We craft custom orthotics to serve the mainstream and premium segments of the custom orthotic market. Healthcare professionals seeking discount or bargain options (i.e. orthotics purchased from a lab for as little as $40-$80 per pair) generally don’t choose Northwest Podiatric Laboratory.

We’re experts at serving healthcare professionals who understand the value and importance of prescribing the best custom orthotics. Our Customer Care Team is here to answer questions, provide advice, solve problems, and generally make the process of prescribing custom orthotics simpler. Our on-staff Medical Director, Timothy Messmer, DPM, partners closely with our Customer Care Team and consults directly with healthcare professionals on a case-by-case basis. We expand our support even further with in-office materials (material swatch cards, brochures, orthotic samples), online tools and training, easy-to-use in-office scanning with SmartCast, and more.  

We accept all traditional casting methods like plaster cast, slipper socks and impression foam boxes. We also accept 3D scans using our SmartCast® scanning app. 3D models can be created using a Structure Sensor scanner or the front facing camera on all iPad Pros and iPhones manufactured after 2018 that have the “Face ID” camera technology. 

YES!  In fact, the available 3D scanning technologies in use today are MORE accurate than traditional (plaster/foam/sock) casting methods.  The integrated front-facing cameras in current iPads/iPhones use the same technology that is used for facial recognition (and unlocking phones/devices/accounts), so it is extremely accurate down to <1mm.

Five business days for our Superglass, NCV, and Prescription Comfort orthotics. Ten business days for Polypropylene orthotics. 

We ship with UPS using a discounted rate. You can specify UPS Ground or 2nd Day Air as your preference. Additionally, UPS Next Day Air is available by request. Please contact us for quote based on location. 

Yes! We offer a 3-day rush (three business days in-lab) for an additional charge. Plus, we can expedite the shipping method if needed. (Note: the option for a 3-day rush is not currently available for Polypropylene custom orthotics.)

Our Superglass® composite is credit card thin (approximately 1.5mm thin) and forms the shell/foundation of our premium line of custom orthotics. For applications where every millimeter matters (e.g. soccer cleats, low profile running shoes, ski boots, dress shoes, etc.), Superglass® is available without any additional cushion or top cover layers. For more comfort and minimal additional bulk, add a vinyl top cover and 1/16″ cushion in the forefoot.

The rigid shell/foundation of our custom orthotics is designed to last for years (we often see orthotics sent to us for refurbishment that are 10+ years old), but generally cannot be refurbished. When the shape and function begin to be compromised, a new pair of orthotics is recommended. The softer components used on custom orthotics (e.g. cushions, foams, rubbers, vinyls, leathers, microsuedes, etc.) are very durable but have a shorter lifespan. Further, soft components, even if they remain intact, may provide compromised function via change in shape, lack of shock absorption, etc. The soft components can be refurbished multiple times during the useful lifespan of rigid shell/foundation. Ultimately, the lifespan of a pair of orthotics is very dependent on patient weight, activities, types of materials used, maintenance (cleaning the orthotics and the inside of the shoes where the orthotics are used), patient’s gait, and more.

Yes! We’ve repaired and refurbished thousands of pairs of custom orthotics not originally made by Northwest Podiatric Laboratory. We can’t match every color or material, and there are occasionally requests we can’t or won’t do, but we can (and have) done it all! Thanks to our premium materials, high-level fit and finish, and impeccable attention to detail, orthotics refurbished by Northwest Podiatric Laboratory ship in better-than-new condition! Our pricing for repairs and refurbishments is transparent, predictable, and fair.

Please visit nwpodiatric.com/warranty to review NWPL’s warranty policy for custom orthotics. 

We provide volume discounts of 5% and 7% based on your monthy order volume. Contact us regarding the dollar volume needed to earn volume discounts at Northwest Podiatric Laboratory. Additionally, a 2% cash discount can be taken on all payments received within ten days of the statement date.

Yes! We partner with Richie Brace to offer their entire line of custom braces (AFO’s). We accept both slipper casts and 3D scans from our SmartCast app.

No. We currently don’t offer diabetic shoes. 

Yes! We offer three exclusive lines of OTC orthotics: Premium, Elite, and Children’s. Premium offers ultra-thin support. Elite provides unmatched support and stability. Children’s is designed specifically for kids ages 18 months to eight years. Northwest OTC Orthotics are only available through licensed healthcare professionals and are not sold in retail stores or online.

While developing custom products from carbon fiber, Dennis Brown (Founder and former President) and Chris Smith (Former Medical Director and Vice President) established Superfeet as the Sports Division of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory (NWPL), and set out to find affordable orthotic solutions for the general public. In 1977, Superfeet In-Shoe Systems, Inc. was established as an independent company to operate at arm’s length from NWPL. Dennis continued to manage Superfeet and NWPL through the 1980’s, relying heavily on the NWPL team for support. In 1990, new leadership was hired to run Superfeet independently. Since that time, Superfeet has become a giant in the insole industry and, although there is no longer any connection between the two companies, we take pride in being the birthplace of a company that’s helped tens-of-millions of people suffering from foot pain.