NON-LOCAL ORDERING SERVICES FOR CUSTOM ORTHOPEDIC FOOTWEAR
We are aware that the services we offer are not readily available in many areas, even the large metropolitan ones. We are a small, highly specialized company with limited capacity, but given the modern communication technologies such as Zoom, FaceTime, etc., using video guidance and a kit we send out, we have been successful in taking and filling custom orthopedic shoe orders. Video guidance is much more than simply watching a video of the process: it’s a virtual appointment with Arnie, in your home, in which he will guide you and someone with good hand skills through the measuring and casting process. Two helpers will be needed so that one can follow Arnie’s casting instructions while the other is holding the camera phone or tablet near the feet so that he can see what’s going on. The molds are then sent to us.
Given that this process is not as ideal as an in-person appointment at our facility in Novato, we require an intermediate test fitting with another virtual appointment to help ensure a successful result. The test fitting involves trying on a clear plastic pair of shoes made from your molds and measurements (see photos), and Arnie will talk you and a helper through the fitting process. From that session, final adjustments to the fit are made, the style and color are selected (a website link will be provided for the catalog), and the order will go into production.
Even with this care and attention, there are sometimes when shoes may still require some fine-tuning for maximum comfort; this is not an exact science and comfort is subjective. Adjustments can be done with back-and-forth shipping, paid for by the client. In the unlikely event that the shoes are unwearable - even after adjustments are made – due to an error in the execution, we will remake them at no charge. If the shoes fit and function well but the client is unhappy with the appearance, a remake can be done for 50% of the total cost of the shoes.
Remote orders will be considered on a case-by-case basis. We will only accept orders in which we feel confident of a satisfactory outcome. High-risk cases, such as those involving extreme hypersensitivity, complex gait and balance issues, or styles that are deemed inappropriate for a client’s foot pathology will not be accepted. An initial phone consultation will be necessary to make this determination and to start the process. Also, if we feel that your foot issues can be addressed locally with custom orthotic devices and simple shoe modifications, we will suggest that.
