The Good Feet Store is an American franchise under the ownership of Dr.’s Own, Inc., specializing in the production and sale of arch supports, footwear, and foot care products. Established in 1992 by Joe Paul, the inaugural store was situated in Solana, California.
Good Feet arch supports, essentially orthotics or shoe inserts, cost between $300 and $500 USD (€260 to €430 EUR) for a single pair. The 3-step system, which includes three pairs of arch supports, is priced between $800 and $1,400 USD. These supports target all four arches of your feet, enhancing your posture and ensuring an even distribution of your body weight.
Good Feet arch supports are intended to relieve foot, knee, hip, and back pain. However, when it comes to Good Feet store reviews and customer feedback, the opinions are divided. While some customers wholeheartedly endorse their Good Feet products, others express dissatisfaction due to customer complaints and a questionable return policy, leaving them feeling disappointed and potentially ripped off.
The Good Feet Store isn’t the sole option for arch support. If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives, there are plenty out there, such as Dr. Scholl’s, Spenco, Easyfeet, Powerstep, and more.
What is a Good Feet Store?
The Good Feet Store is a US-based franchise specializing in top-notch off-the-shelf insoles and foot care products for those who are always on their feet. They’ve even partnered with OneSpaWorld, making their arch supports available on cruise ships like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Princess.
You can find Good Feet Stores in 226 locations across 38 states, including Minnesota, Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, California, Georgia, Maryland, Ohio, and Las Vegas. Each store is staffed by trained professionals known as “Arch Support Specialists” who provide consultations and assessments to determine your foot’s needs and find the perfect support for you.
The Good Feet Store is known for its flexible arch supports and has garnered support from sports celebrities like Joey Logano and Michael Robinson, who swear by the comfort and effectiveness of their products. You can see them at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting. The company, which was founded in 1995, boasts a stellar reputation as a top provider of shoe inserts, as per their website.
What is the reputation of the Good Feet Store?
The Good Feet Store’s reputation is under scrutiny due to its high prices, subpar customer support, and a no-refund policy. While they appear as a legitimate business in commercials and news outlets like WTVR-TV, WCNC, FOX NEWS, CBS, and ABC, a slew of customer complaints and low ratings on Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot indicate widespread dissatisfaction. Online Good Feet Store reviews on Trustpilot, Yelp, and BBB are rife with grievances from individuals who feel they’ve been deceived, scammed, overcharged, and misled by the product.
How does the Good Feet store work?
The Good Feet Store operates just like your typical shoe store, but with a twist. Instead of picking out shoes, they fit you with arch supports. No prescription is required, and while the inserts aren’t custom-made, they’re chosen to match your lifestyle and activities. The Good Feet Store’s arch supports can provide relief for neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, and bunions, as well as other foot-related issues. They may also help alleviate knee, back, and hip pain, though it’s important to note that there are no guarantees.
What to expect at the Good Feet Store?
When you visit The Good Feet Store, you can count on their regular opening hours: 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Saturday, and 10 AM to 3 PM on Sundays at most locations. You’ll also find a clean, welcoming, and friendly environment.
In terms of services and products, The Good Feet Store offers complimentary consultation and fitting, a footprint analysis, a walk and balance test, and precise measurements of your feet to ensure personalized arch support. During your first visit, you’ll undergo a balance test and a footprint analysis using a Harris mat.
I went to the Good Feet Store many times and the procedure is always the same. Good Feet Store is a chain so all the locations sell the same merchandise and provide the same service.
- Once you arrive at the store you gonna be greeted by either the store manager or one of the arch support specialists.
- After a brief introduction, the staff member will ask you about your main concern.
- They will ask questions like what type of problem you have, what your reason for getting arch support, and what type of solutions have you tried in the past.
- Next, the arch support specialist will make a dynamic footprint, which is a scan of your foot to see how and where you redistribute pressure when you walk.
See the picture below.
On the left side of the picture, you can see the foldable mat. One of the staff members puts a piece of paper under a blue ink pad, covers it, and asks you to walk on it. On the right side of the picture, you have two footprints (notice how the pressure differs between one foot and another).
Next, the Good Feet Store specialists will bring several different arch supports and measure for size, based on this footprint, as shown in this photo.
