I’ve been wearing Good Feet arch support for a while because it helps with my plantar fasciitis. However, as much as using shoe inserts can help to reduce foot-related pain, many angry customers felt like they’d been “ripped off” by the franchise and filed lawsuit that put the Good Feet Store under investigation.
In general, Good Feet Store is under investigation for allegedly falsely advertising that its product can treat various health conditions and making outsized promises regarding the ability of their orthotics. However, many people find Good Feet arch support to be effective when combined with other treatments.
DISCLAIMER: This is not a knock-on Good Feet franchise. Personally, I’ve been using Good Feet since 2014 and I must admit that they did help me with a variety of foot problems (more on that later).
Is the Good Feet Store a ripoff?
Good Feet is a company that sells arch support with the promise to place the feet in the ideal position, and align the body from the feet up.
As much as shoe inserts can help to align the foot, the company claims that their arch supports provide health benefits like improving balance, and correct skeletal alignment, as well as relieving hip, knee, and back pain.
In October 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Good Feet Store due to the number of unsatisfied customers who believed they’ve been ripped off.
In general, many people claim that the Good Feet Store is a rip-off because they offer “off-the-shelf” shoe inserts while charging more than “custom orthotic devices”. They also employ their sales personnel with no background in podiatry and anatomy which would qualify them as specialists.
I won’t cover here details of my experience and what to expect from visiting the Good Feet Store. I’ve already written a Good Feet Store review, which I suggest you read.
Good Feet claims to treat common foot-related problems
One of the reasons why Good Feet store is under investigation is because the company claims that its shoe inserts can treat some of the most common foot-related problems like arthritis or metatarsalgia.
According to their website, most foot problems happen due to poor biomechanics, so by wearing arch support, the body can realign itself, improve balance, and comfort and relieve some of this pain.
Of course, wearing custom-fit orthotics does influence the structure and function of the neuromuscular and skeletal system, which can help to improve the alignment and red rid of the symptoms.
However, there can be many different reasons why a person has foot, knee, or back pain, and without a physical examination done by the physiotherapist, orthotist, or another healthcare professional, it’s irresponsible to say that wearing shoe inserts can help with the concern.
Plus, studies have shown that “there is strong evidence that insoles are not effective in the prevention or treatment of back pain. The current evidence on insoles as a treatment for low-back pain does not allow any conclusions” (Sahar, T et al. 2007).
Good Feet fail to disclose that results may vary
According to the lawsuit against the Good Feet store from October 2019, the company fails to disclose that the effects of wearing their arch support vary, depending on the individual.
As much as there are people who are happy with their orthotics, many unsatisfied customers saw no benefits. Plus, the company does not mention people who complained because their condition got worse after wearing their inserts.
In other words, the company is not transparent about people getting mixed results and mislead customers that everyone will get the benefits. In reality, wearing arch support is not for everyone.
From my experience, I know that it takes time to fully adjust to the shoe inserts. When I purchased Good Feet in 2014, the store manager told me to wear my arch support for a couple of hours per day, and gradually increase the duration.
However, I remember I felt the difference from the moment I put them on. If I would not feel any difference at all, I would probably not buy them.
Most podiatrists do not recommend the good feet store
Another reason why Good Feet store got a lawsuit is that they employ personnel without any formal training or podiatry background. Customers who come to the Good Feet store are mostly people with some health-related problems and believe that they’ve been taken care of by specialists.
In general, most podiatrists do not recommend the good feet store becasue their personnel has no medical background and should not be allowed to provide any recommendation to the customer who experiences specific pain or discomfort.
It’s kind of like going to a personal trainer or physiotherapist who does not have any formal education but completed two weeks of in-house training to close the sale.
Good Feet sells off-the-shelf inserts
One of the biggest complaints against the Good Feet store is that the company claims to provide a personalized fitting, which makes people believe that arch support is individually suited to their feet and don’t expect that the inserts are mass-produced off-the-shelf products.
The reality is that the franchise sells cookie-cutter inserts without precise physical examination and charges more than “custom fit orthotics”.
Here’s how it works.
- When you come into the Good Feet store, you will get a Footprint by walking on the ink paper mat which will show you where you put most of the pressure.
- Based on this footprint, the salesman will measure the distance from your heel to the ball of the foot, and choose the size of the arch support.
