How Much Do Foot Orthotics Cost in Australia? (2026 Price Guide)

By Ian North, APodA – Credentialed Sports Podiatrist, Canning Podiatry Centre, Parkwood WA

Quick answer: Orthotics in Australia typically cost between $85 and $800 per pair, depending on the type of device. Off-the-shelf, unmodified orthotics start from around $85. Semi-custom orthotics, where a podiatrist modifies an over-the-counter shell in-house, range from $120 to $165. Fully custom, prescribed orthotics — involving a biomechanical assessment, 3D foot scanning, and a 3D-printed device manufactured specifically for your feet — can cost up to $800 per pair.

If you've searched "how much do orthotics cost" and landed here, this guide breaks down exactly why prices vary so much, what you're actually paying for at each level, and how to work out which type of orthotic is right for your feet, your activity level, and your budget.

Why Orthotic Prices Vary So Much

Not all orthotics are created equal, and the price reflects the level of customisation, the materials used, and the clinical assessment behind the device. There are generally three tiers of orthotics available in Australia, and understanding the differences will help you understand what you're paying for — and why a $85 insole and an $800 custom device are genuinely different products.

1. Over-the-Counter (Off-the-Shelf) Orthotics — From $85

Over-the-counter orthotics are pre-made, unmodified devices that come in standard sizes (small, medium, large, etc.) rather than being shaped to your individual foot. These are the most affordable option and are readily available from pharmacies, shoe stores, and podiatry clinics.

What you're paying for:

• A mass-produced device with generic arch support and cushioning

• No biomechanical assessment or clinical customisation

• Immediate availability — no waiting for manufacturing

Best suited to: People with mild, general foot discomfort, those wanting extra cushioning or arch support in everyday shoes, or as a low-cost trial before committing to a custom device.

Limitations: Because these devices aren't shaped to your specific foot structure or gait pattern, they offer more generic support. They can be a reasonable starting point, but they don't address individual biomechanical issues such as excessive pronation, leg length differences, or sport-specific loading patterns.

2. Semi-Custom Orthotics — $120 to $165

Semi-custom orthotics start as an over-the-counter shell, but a podiatrist modifies the device in-house to better suit your foot shape and specific concerns. This might involve heat-moulding, adding wedges or posts, adjusting arch height, or building up specific areas for offloading pressure.

What you're paying for:

• A clinical consultation with a podiatrist

• In-house modification tailored to your presenting complaint

• A meaningfully better fit and function than an off-the-shelf device, without the cost of full manufacturing

Best suited to: People with moderate foot or lower limb issues (such as plantar fasciitis, mild flat feet, or shin splints) who need more targeted support than an off-the-shelf insole can provide, but who don't require the full biomechanical workup of a fully custom device.

Limitations: While more tailored than an off-the-shelf device, semi-custom orthotics are still built from a standard base shell, so there's a ceiling on how precisely they can correct significant biomechanical abnormalities.

3. Fully Custom Prescribed Orthotics — Up to $800 Per Pair

Fully custom orthotics are the gold standard, particularly for sports injuries, complex biomechanical issues, or diabetic and high-risk feet. The process typically involves:

1. A comprehensive biomechanical assessment — your podiatrist examines your gait, joint range of motion, muscle strength, foot posture, and footwear

2. 3D scanning of your foot — capturing an exact digital model of your foot shape, rather than relying on a generic mould

3. Custom prescription and 3D printing — the device is manufactured to precise specifications based on your scan and clinical findings, in the materials best suited to your activity level and condition

What you're paying for:

• A full clinical assessment and diagnosis

• A device built from an exact 3D scan of your unique foot shape

• Manufacturing to a specific prescription (correction angles, arch profile, material density, offloading zones)

• Materials and construction chosen for durability and your specific footwear

• Follow-up review and adjustments as needed

Best suited to: Athletes and active people, those with complex or long-standing biomechanical issues, post-injury rehabilitation, diabetic foot care, or anyone who has tried lower-cost options without success.