Once the staff member knows your size, they will do a balance test. This is a simple assessment where the staff member asks you to hold your hands together and resist the pressure.
Then, you will repeat the test, this time with the arch support under your feet. The test is done twice, once from the front, and once from the back. The goal of the balance test is to see how much difference you see with vs without the support (aka sell your product). Finally, once the test is done, the arch support expert will put the inserts into your shoes and ask you to walk around and see how it feels.
What does the Good Feet Store offer?
Good Feet Store offers a wide range of products, including arch supports, shoes, sandals, socks, and other accessories. The company also offers a wide range of services, including computerized footprint and gait analysis. The store sells over 300 types, styles, models, and sizes of arch supports, so the price is dependent on the particular product.
- Arch supports: The arch support is crafted from flexible plastic material, ensuring both durability and comfort. The Good Feet arch support boasts a slim, sleek design that pairs well with any shoe style. I prefer using them in my loafers, sneakers, and running shoes, but I’ve seen plenty of folks rocking them with Havaianas flip-flops, slides, and even high heels.
- 3-Step System: The Good Feet Store’s signature product is their 3-step system, consisting of three sets of arch supports, each with unique functions and support levels. The first step, “Strengthener,” enhances foot and ankle alignment, while the second step, “Maintainers,” helps maintain proper alignment. The third step, “Relaxers,” is designed to ease the adjustment period. It’s essential to note that each insole serves a distinct purpose and should be worn for varying durations. For instance, before moving to step 2, spend at least 2-3 weeks gradually wearing level 1.
- Good Feet Store Shoes: Good Feet Store shoes encompass a range of over-the-counter orthopedic footwear designed for both men and women. Brands like PW Minor offer these shoes to tackle common foot and ankle issues like pain, plantar fasciitis, calluses, and corns. It’s essential to note that Good Feet Store shoes are not custom-made orthopedic shoes, and they aren’t recommended for individuals dealing with specific disorders like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative foot disorders, spasticity, or muscular diseases.
What are the health benefits of the Good Feet arch supports?
Good Feet Arch supports offer six health benefits like helping with neuropathy, alleviating plantar fasciitis, supporting flat feet, treating bunions, reducing knee and sciatica pain, and enhancing running performance.
- Neuropathy Support: Good Feet arch supports can effectively manage neuropathy by offering structural support to your feet, redistributing pressure, and ensuring proper alignment. This can significantly reduce symptoms and lower the risk of foot deformities and related issues.
- Plantar Fasciitis Alleviation: Wearing Good Feet arch support can alleviate plantar fasciitis, according to a 2019 study conducted by Dorianne Schuitema and Christian Greve at the University of Groningen. They researched the effectiveness of mechanical treatments for plantar fasciitis, and their findings support the use of Good Feet arch support for relief.
- Flat Feet Support: Wearing Good Feet arch support can be beneficial for individuals with flat feet, as demonstrated by a 2020 study conducted by Jun Young Choi from Inje University, which was published in the Foot and Ankle Surgery Journal.
- Bunion Treatment: There’s solid evidence backing the inclusion of Good Feet arch supports in the non-operative treatment of symptomatic bunions. Bunions, which often trouble older women, result in a gradual deformity at the metatarsophalangeal joint, leading to a painful dorsomedial prominence.
- Knee Pain Reduction: You can find relief from knee pain by using Good Feet arch support, as proven in a 2017 study conducted by Philippe Corbeil and his team at Laval Université. They looked into how adding arch support to shoe inserts affected knee pain in 18 individuals with knee arthritis. The study analyzed their walking patterns, pain levels, comfort, and movements in different scenarios.
Other benefits of wearing a Good Feet Store arch supports include minimizing pressure on the sciatic nerve for sciatica pain relief, enhancing running performance by boosting propulsion and improving gait, providing essential support for highly arched feet, and potentially reducing lower back pain by correcting foot posture.
What are the drawbacks of the Good Feet Store arch support?
The following are the drawbacks of the Good Feet Store.
- High Price: Arch supports are costly, potentially deterring budget-conscious customers.
- Results May Vary: Effectiveness is not guaranteed for all foot types and conditions.
