I’ve worn Good Feet arch support for a while, as it helps with my plantar fasciitis. Using shoe inserts can reduce foot pain, but some angry customers felt they’d been “ripped off” by the franchise, leading to a class action lawsuit against the Good Feet Store.
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 its orthotics. However, many people find Good Feet arch support to be effective when combined with other treatments.
This isn’t a criticism of the Good Feet franchise. I’ve used Good Feet since 2014, and they’ve indeed helped with various foot problems. This review compiles info about the ongoing investigation of the Good Feet store, along with its pros, cons, worth, and alternatives.
What is a Good Feet Store?
Good Feet is a franchise company selling arch supports promising ideal foot positioning for pain relief and body alignment. The company claims its products engage all four arches, offering health benefits like balance improvement, skeletal alignment correction, and relief from hip, knee, and back pain. However, Good Feet has faced investigation and lawsuits for not disclosing that its orthotics may not work for everyone, particularly regarding foot problems like plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, and metatarsalgia. In October 2019, a lawsuit was filed against Good Feet Store due to the number of unsatisfied customers who believed they’d been ripped off.
Is the Good Feet Store a ripoff?
Yes, 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.
Why is a Good Feet Store Under Investigation?
One of the reasons why the 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 Goo Feet Store arch support, the body can realign itself, improve balance, and comfort, and relieve some of this pain.
Tali Sahar, Department of Family Practice at Hebrew University, mentions that custom-fit orthotics influence the neuromuscular and skeletal system, improving alignment and alleviating symptoms. However, foot, knee, or back pain can have various causes. “Without a physical examination by a healthcare professional, claiming that shoe inserts help is irresponsible,” says Dr. Sahar. In his 2007 study titled “Insoles for prevention and treatment of back pain,” Dr. Sahar concluded that “there is strong evidence that insoles are not effective in preventing or treating back pain, and the current evidence doesn’t support their use.”
Other reasons for investigating the Good Feet Store in 2017, 2021, and 2022 include their failure to disclose that results may vary, a lack of trust from podiatrists, competition with personally fitted insoles in the off-the-shelf market, the absence of a refund policy, and no podiatry training for their salesmen.
Good Feet Store fails to disclose that results may vary
According to a lawsuit filed against Good Feet in October 2019, the company failed to disclose that the effectiveness of its arch support varies from person to person. While some customers are satisfied with their orthotics, many others report no benefits or even worsening conditions. The company’s lack of transparency misleads customers into believing everyone will benefit, when in reality, arch support may not be suitable for everyone. In my experience, when I purchased Good Feet in 2014, the store manager advised gradually increasing usage, but I personally felt the difference immediately, so I got them right away. If I did not feel any difference at all, I would probably not buy them.
Most podiatrists do not recommend the good feet store
Another reason why the Good Feet store faced a lawsuit is that they employ personnel without any formal training or a background in podiatry. Most customers who visit the Good Feet store are individuals with health-related problems, expecting specialist care. In general, most podiatrists do not recommend the Good Feet store because their staff lacks medical backgrounds and should not offer recommendations to customers experiencing specific pain or discomfort. It’s akin to consulting a personal trainer or physiotherapist with no formal education but only two weeks of in-house training focused on closing sales.
Good Feet sells off-the-shelf inserts
One major issue with the Good Feet store is its claim to offer personalized fittings, leading customers to believe they’re getting individualized arch support. In reality, they sell mass-produced, off-the-shelf inserts without a thorough physical examination, often at higher prices than true custom-fit orthotics. Good Feet’s arch supports are personally fitted based on your footprint, which can be misunderstood as ‘custom fit’ orthotics. So, what’s the difference between the two? Well, ‘custom fit’ orthotics involve designing and building orthotics specifically for your feet, often through 3D printing, after a clinical examination. On the other hand, ‘personally fit’ arch supports, like the ones at Good Feet Store, use your footprint to determine the right size for you. In short, ‘custom fit’ is a more detailed and personalized process, while ‘personally fit’ relies on your footprint to find the right fit.
Good Feet has a questionable refund policy
The Good Feet Store is under investigation for its return policy, which allows customers to exchange products but not receive refunds. If you purchase orthotics from them that don’t work for you, don’t expect a cash refund; instead, you can only exchange them for store credit, which limits your options. In some cases, they may offer a partial refund, but it comes with the condition that you sign a non-disclosure agreement and release of claims, which can hinder transparency.
My advice is to consult with a Good Feet Store salesperson before making a purchase and researching customer reviews. This will help you make an informed decision about your foot needs. Keep in mind that according to their website, you won’t receive a cash refund after buying, but you do have a 60-day return policy during which you can exchange your arch support for a different pair or other store products.
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).