So technically, the Good Feet arch support are personally fitted to each person, but the advertising can be misleading as people can think they’re getting “custom fit” orthotics.
- Custom-fit means the orthotic was designed based on the clinical picture obtained from a physical examination (e.g. shoe insert was molded in a specific way to match the deviations of the foot).
- Personally fit can be interpreted in many ways (e.g. the person got personal attention during the fitting process or had measured their foot length by someone personally).
As you can see, there is a big difference between “custom fit orthotics” and “personally fit orthotics”.
Good Feet has a questionable refund policy
The next reason why Good Feet store is under investigation is becasue they have a return policy that unable customers to return the product, but only to exchange it for another one.
According to their website, you cannot get money back once you purchased the product, but you can get store credit. If you wish to return the arch support, you have a 60 days return policy.
Store credit means you can exchange your arch support for a different pair, or for other products available in the store.
NOTE: The picture above is the screenshot from the Google snippet, however, once you click on the Good Feet FAQ, the featured paragraph from the search page is no longer available (at least I couldn’t find it).
Learn more: Click here to learn more about the good feet store alternatives.
My thoughts on why Good Feet Store is under investigation
Okay, here are my thoughts on why I think Good Feet store has such a bad reputation.
- The company seems to have a questionable foot assessment. Instead of using physical examination, they do “footprint” and choose size based on the measurements. Nevertheless, I’ve used Good Feet for many years and feel comfortable while wearing them.
- They charge up to $1,000 for orthotics that can be found elsewhere for less than $100. I understand that the product is overpriced, but in reality, we live in a free market economy and people can charge as much as they want for their products or services.
- Customers are being encouraged to use credit to finance their purchases. However, CareCredit, which is a credit provider, charges 26.99% interest rates. I personally hate this type of arrangement and the lack of transparency.
- They employ people without a formal degree to give people recommendations about their foot problems. On the other hand, people who work in a shoe store and measure feet to personally fit running shoes also do not have formal training.
Check out my article where I list most of the pros and cons of the Good Feet Store here.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several unsatisfied Good Feet customers that believe the company is a scam. On the other hand, I personally know dozens of people who swear by their products and use them every day (including me).
I’ve been using Good Feet long enough to see how it works and I cannot see myself walking around without them. Before, I used to have a plantar fasciitis problem whereas now I have no issues at all.
Reference
(Sisk et al v. Dr.’s Own, Inc. and Good Feet Worldwide LLC, Case No. 19-cv-2079, S. D. CA.)
You are right on with your comments of cons. I was sold the line of crap only to return the $1,000 worth of product and receive only store credit. Problem is my podiatrist then diagnosed me with Plantar Fibromatosis. I developed bigger fibroma growths by using these arch supports. (3 growths on each foot) and surgery would make them reoccur in worse fashion. I cannot use any of the products hailed by goodfeet – conversly I need to avoid any arch support. What to do with my credit?
Aww man that sucks! I was headed to this store but this article and your comment has changed my mind.
I need to go to a podiatrist instead. Thank you for sharing and I hope you’re able to get rid of the store credit. Maybe join the class action lawsuit or file one yourself for damages after wearing their product.
Bought the system 3 years ago. Was never given a real lesson on how to use. Went back every year for re-evaluation always updating the insoles. Fast forward to now, system increased in price 200 each pair. Just stumbled on an ariticke they are under investigation. Guess my hunch was the correct one.
I went to Good Feet thinking that a good inset might help my walking to be more beneficial for my hip and back. I told the sales clerk I really didn’t have pain in my feet but the video in the store said it could improve the back pain. I wore the inserts for about two hours , like she suggested, and the pain in my heel now is so bad, that I am on a walker to relieve putting weight my heel.
I called the store on the following day, and the women said there are no refunds but she could adjust the insert. I told her I was in so much pain that has she adjusted when I couldn’t even walk on my foot. My husband was with me and he said to her this is not right and she decided to refund my money with the exception of the the liner that went on top of the insert…$150.00 for three and $65. 00 for one. I bought one and I’m now stuck with it ..
The pain and frustration I am feeling is unbelievably.
