Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about your custom orthotics.
Why Stride
Does Stride offer the same medical quality as going to a Podiatrist?
Yes! And in many ways better. Just like in the clinic, you capture a 3D foot scan, record a gait analysis, and answer key questions about your foot health. All this in just 5 minutes and a fraction of the cost.
Your information is then analyzed by our medical team who then craft your custom orthotics, designed to alleviate your pain and improve your health.
Don't take our word for it... Stride is Prescribed by doctors at top podiatry clinics worldwide.
How is Stride different from insole brands like Superfeet, Powerstep, or Dr. Scholls?
Superfeet, Powerstep, and Dr. Scholl’s are pre-made insoles that are built to fit the average person's foot. They have arch heights like low, medium, high and are made to offer cushion for most people. Yet, they are not built for your unique foot, gait, or condition.
Stride Soles are custom orthotics made by award winning Pedorthists. Like at top clinics, you answer our medical questions, have your gait analyzed, and submit scans. Your data is sent to orthotic designer Dietmar Walter in Germany, where his team hand build your orthotics to match your unique profile. No two pairs are ever the same.
In practical terms, an off-the-shelf insole adds cushioning and modest support. Stride corrects how load moves through your feet and addresses the underlying cause of your foot pain. That difference matters: simply masking pain wish cushion leaves the same biomechical problem intact, which is why many who go store-bought end up with the same pain months later.
How is Stride different from other online orthotics brands like Upstep or BILT?
Both Upstep & BILT make custom orthotics online, and are legitimate products. The difference comes down to what data is captured and how the data is captured.
Upstep/BILT use a foam impression kit which is mailed to your home. You press your foot into the foam, mail it back, and they build the orthotic from there. Studies (Double-Blinded randomized control trial led by BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders & National Health Service) show foam boxes result in less patient satisfaction, and less accurate molds when done at home. Most clinics in the United States have moved away from foam boxes for more technically forward solutions, and we have done the same. Additionally, these options only take a static snapshot of your foot at rest, not how your body actually moves.
With Stride, you use our app to take a 3D scan and gait video so we can see how your foot loads and moves in motion. The scan, gait, and questionnaire data is reviewed by Seifriz Award-winning Pedorthist Dietmar Walter and his team in Oberkochen, Germany where every pair is designed by hand.
Another big difference is transparency: this is not a contracted lab or manufacturing facility. Our facility in Germany is where the 3rd generation Walter family has been building orthotics since 1954.
Do I really need custom orthotics?
Not everyone does. But most people who end up needing them wish they had bought them sooner.
Off-the-shelf insoles work for general comfort. If you have a condition or structural issue like flat feet, overpronation, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, etc - they will only treat the symptom. OTC insoles will add cushioning to where your foot hurts but it doesn’t change how your body moves through every step. Over time, these unaddressed biomechanical issues will compound as your body seeks to compensate. Something that starts as heel pain becomes knee pain. Arch fatigue becomes a chronic condition. We see it all the time.
Custom Orthotics correct the underlying mechanics, and don’t mask it with a cushion. Whether you need them depends on if you are dealing with a comfort issue or structural one. One way to tell is if you have been managing foot pain with stretching, rest, and store-bought insoles while not getting lasting relief. That’s a clear signal that whatever underlying condition you have is not getting addressed.
The honest answer: If you aren’t sure, our quiz takes only two minutes and tells you if your situation warrants custom orthotics.
Another big difference is transparency: this is not a contracted lab or manufacturing facility. Our facility in Germany is where the 3rd generation Walter family has been building orthotics since 1954.
Who makes my Stride Soles?
Stride Soles are made by Seifriz Award-winning Pedorthist Dietmar Walter and his team in Oberkochen, Germany. The Walters are a third generation orthotics manufacturer with over 70 years of clinical and craft experience.
To create every Stride orthotic involves a master pedorthist reviewing your 3D scan, gait video, and questionnaire data. Your foot shape is mapped to the intended shoe, and corrections are manually added via CAD to match your condition, gait, and foot structure. No two pairs are ever the same.
How do I know my orthotics are actually being made for me specifically?
Every orthotic is tied to you from the moment we begin production. Your 3D scan, gait video, & questionnaire are tied to your file which Dietmar Walter and his team reference throughout the design & build process. There is no pretending to be custom then just grabbing a templated model off the shelf.