How Material Choice Affects Orthotic Cost

Beyond the type of device, the material used plays a significant role in both cost and performance. Common options include:

• EVA foam — lightweight, affordable, and shock-absorbing, but compresses and wears out faster, especially with high mileage or heavy use

• Polypropylene — a more rigid, durable plastic often used in custom devices, offering strong correction and long-term shape retention

• Carbon fibre — thin, extremely durable, and rigid, popular for sports-specific orthotics that need to fit into tight-fitting athletic footwear

• 3D-printed lattice materials — increasingly used in fully custom devices, allowing variable density across different zones of the orthotic for a precise balance of support and cushioning

Each material has trade-offs between durability, how easily the device fits into different shoe types, and comfort. A carbon fibre orthotic might last many years but feel firmer initially, while an EVA-based device is more cushioned but may need replacing sooner. Your podiatrist will recommend a material based on your foot type, activity level, footwear, and budget.

Orthotic Cost Comparison Summary

Orthotic Type	Cost Range	Customisation	Assessment Included
Over-the-counter	From $85	None (standard sizing)	Basic consultation
Semi-custom (in-house modified)	$120–$165	Moderate (heat-moulded/modified)	Basic consultation
Fully custom (3D scanned & printed)	Up to $800	Full (built to your foot)	Comprehensive biomechanical assessment

Are Orthotics Covered by Private Health Insurance or Medicare?

Many private health insurance extras policies in Australia offer a rebate for podiatry and orthotics under "podiatry" or "custom-made appliances" — the amount varies by fund and policy level. Medicare rebates for orthotics are not available under specific programs, such as the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. It's worth checking your policy details or asking your podiatrist to help you understand what's claimable before your appointment.

How Long Do Orthotics Last?

Durability depends heavily on material and usage. As a general guide:

• Over-the-counter foam orthotics: typically 6–12 months with regular use

• Semi-custom devices: around 1–2 years, depending on modifications and materials

• Fully custom polypropylene or carbon fibre orthotics: often 3–5+ years with proper care, though the top cover or cushioning layer may need replacing sooner

Getting Orthotics in Perth

At Canning Podiatry Centre in Parkwood, we offer all three levels of orthotic care — from over-the-counter options for simple, budget-friendly relief, through to fully custom 3D-scanned and 3D-printed orthotics for complex sports injuries and biomechanical conditions. As a Credentialed Sports Podiatrist, Ian North provides a thorough biomechanical assessment for every patient considering custom orthotics, ensuring the device — and its cost — genuinely matches your foot type, activity level, and goals, rather than defaulting to the most expensive option.

If you're in Perth or the surrounding suburbs and want a clear, honest recommendation on which type of orthotic suits your feet and your budget, book a biomechanical assessment with Canning Podiatry Centre today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do orthotics cost in Australia? Orthotic costs generally range from $85 for basic over-the-counter devices, to $120–$165 for semi-custom in-house modified devices, up to $800 per pair for fully custom, 3D-scanned and 3D-printed prescribed orthotics.

What is the difference between custom and over-the-counter orthotics? Over-the-counter orthotics are pre-made in standard sizes with no individual assessment. Custom orthotics are built from a 3D scan of your specific foot following a full biomechanical assessment, allowing precise correction for your gait, foot posture, and any underlying condition.

Do more expensive orthotics last longer? Generally, yes. Fully custom orthotics made from durable materials like polypropylene or carbon fibre can last 3–5 years or more, while cheaper foam-based over-the-counter devices typically need replacing every 6–12 months.

Are orthotics covered by health insurance in Australia? Many private health extras policies offer a partial rebate for podiatry and custom orthotics, though the amount depends on your fund and policy.

Do I need a biomechanical assessment before getting orthotics? For semi-custom and fully custom orthotics, yes — a biomechanical assessment allows your podiatrist to identify the underlying cause of your foot or lower limb issue and prescribe a device that addresses it, rather than just cushioning the symptoms.

Where can I get custom orthotics in Perth? Canning Podiatry Centre in Parkwood offers biomechanical assessments, 3D foot scanning, and fully custom 3D-printed orthotics, alongside semi-custom and over-the-counter options for patients across Perth.