Bought the sales pitch, $1400 dollars later they don’t work . They do not work, company does not give refunds. Biggest rip-off ever
I am not happy with these arch supports! Went in because I was having problems with my right heel could barely walk by the end of my 9 hr shift. They measured my feet and set me up with arches and the break in program and now I’m having more pain in both of my feet. I just can’t believe that I did this thinking it would work and now I’m financed for 2200 for something that is making it harder on my feet. I haven’t talked to them since the first week when I was do ok but now nothing but pain. But why call them because there’s no refund so I’m stuck paying for something that’s making it worse on my feet
Hi Belinda, yes you can get a refund. I did but not a full refund. Just call customer service.
I went into Maridian store in Idaho, smooth talkers talked me into inserts that are killing my feet and back. Went in 1 month later a girl took out the way oversized inserts put in smaller ones, they still hurt.
I want to get into a class action law suit.
They mislead an over priced! I got it in the rear end dry. Can’t even sleep , I am so upset. I am getting my lawyer involved!
I will picket the store with a dozen other unhappy people unless I get reimbursed!
Good sales people! Sell a freezer to an Eskimo. I will go in once more and see what happens! If anyone wants to join me, put on a reply. Thanks
I am in Utah. Let me know, i bought them and can barely walk now.
I purchase $2k of inserts w/o proper instructions and now I’m lame & had to quit my job. Where do I get legal advise/representation?
I cannot help with legal advice on Good Feet store inserts. Maybe a good idea is to contact the attorney.
I’m a podiatrist for over 30 years. Good Feet is simply a scam. I found similar inserts for $20 on the internet. They dug their own hole by claiming to be an orthotic or custom device. Custom orthotics are made by either casting the patient or using a computerized scan by a certified podiatrist or other medical professional. I’ve seen patient’s routinely go into the Good Feet Store and spend up to $2,000 on inserts that probably cost the company pennies to make. They also prey on patients that fall for their massive ad campaigns without thinking to go to a podiatrist or foot specialist first. There are many things that cause foot pain and it’s not always an orthotics or foot insert that helps. Their sales tactics are what is in question and people should be rightly upset.
I am in love with my arch supports!!!! The investment is well worth it! What people up here will fail to tell you is that you get 3 different styles of arch supports and they have a plethora of different styles. The first pair they called the strengtheners did hurt, so I went back and got something a bit softer and now I’m walking and better and no longer have to struggle to walk up stairs. I even went to my podiatrist to ask about GoodFeet and he didn’t recommend it only because of the price, but then I asked him for an alternative, he recommended one custom orthotic that cost $1400(because insurance isn’t covering orthotics like they use to) and it has a 6 month life expectancy meaning I would have to by two of them twice a year. Not only that, they only goes into a specific shoe, my shoes are a size 10 but going to Good Feet my foot size was a 10.5, so the custom orthotic from a podiatrist would not even fit in the shoe. Not to mention how long it would take them to make the orthotic as I’m still suffering with this pain I had, then set an appointment to go back and pick it up(waste of time and energy). I would rather pay $1400-$2100(with a foot massager) one time for the rest of my life than to constantly pay for 1 orthotic twice a year that doesn’t even fit into all of my shoes. My Good feet arch supports goes in my boots, sneakers, and even flip flops, and I literally leave with the supports, and they call and check on you to make sure your doing well, and then after a month you come back for a follow up appointment for new footprints! And guess what, the same arch supports that hurtled at first, I’m currently in them because my arches and feet got stronger and now I can handle the pressure. Thank you Good Feet for improving my quality of life and bringing my confidence back!
Agree with all the comments to be told you have problems, and sold goods in excess of $1800 and cannot receive a refund once you realize it’s not the right product for you. In some states a indivdual can void a contract but cannot get refunds for good not later determined for you. It is a scam indeed because nothing they’re selling should not be without a refund that practice alone is telling of the lack of confidence they have in the products they’re selling to unsuspecting consumers, sadly.
I am another victim of this scam – hard sales pitch and no recourse – I just bought today their package – hook, line and sinker – because my knees are in pain and the sales person ” diagnosed it related to, of course, my feet” and I am feeling so stupid and powerless – I sat in my car wondering what just happened … outside the store and called and was told – no return – no refund -on the receipt. THIS SHOULD BE POSTED CLEARLY IN THE STORE – I cannot believe I was so duped due to desperation for relief – Now I have to go to a podiatrist as I should have done in the first place – SMH – older and evidently not wiser! I would definately join any picketers LOL – PLUS THEY SHOULD HAVE TO POST THEIR PRICING AND POLICY FOR ALL CONSUMERS TO SEE IN THE BLASTED STORE!!!