- Not Custom-Made: Supports are not truly custom-made, which can affect treatment outcomes.
- No Insurance Coverage: Arch supports are typically not covered by insurance plans.
- Not Podiatrist-Recommended: Many foot specialists do not endorse these products.
- Lack of Foot Specialists: Staff are not medically trained professionals.
- No Money-Back Guarantee: There’s no refund policy, only in-store credit for returns.
- Perceived as a Rip-Off: Some view the store negatively due to high prices and sales tactics.
- Poor Customer Service: Reports of high-pressure sales and insufficient support are common.
What are the Good Feet Store prices?
In the U.S., Good Feet Store arch supports range from $300 to $500 for a single pair, while the 3-step system costs between $800 and $1,400. In Canada, due to currency exchange rates, prices may be higher, with the same products costing about $380 to $630 CAD for a single pair and $1,020 to $1,790 CAD for the 3-step system.
Compared to other markets, these prices are on the higher end, with premade insoles and even some custom orthotics available at lower price points. Customers who left low scores for The Good Feet Store in online reviews and on social media often complained about the high prices, particularly considering that non-customized arch supports can be purchased for less than $100.
What are the Good Feet Store prices compared to other orthotic brands?
The Good Feet Store typically charges more for their orthotic products compared to many other brands. For instance, over-the-counter options like Dr. Scholl’s can be as affordable as $20 to $50. On the other hand, custom orthotics from different providers can have a wide price range, often falling within or above the same price range, averaging anywhere from $300 to $800. These custom options provide a more personalized solution compared to what you’ll find at the Good Feet Store.
What are the Good Feet Store prices for their warranty plans?
Good Feet Store’s warranty plans include a lifetime guarantee option averaging around $1,000 for three supports, offering a 50% discount on replacements, and a 30-day guarantee costing about $350 without post-period discounts.
Where can you find the Good Feet store prices?
Good Feet Store prices are not widely advertised online; for a definitive list, it’s best to contact a local store directly or consult their official website.
Is the Good Feet store a rip off?
Assessing whether Good Feet Store is a rip-off involves individual perception; however, based on customer reviews and complaints, including a low BBB rating and substantial negative feedback, many consumers feel that the high prices do not match the value of the products and services received.
At first glance, it’s clear that Good Feet insoles come with a higher price tag compared to other off-the-shelf options. However, these arch supports are incredibly durable, lasting for several years. Personally, I bought my Good Feet inserts for $200 more than 8 years ago on the cruise ship, and I’m still happily using them, fully expecting to enjoy their support for another 8 years at least.
Does the Good Feet Store have a return policy?
No, the Good Feet Store return policy varies by location, with many customer reviews indicating a lack of refunds, only offering replacements or in-store credit, which has been a point of contention among dissatisfied customers.
Who is the Good Feet Arch Support good for?
The Good Feet Store arch supports can be a good option for folks looking for off-the-shelf arch support solutions with a personalized fitting touch, especially if you don’t need medical-grade orthotics. However, it’s not the right choice for individuals dealing with serious foot conditions that require expert podiatry care. One frequent concern raised about The Good Feet Store is the competence of their staff, as per Entrepreneur.com, with employees having completed 16 hours of “On-The-Job training” and 40 hours of “classroom training.”
Lots of frustrated customers often voice their concerns about the Good Feet Store employees lacking a medical, podiatry, or anatomy background. They argue that these employees shouldn’t be advising customers to use orthotics for pain or inflammation relief.
The Good Feet Store may not be the ideal choice for individuals seeking custom made or prescription orthotics. Negative reviews on Trustpilot and BBB often highlight concerns about customers feeling misled by the store’s advertising, which suggests “custom-fit” orthotics but actually provides “off-the-shelf” insoles. The Good Feet Store clarifies that they offer a free, no-obligation personalized fitting for their arch supports, but it’s important to note that “personally fitted” doesn’t mean “custom-made.”
How to use Good Feet Store arch support
To use Good Feet Store arch supports, follow these steps:
- Remove the original insole from your closed-toe shoes.
- Slide the Good Feet arch support into the shoe, pushing it to the back.
- Attach velcro strips to the arch support to prevent movement.
