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04/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CALL TO ACTION)
RE: When Did Buying Arch Supports Become a Medical Visit?
From: James Whelan, DPM
A patient recently sat in my clinic and told me he had already been “evaluated”, not by a physician, and not in a medical office, but at the Good Feet Store. He stood on a scanner, was shown a digital image of his feet, told he had “flat feet,” and was sold a pair of “custom orthotics” for over $1,500. He came to me because he was still in pain.
This story is no longer unusual.
Across the country, retail storefronts, most prominently the Good Feet Store, are offering foot scans, labeling conditions, and recommending treatment, often without physician involvement. To patients, the experience feels indistinguishable from a medical evaluation. That perception is not accidental, but...
Editor's note: Dr. Whelan's extended-length letter appears here.
Other messages in this thread:
04/03/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CALL TO ACTION) - PART 1B
From: Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
Just for the record Dr. Oloff. Not only does the Good Feet Store chain have orthopedic consultants, they also have paid podiatry consultants. I must admit that I was taken back by this realization when a DPM consultant spoke on their behalf at a dinner meeting associated with a state meeting.
My former billing supervisor was on a recent cruise. The cruise ship advertised a free screening by the Good Feet Store for undiagnosed foot problems. She attended to see what they do and to inform me. They diagnosed her with “pronation” and attempted to sell her over $1000 of pre-made...
04/03/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CALL TO ACTION) - PART 1A
From: Philip Radovic, DPM, Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM
Philip Radovic, DPM, San Clemente, CA
I never use the word "custom." I dispense prescription corrective, i.e. posted functional foot orthotics. I use plaster because DCs, PTs, CPeds, shoe stores cannot or won't take the time, and don't have the training or experience.
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL
04/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CALL TO ACTION) - PART 1C
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Ever since I entered podiatric medical school back in the late '70s, this argument has been with us. "What right does a non-podiatrist have to measure for, cast, and dispense foot orthotics?" For better or for worse, shoe stores, chiropractors, orthotists, and whoever else has the desire is legally allowed to dispense shoes and "arch supports."
What I find interesting (and at times nauseating) is that "The Good Feet Stores" created a business model where they charge "1500 dollars" for a set of orthotics, and their customers will not say boo. They are not even handmade for the patient.
In podiatric practices where we are highly trained to cast for and to dispense custom orthotics, we often encounter patients who will not consent to having orthotics unless their insurance pays for them. The out-of-pocket price that most of us charge is between 400 and 600 dollars and many patients will walk away. What can we do? To quote Bob Dylan, "the answer my friend is blowing in the wind."
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
04/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CALL TO ACTION) - PART 1B
From: Joan Oloff, DPM
I would like to thank Dr. Whelan for taking the time to shine a light on what has become a significant problem for many patients in my area. There is a Good Feet Store close to where I practice. As a result, I frequently see patients who share their experiences in the store.
As Dr. Whelan stated, the salespeople in their stores are trained to confuse the public into thinking they are medical professionals. These salespeople are the sole evaluators and “prescribers” of the treatment plan. Patients are “prescribed” 3 OTC arch supports (which they are told are individualized for them) and a pair of Brooks sneakers. The total cost of this “treatment” is $2,000. I had one lady come in to see me and she started crying in the treatment chair. These patients are embarrassed when they realize they were...
04/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (CALL TO ACTION) - PART 1A
From: Michael Schneider, DPM
Excellent article from Dr. Whelan. I’m retired now but recall seeing patients who have had negative experiences at “The Good Feet Store”. The advertising here in Colorado is seductive. I recommend that anyone thinking about going to these stores Google reviews and contact the Better Business Bureau. Eye opening!
Michael Schneider, DPM, Denver, CO
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