The proof is physical. Your name is printed directly on the underside of the orthotic as part of the printing process. It’s not a sticker or a name etched in after the fact. If you’ve ever wondered if your pair is made for you… that’s your answer.
Why orthotics vs insoles?
The words orthotics and insoles are often used interchangeably, but they are not actually the same thing.
An insole is a cushioned layer that sits in your shoe and adds comfort, absorbing shock, and offers minimal arch support. They are mass produced and thus designed to fit the average foot shape. They can make a shoe more comfortable, but not correct how your foot moves.
On the other hand, an orthotic support how your foot functions. By guiding your foot alignment and stability, you gain a more efficient mechanical structure, and therefor long-term pain reduction.
Who owns Stride Soles?
Stride Soles was founded by Greg Gerla, a flat-footed runner who hated paying Podiatrist prices for orthotics, and Dr. Zac Cartun, MD, a doctor who had a passion for bringing medical tech to the masses.
Dr. Zac and Greg scoured the world to find the best orthotic manufacturers and settled on Dr. Dietmar Walter, an award winning Podiatrist from Germany.
Greg, Dr. Zac, and the Walter family each bring their own expertise to bring you the most advanced digital orthotic clinic in the world.
The Process
What happens after I place my order?
After placing your order, you will complete a gait video and 3D foot scan via our iOS and Android app. We will email you instructions including your unique login token. Both steps take about five minutes and include guidance from our medical team.
Once we have your scan and gait data, it will be reviewed by Dr. Zac Carton MD and team in the United States. If we have questions, we will reach out directly. Otherwise your data is securely sent to Oberkochen, Germany where Dr. Dietmar Walter and his team begin the design process.
Is scanning difficult?
No, scanning your feet is extremely easy!
With the Stride App (for iOS or Android) you simple place your smart phone on the ground and hover your feet 10-12 inches above the phone to begin scanning.
Watch how to scan your feet using the 3D scanner
When and how do I scan my feet and provide the gait video?
Both are completed via the Stride Soles app, available on iOS and Android. After purchase, we will email you instructions and your unique login token to access the app.
How do I get the scan email or app link?
We will email you instructions on how to download the app and access your unique login token after purchase. You are welcome to download the 'Stride Soles' app from the Apple or Android store before then to familiarize yourself.
Can I make changes to my order after I've placed it?
You can make changes for up to 24 hours after your scan and gait have been submitted. After that, a $50 fee applies to compensate our designers for restarting the design process. Once an order has shipped, no changes can be accepted. To request a change, email team@stridesoles.com.
Is It Right For Me?
What conditions do your orthotics help with?
Custom orthotics are a first line treatment for flat feet, plantar fasciitis, ankle instability, arthritis, pronation, supination, limb-length discrepancy, morton’s neuroma, fractured bones, patellofemoral syndrome, posterior tibialis syndrome, and many other musculoskeletal conditions.
Strides are more than just a medical treatment. Our orthotics are specifically designed to prevent injury by correcting postural issues before injuries occur.
Is it ok that I don't know my specific condition or diagnosis?
Yes, that is completely fine. When taking the onboarding quiz, simply tell us where you experience pain. With that data, we will build corrections into your orthotic to offset pressure and reduce pain in that particular area/s.
What if I already have a prescription?
We work with existing prescriptions all the time. After purchase, email the document to team@stridesoles.com with the subject line "Existing Prescription" and we will make sure all necessary corrections are included in your design.
I'm on my feet all day for work. Are these right for me?
Yes. People who stand for eight or more hours a day are exactly who custom orthotics were designed for -- nurses, tradespeople, and chefs are among our most common customers. Without proper support during a long shift, pain that starts in your feet can radiate to your knees and back. A custom orthotic that distributes weight and improves your gait is the first step toward a more comfortable day.
Do these work for athletes or sport-specific shoes?
Yes. We offer sport-specific orthotics for running, basketball, tennis and pickleball, golf, soccer, and cycling. Special orders are also available for figure skates, ice skates, and ski boots.
Each sport-specific orthotic is optimized for the unique movements of that activity. Over 50 years of building orthotics in Germany, we have worked with thousands of athletes including Mesut Ozil and Martin Kaymer, and serve as the official orthotic maker for Bundesliga team FC Heidenheim.
