammer toes
• Heel spurs
• Metatarsalgia
• Morton’s neuroma
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD)
• Adult acquired flatfoot (AAF)
• Sesamoiditis/hallux limitus
• Lateral ankle instability/peroneal tendonitis
• More

We’re continually innovating and can’t wait to share what’s next!  Follow NWPL today!

Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is an industry leader in custom foot orthotics and related technologies. Dennis Brown, a retired British soldier, elite athlete and natural-born inventor founded the company in 1964 and was joined by a biomechanics pioneer, Dr. Chris Smith, in 1974. With an exclusive blend of science, craftsmanship and innovation, the partners have built a company that utilizes proprietary production techniques and technology to produce orthotics with a unique shape and unparalleled performance. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has helped over a million people suffering foot pain to lead better, pain-free lives. Learn more at www.nwpodiatric.com.