Performance Biomechanics
Custom Orthotics for Runners & Cyclists
Precision-fitted insoles based on a full biomechanical gait analysis — not a foam impression, not a generic arch. Designed for athletic footwear, covered by most extended health plans.
What are custom orthotics?
Custom orthotics are prescription insoles made from a 3D scan of your foot and a biomechanical analysis of how you walk and run. Unlike store-bought insoles, they correct the specific degree of overpronation, supination, or structural imbalance your body is compensating for — reducing load on the plantar fascia, knee, hip, and spine with every stride.
Who Benefits
Conditions orthotics help correct
Plantar Fasciitis
Morning heel pain or arch pain during the first few kilometres of a run. A custom orthotic offloads the plantar fascia by correcting the mechanical cause rather than just cushioning the symptom.
Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)
Anterior knee pain worsening on downhills and stairs. Overpronation at the foot causes the tibia to rotate inward, shifting how the kneecap tracks. Correcting foot mechanics eases the pattern upstream.
IT Band Syndrome
Lateral knee pain in runners, often developing midway through a long run. Excessive pronation or a leg-length discrepancy increases tension through the IT band with every footstrike.
Achilles Tendinopathy
A heel lift built into the orthotic reduces load on the Achilles during the push-off phase of running, allowing the tendon to heal while you continue training at modified intensity.
Hip & Lower Back Pain
A leg-length discrepancy of even a few millimetres tilts the pelvis and compresses the lumbar spine asymmetrically on every step. Orthotics with a corrective lift address the biomechanical root cause.
Cycling Foot Pain & Hot Spots
Metatarsal hot spots and forefoot numbness on long rides often come from improper cleat position or a narrow forefoot that isn't supported. A cycling-specific orthotic corrects this at the source.
The Process
From assessment to your first run
Biomechanical Assessment
Dr. Lee watches you walk and run, assessing foot strike pattern, pronation angle, hip alignment, and how load is distributed through each stride. A full history of your training volume and injury pattern is taken.
3D Foot Scan
A digital scan captures the exact contour of your foot in a neutral, non-weight-bearing position. This is the mold your orthotic shell is built from, specific to your arch height, heel width, and forefoot shape.
Prescription & Fabrication
Dr. Lee writes a biomechanical prescription specifying the corrections, material, and top cover suited to your activity. Your orthotics are fabricated at a certified lab and ready within 2–3 weeks.
Fitting & Follow-Up
A fitting appointment confirms the orthotic sits correctly in your shoe and feels right underfoot. Minor adjustments are made on the spot. A break-in schedule is provided so your body adapts gradually.
Insurance coverage made easy
Most extended health plans in BC cover custom orthotics — typically $200 to $500 per benefit year. They require a prescription and biomechanical assessment from a regulated health professional.
We don't direct-bill, but we handle all the paperwork. Dr. Lee provides your biomechanical assessment report, gait analysis findings, and written prescription — all emailed to you immediately after your appointment. Forward it to your insurer's app or portal and you're done. Most reimbursements arrive within 2–5 business days.
Comparison
Custom Orthotics vs. Store-Bought Insoles
Off-the-shelf insoles add cushioning. Custom orthotics add correction. For recreational runners or cyclists with no structural issues, a quality insole may be enough. For anyone dealing with recurring injury, or training at higher volumes, a prescription orthotic addresses the biomechanical driver rather than just the symptom.
| Feature | Custom Orthotics | Store-Bought Insoles |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | 3D scan of your exact foot shape | Generic average shape |
| Correction | Biomechanically prescribed to your gait | Cushioning only, no correction |
| Insurance eligible | Yes, with prescription and assessment | No |
| Athletic performance | Designed for running and cycling footwear | Often too thick for performance shoes |
| Durability | 3–5 years | 3–6 months of athletic use |
| Addresses injury cause | Yes, targets the biomechanical driver | No, manages symptoms only |
Common Questions
Answers before you book
Store-bought insoles are built to average foot shapes and provide cushioning only. Custom orthotics are prescribed based on a biomechanical gait analysis specific to you — they correct the exact degree of overpronation, supination, or leg-length discrepancy your body is compensating for. For runners and cyclists, that precision translates directly into reduced injury risk and more efficient movement.
Yes. Most extended health plans in BC cover custom orthotics, typically $200–$500 per benefit year. They require a prescription and biomechanical assessment from a regulated health professional. We don't direct-bill, but we handle all the paperwork: Dr. Lee provides the biomechanical assessment report, gait analysis findings, and written prescription — all emailed to you immediately after your visit, ready to submit to your insurer in minutes.
The initial assessment and 3D scan takes 30–45 minutes. Your orthotics are fabricated off-site and ready to pick up within 2–3 weeks. A short fitting appointment is included to ensure proper fit and make any adjustments. You'll leave with a break-in schedule so your body adapts gradually.
Yes. We fabricate sport-specific orthotics designed for the narrower last of athletic footwear. Many runners and cyclists have separate pairs — one for running shoes and one for cycling shoes — since the biomechanical demands differ between the two. Dr. Lee can advise on the best approach based on your training volume in each sport.
A well-maintained pair typically lasts 3–5 years with moderate athletic use. High-mileage runners may see wear on the shell or top cover sooner. We can replace the cover material without remaking the full orthotic, which is more cost-effective and extends the life of your original shell significantly.
"My plantar fasciitis had been stopping every long run for two years. Dr. Lee watched me run, built the orthotics, and I finished my first marathon pain-free three months later."
- Marathon Runner, Vancouver
Often Paired Together
Orthotics work best alongside spine care
Foot mechanics affect the entire kinetic chain. Many patients combine orthotics with spinal decompression or chiropractic care to address both the ground-level input and the spinal compression it creates upstream.
Spinal Decompression
If overpronation has been loading your lumbar spine unevenly for years, orthotics correct the input while decompression addresses the accumulated disc pressure that's already there.
Learn about decompression →Sciatica Treatment
A pelvis that tilts asymmetrically with every step can aggravate sciatic nerve compression at the L4/L5 level. Orthotics level the foundation; decompression treats the nerve root.
Learn about sciatica care →