Can children use Stride Soles?
Yes! The smallest orthotics we create are children size 12.
Product & Fit
What shoes does Stride fit?
Stride fits casual sneakers, boots, dress shoes, running shoes, soccer cleats, tennis and pickleball shoes, basketball shoes, golf shoes, and cycling shoes. We optimize every orthotic for the intended shoe type, as each has unique dimensions, heel cup depth, and footbed shape. If your shoe has a removable insole, Stride will fit.
Can I switch Stride between shoes?
We recommend getting an orthotic for each intended shoe. Every pair is designed around the volume, heel cup depth, and footbed shape of a specific shoe type. Moving between very different shoe types (such as dress shoes and running shoes) can compromise fit and reduce clinical benefit. Most customers keep a pair in their most-used shoes so support follows them throughout the day.
What materials is Stride made with?
Stride is made of three primary materials.
The core corrective layer is TPU, a highly durable plastic polymer chosen for its ability to withstand high pressure over long periods while retaining its shape. The TPU is printed using our signature lattice design, which reduces weight and enables millimeter-level precision in matching your foot shape. On top of the TPU is a 2mm foam layer for cushion throughout your gait.
The top layer is perforated vegan leather, which is breathable, moisture-wicking, and easy to clean.
Do I need to trim my orthotics to fit?
Potentially, yes. While we make every orthotic to match the length of your exact shoes existing footbed, if your shoe has a narrower than average toe area, there is the potential to need to trim the end for a clean fit.
If your shoe has a removable insole, use it as a template and place it on top of your stride orthotics. Using scissors, trim along the edges. TPU cuts cleanly and won’t fray.
You should never need to trim the heel or side of the orthotics, only the toe area. If the orthotic is too wide or lifting at the edges, please contact us so we can look into the matter.
If your shoe comes with a removable insole, Stride will fit.
Can you make 3/4 length orthotics?
Yes we can!
Simply tell us in the open ended section in either the quiz or app that you prefer 3/4 length and we will make your pair to your specifications.
Can these fit in specialty shoes?
It depends on the shoe. We currently make orthotics for nine shoe types as well as custom sandals. Our standard custom orthotics fits the majority of everyday shoes, with exceptions including climbing shoes and high heels.
Can you remake my existing orthotics made by someone else?
We will do our best.
If you would like a design match, you may send in your orthotics to our facility in Germany where we can scan them directly. Otherwise, we will try to match the pair based on images and descriptions you provide.
After purchase, email team@stridesoles.com with the subject line "Stride Remake". We will follow up with questions as to the measurements of your existing pair and optional instructions about shipping us your orthotics.
Is the price for one or a pair?
The price is for one pair.
Results & Expectations
How long until I feel relief?
For 80% of patients*, relief is immediate as your arches get the needed support. For 95% of patients*,relief occurs over two weeks as your body gets used to the support and improved gait mechanics.*Based on customer surveys
How long do Stride last?
Stride Soles will last 3-5 years, depending on patient weight and usage.
All custom orthotics come with a 3 year quality guarantee. If the product is damaged within that period, simply reach out to us and we will replace your orthotics, free of charge.
What if I don't like my Stride Soles?
If your Stride Soles aren't quite right, we'll remake them at no extra cost. About 1 in 12 customers takes us up on this, and the vast majority love the result.
If a remake doesn't get you there, you have 180 days to return them for a full refund. We only ask that you fill out a 2-minute survey so we can keep improving. No restocking fees. We pay for return shipping.
Shipping & Pricing
When will my Stride Soles arrive?
Stride Soles custom orthotics will arrive in 10-15 days. This includes production and shipping.
Need your orthotics sooner? We also offer Express (7-10 days) and Skip the Line (3-5 days) upgrades at checkout.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship to over 138 countries. Additional carrier fees may apply for orders outside the EU and United States.
Can I order multiple pairs at once?
Yes. You can order multiple pairs for the same shoe type or different shoe types. You only need to submit one questionnaire, gait video, and scan. We keep all your records on file for future purchases as well.
Does insurance cover Stride?
We currently accept HSA/FSA cards, as well as doctor notes indicating patient need.
Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover custom orthotics, so we do not partner with any.
Do you offer a military or veteran discount?
Yes. Email team@stridesoles.com to receive your military discount.