February 1-3, 2024
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, FL
ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference
WSPMA Annual Meeting
May 3-4, 2024
The Lodge at St. Edwards State Park – Kenmore, WA
The Western Foot & Ankle Conference
June 20-22
Disneyland Hotel & Convention Center
https://www.thewestern.org/
What do you want to know about custom orthotics? (FAQs)
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT CUSTOM ORTHOTICS (BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK)
At Northwest Podiatric Laboratory we often receive questions about our company, orthotics, and how we can help people with foot pain.
While some questions are quite unique (e.g. Can I wear my orthotics for water aerobics?), many of the questions we receive are asked quite frequently. We’ve learned a lot since 1964 and are excited to share a bit of the insight we’ve gained in our quest to help healthcare professionals provide their patients with world-class foot pain solutions.
Although extensive, our FAQs page isn’t designed to be comprehensive and should be used for informational purposes only. Patients should consult with a licensed healthcare professional, while healthcare professionals should contact NWPL directly for more help and insight.
Our FAQs page is split into two sections: Patients and Healthcare Professionals. There’s some overlap between the questions but each section is tailored to provide answers to the pressing questions we’re most often asked.
Click here to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more!
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 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.
NWPL crafts your orthotics FASTER
Foot pain relief from an orthotic lab that values your time
How long are you waiting for custom foot orthotics? Six weeks? Eight weeks? Ten weeks? Longer?
The truth of the matter is that it shouldn’t take ten, eight, six or even four weeks to make a pair of custom orthotics.
At Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, our standard in-lab turnaround time is only five business days. Outside of extraordinary circumstances (e.g. peak COVID in spring 2020), we’ve been receiving, crafting and shipping orders for custom foot orthotics in five business days FOR DECADES. (NOTE: Standard in-lab turnaround time for polypropylene custom orthotics is 10 business days. Standard in-lab turnaround time for Superglass®, NCV® and Prescription Comfort® is five business days).
As one of North America’s most respected custom orthotic labs for nearly 60 years, NWPL doesn’t resort to utilizing inferior techniques/materials, passing off generic insoles as custom, outsourcing important processes or putting profits before people to save time (or cost). Further, for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic (and into the present), we kept every employee on the payroll at full wages. Our longtime employees are still here, leveraging hundreds of years of combined experience to painstakingly craft industry-leading custom foot orthotics.
In the world of custom orthotics, faster doesn’t mean worse and slower doesn’t mean better. Faster AND better is possible when you partner with the right orthotic lab.
Are you a patient? Tell your healthcare professional that waiting months for foot pain relief simply isn’t acceptable.
Find a healthcare professional in your area who partners with Northwest Podiatric Laboratory.
Are you a healthcare professional? If you’re ready to move beyond the excuses, delays, wasted time in your office and frustrated patients, we’re ready to partner with you.
Stop waiting and get started with Northwest Podiatric Laboratory!
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.
NEW! iPad Pro & iPhone scanning for custom orthotics
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
Northwest OTC – medical grade foot pain relief
DON’T SETTLE FOR SOFT INSOLES THAT DON’T PROVIDE THE SUPPORT YOU NEED.
NORTHWEST OTC IS THE ULTIMATE FOOT PAIN SOLUTION THAT WILL LAST!
Rather than going to a running store hoping to find a good OTC solution, contact your healthcare professional and ask them about Northwest OTC orthotics!
Our over-the-counter foot pain solution incorporates the heritage of our legendary custom foot orthotics. We designed Northwest OTC orthotics to be everyday workhorses – simple, medical-only devices that provide a compelling alternative to insoles sold at specialty retailers. Northwest Podiatric Laboratory’s OTC Orthotics feature a sleek and unobtrusive design that will easily fit into most shoes.
Visit https://nwpodiatric.com/otc to learn more about each line of Northwest OTC!
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
Passing of Founder & President Dennis Brown
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
Orthotics designed for kids with foot pain
Healthy feet. Active children. Happy parents.
Children’s OTC Orthotics are over-the-counter insoles that align and support children’s feet to promote improved posture, balance, and stability.
Since 1964, Northwest Podiatric Laboratory we’ve crafted world class custom foot orthotics for well over a million children and adults. This experience is the foundation of our Children’s OTC Orthotics.
To create an OTC orthotic able to serve even the most active children, we began with our highly regarded custom children’s orthotic and distilled it down to its essential elements:
Many children experience improved function and reduced pain with a well-designed OTC orthotic, although custom orthotics made from a plaster mold, foam impression or 3D scan may be preferred in some cases.
At Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, we’re proud to do our part to keep children health, active, and happy.
Key features
— A deep heel cup and heel post for stability.
— Kid-friendly colors.
— A sleek design for great shoe fit.
— Seven sizes that grow with kids (ages 18 months to approximately 8 years).
— Rigid construction for kid-proof durability.
— Made in USA.
Sizing
— A (Size 6)
— B (Size 7/8)
— C (Size 9/10)
— D (Size 11/12)
— E (Size 13/1)
— F (Size 2)
— G (Size 3)
For the next Northwest OTC option beyond Size G, select Premium or Elite Size 4/5.
(Note: Shoe sizes vary widely by manufacturer and the shape/size of every foot is different. Therefore, a child’s shoe size can only offer a rough approximation of which Children’s OTC Orthotic will provide the proper fit. Practitioners should always use a sizing Set to determine best size before ordering/dispensing.)
How to fit
- Examine the child’s foot. Have the child sit on a chair or exam table and straighten one leg. Examine the child’s foot, roughly gauging the size and shape.