- Place the original insole back over the Good Feet arch support.
- For open-toe footwear, divide the velcro tape into two parts.
- Attach the rough side of velcro to the insert, and the soft side to the shoe.
- Secure the arch support with velcro stickers at the front and back to keep it in place.
What do online reviews say about the Good Feet Store?
Online reviews of the Good Feet Store are mixed. Some customers praise the effectiveness of their arch supports in relieving foot pain, while others criticize high-pressure sales tactics and misleading advertising. It’s essential to read reviews carefully and consider your specific needs before making a decision.
I haven’t personally tried the Good Feet 3-Step System, so I can’t give you firsthand feedback on whether it works. I’ve been using Good Feet since 2014, but I’ve only used one set of orthotics, which I think are the “maintainers.” However, I do know several people who have used the 3-step system and they swear by its effectiveness. On the flip side, I’ve also come across negative reviews about the Good Feet Store, mentioning aggressive sales tactics to push product purchases.
In many Good Feet Store reviews, you’ll come across mentions of their lawsuit. One of the key reasons behind the Good Feet Store under investigation lawsuit was that numerous customers were misled into thinking that orthotics possessed qualities that simply didn’t exist. For instance, the Good Feet Store claimed that “arch support is designed to provide pain relief” without adequately disclosing that individual results can differ.
In a nutshell, the Good Feet arch support system does have an impact on foot biomechanics and can be effective for some people. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and the Good Feet Store has garnered a negative reputation due to misleading advertising that overpromises results.
Which shoe inserts are similar to those at the Good Feet store?
When searching for alternatives to the Good Feet Store, several options are available. Some reputable brands include Powerstep, Dr. Scholl’s, Currex Runpro, Superfeet Green, Easyfeet Mount Strength, Happy Feet, Spenco, Birko-Flex Arch Support, and New Balance Orthotic Inserts. These brands offer various orthotic inserts and arch supports that can provide support and comfort for different foot conditions at affordable prices. Among these options, Powerstep orthotics are often highly recommended as a top choice.
What’s the difference between Good Feet Store vs Dr Scholl’s?
Good Feet inserts differ from Dr. Scholl’s in their durability and flexibility. Good Feet arch supports are highly durable and can adapt to your foot’s shape, evenly redistributing body weight to relieve pressure on your ankles and knees. On the contrary, most over-the-counter inserts like Dr. Scholl’s are made of foam materials, wear out faster, and aren’t compatible with many types of shoes.
Humans are not Flamingos. I say that because when you get the pressure scan, the salesmen has you stand on one foot at a time. To me, this is an inaccurate balance of the whole body. Therefore the result will not show actual differences in the pressure points of both feet as we walk or stand.
I feel totally ripped off. The foot inserts cost $585 and has exacerbated my sciatica, hurt my ankles, and knees, and inflamed my other leg with beginning sciatica. I tried to return after getting a note from my doctor. I was treated by a store manager as if he was an educated doctor insisting he readjusts my inserts. When I removed them while working out at the gym, the pain disappeared. I blame these inserts for increasing the pain in my back, legs, and feet, not my pocketbook. Do not go to them if in severe pain as your complaints will fall on deaf ears and now my only recourse is to file suit. Beware of their scams, do not be folded by them, stay away or get ripped off!!!!
I feel ripped off as well. I got the three insert package and they are not working. I paid over $1500.00 then of course there is no refund. Do not recommend the foot store as all they care about is the sale. Not sure if they are doing any good or making my gait worse.
Be aware! If you decide to go back the to Good Feet Store for an adjustment on the strengthener arch support, you will probably be given a different level of comfort. That is a good thing and worked out for me. I did notice however that the “new” level was a previously used set. Because they are so flexible I called with concerns that not everyone weighs the same and these were probably formed to someone else’s weight and movements. Good Feet Store Manager agreed and only then explained that if this new level worked for me I could come back for a “new” pair that had never been used. Why did I have to figure that out? Why not explain that up front rather than hope a customer notices and then asks about it? Kinda sketchy…. right?
Thanks for the heads-up I think I’ll give my doctor scholl’s And Birkenstock arch supports a 2nd chance before I head to a good ‘ store😀
You’re welcome, Marcia.