- Locate the metatarsal heads. Locate the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads, marking them if necessary. You’ll use this information in Step #5.
- Determine the approximate orthotic size. Based on your quick visual examination, select two or three orthotics from the sizing set most likely to fit the child.
- Confirm the orthotic-to-heel relationship. Hold one of the orthotics to the child’s foot, being sure the foot and sample are matched (i.e. left foot with left orthotic sample). Ensure the children’s heel fits snugly into the orthotic, as it will when the child is wearing the orthotic in his/her shoe.
- Confirm the orthotic-to-forefoot relationship. The distal (forefoot) end of the orthotic should be about 1cm proximal to the 1st metatarsal head and about .5 cm proximal to the 5th metatarsal head. Try different sizes, if necessary, until this relationship is achieved. When choosing between two sizes, it’s generally preferable to select the large size to allow for growth.
- Dispense the orthotics. Many healthcare professionals find it advantageous to carry an inventory of Children’s OTC Orthotics to provide their patients with immediate foot pain relief. Other healthcare professionals prefer to order as need to eliminate the need to carry inventory.
Insight from Chris Smith, DPM, NWPL’s former Medical Director
Learn more about what makes Northwest Podiatric Laboratory’s Children’s OTC Orthotics unique and effective from NWPL’s former Medical Director, Chris Smith, DPM.
- This orthotic is a generic foot device fabricated from an idealized stable foot.
- This device is not correctional. It only improves the position of the foot to the floor while underfoot. The device will not create an arch. Like eyeglasses, the device only works when it is used.
- For a given foot, a larger shoe may be necessary, but this is generally not the case. The device is surprisingly comfortable with high patient tolerance (efficacy).
- The Midtarsal Joint is placed in its functional locked position, making the foot function as a rigid lever (as opposed to a flexible flat foot).
- The deep heel cup and high flanges control (hold) the foot in a more upright, stable position as opposed to flexible flat foot position.
- Stability in stance, walking and running are improved, sometimes dramatically. Less tripping and falling are to be expected.
- The length of stride increases meaning that the user walks faster.
- This device is intended primarily for the flat foot. If the foot is coincidentally symptomatic, most or all pain will resolve but the foot should be monitored by a healthcare professional.
- The devices are color coded for size and each size will be appropriate for approximately one year.
Ready to step up to Children’s OTC Orthotics?
Contact our knowledgeable Customer Care Team at [email protected] or 800-443-7260.
Northwest Podiatric Laboratory is only able to work under the direction of a licensed healthcare professional and is unable to work directly with patients. Specific questions or concerns should be directed to a healthcare professional.
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
Scanned with SmartCast. Crafted by hand.
Easy-to-use technology, amazing orthotics and great patient outcomes from an orthotic lab you can trust
Northwest Podiatric Laboratory has invested heavily in proprietary manufacturing technologies to enhance the capabilities of its experienced craftspeople. Over the last decade, we’ve developed new 3D imaging innovations like the In-Office Foot Digitizer foot scanner and SmartCast® to help more healthcare professionals provide world-class orthotics.
SmartCast – a foot scanner using an iPad, 3D sensor and custom app – is truly a leap forward for podiatrists, foot and ankle surgeons, physical therapists and pedorthists seeking handmade quality and the ease of digital. From a practice management perspective, SmartCast is a win-win: speed and efficiency meet quality and unrivaled patient outcomes.
SmartCast and Northwest Podiatric Laboratory elevate custom foot orthoses
We get better data. Patients get better orthotics.
The patented SmartCast Foot Positioning System® helps healthcare professionals achieve perfect foot positioning every time. Great positioning and accurate 3D scanning ensure custom orthotics are crafted with unrivaled accuracy and function.
A superior experience.
SmartCast is quicker, more comfortable and less messy than traditional plaster casts or foam impressions. Best of all, the ease, convenience and speed don’t come at the expense of quality. With SmartCast, we’re crafting the best custom orthotics in our history.
Orthotics…faster!
Orders for orthotics are submitted digitally and received immediately at Northwest Podiatric Laboratory – there’s no extra processing, handling or shipping time. NWPL far surpasses the industry norm by crafting and ships custom orthotics in days and not months.
Handmade in the United States by people who truly care.
Our orthotics are crafted in Blaine, WA by skilled technicians with hundreds of years of combined experience. NWPL has earned its history and experience the hard way: through decades of work and dedication. With the same ownership since 1964, NWPL doesn’t need to create or fabricate a history; nearly 60 years of authenticity is built into every pair of orthotics that hundreds of thousands of patients benefit from every day.
Go from foot pain to happy feet in four simple steps:
- Position and align the foot using the patented SmartCast Foot Positioning System®
- A 3D scan of the foot is captured and reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
- Scans and prescription information are securely submitted to NWPL and our technicians craft orthotics for each patients’ unique foot and foot pain – plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, hammer toe, Morton’s neuroma, sesamoiditis and more.
- Finished orthotics are dispensed to patients who are now ready to do what they love with one-of-a-kind custom orthotics supporting them every step of the way.
Learn more about what industry professionals are saying about scanning for custom orthotics
Podiatry Today
Is Scanning More Effective Than Casting For Custom Orthoses?
Is 3D scanning Eclipsing Traditional Casting For Orthotics?
American Podiatric Medical Association
3-D Scan or Cast for Orthotics? That is the Question.
Ready to step up to SmartCast?
Contact our knowledgeable Customer Care Team 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.