Good Feet salespersons have no training in Podiatry
According to the lawsuit, Good Feet calls their salespeople “Arch Support Specialists,” making it sound like they know their stuff when it comes to their products and foot issues. But in reality, these salesmen often haven’t had much training in things like podiatry or anatomy, the stuff that would make them true specialists in the field.
According to the action class lawsuit:
“These purported “Arch Support Specialists” have little to no training in podiatry, anatomy, or other related subjects which would distinguish them as specialists.”
Case 3:19-cv-02079-BEN-MSB
Customers expect to receive assistance from trained professionals but are met with salespeople who employ high-pressure tactics to sell the product. When questioned about the training provided to Good Feet salespersons, the company seems to prioritize closing sales rather than imparting in-depth knowledge about podiatry or foot conditions.
My thoughts on why Good Feet Store is under investigation
Here are my four thoughts on why I think the 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.
How do the investigations of the Good Feet Store impact its pros and cons?
Investigations into the Good Feet Store critically examine its operations, uncovering concerns about product effectiveness or customer experiences, which could be seen as cons. Alternatively, if these investigations validate the store’s claims, they enhance its reputation, proving to be a pro. Ultimately, the outcomes of these investigations directly influence the perceived pros and cons of the Good Feet Store.
How have investigations affected Good Feet Store reviews?
It doesn’t take long; a quick online search can reveal the mixed reputation of the Good Feet Store. The investigation into the store had the potential to impact its reputation, although the exact extent of this impact remains uncertain. When you search for Good Feet Store reviews, you’ll find a range of opinions, including over 30+ complaints about the store in the comments section below, suggesting some unsatisfied customers view it as a potential scam.
On the flip side, I personally know many people, myself included, who swear by their products and use them daily. It’s important to note that before the investigation, the Good Feet Store enjoyed a positive reputation, as evidenced by its 83% trustworthiness rating on ComplaintsBoard.
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.
I started using them 2 years ago and my feet pain no longer hurt. I personally have no complaints. My son has been using this product for thr last 5 years due to flat feet and it has work wonders for him. He works where he stands on concrete floor for 8 hrs, sometimes more during busy season, and they have been a life saver. He does purchase a well cushioned steel toe shoe along with the inserts and in his opinion, worth every penny. I know this product works differently for everyone, but the most important part is sticking to the schedule when you first purchase and it will pay off in the long run. I know it won’t cure his flat feet or the how my arc is positioned, but it has taken the pain away. We have tried so many products trying to save money on something not as expensive, but we feel this is the best option for us.
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.
Where did you get the number for customer service as we had NO luck trying to cancel our
sale just a couple of hours after we got home…
Please please advise as this is a total very expensive rip off!!
Try to get the Good Feet customer service number from the store
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!!!
July 3, 2023 I made an appointment online at “The Good Feet Store” in Tukwila WA. for 4:30 pm. I was there a few minutes early. I was given Christina Rabidue. I showed her my shoes that I had not been wearing very long. My right shoe was already showing wear at the outside heal. I told her that I figured my foot was rolling as I walked and was looking for a support to keep my feet from rolling. I told her I was guessing it was from a hip injury. She did her spill. I noticed that the box she was pulling the supports from had “planter faucitis” written across it. I was there for an hour and a half with a phone that was on very little battery and I was going for the expertise from an individual that should be trained in the basics of how footwear is wearing. I purchased the supports and went home and looked up planter faucitis and my foot did not represent the wear of planter faucitis. It took me a while but I have finally found out what type of support I should have in my shoes. I went into the store Friday, July 23, 2023 and told them that I was sold the wrong support. I was told Christina was the manager and she was off for the day but would call me on Saturday, July 29, 2023. I told them that that was not possible for me because I would be on the road for the day and was traveling a minimum of 600 miles, actual miles 623. The store employees were pointing out everything I supposedly did wrong and telling me that I had to take care of this on Saturday, July 29, 2023 to come to a compromise since there are no returns. I did not take in my reading glasses with me and I always have to sign for a high amount with my credit card purchase. I told that to Christina and she agreed with me. I already know that the employees are not trained to know about all supports and I am not about to spend another hour and a half hearing false information.
I paid $505.36.
I used good feet inserts for a few years. My medical diagnosis is Charcot Marie Syndrome where my foot bones are maladjusted. good feet is not capable of diagnosing or treating this condition. The inserts cause more harm than good for me. What kind of archaic laws allow this ? I never gave into their effort to sell you several products. Their sales people are not licensed or to make medical diagnosis. The flagship insert alone may help with plantar fasciitis. However you may suffer from other conditions that need medical diagnosis and other therapy. I think the HIGH prices might fund massive advertising and lobbying programs . These should only be dispensed after a medical doctor’s prescription. Radio advertisers have no scruples in selling unfounded ads. I don’t think the FCC has any jurisdiction in what ads can portray. If the FCC has any input they apparently have no will to get involved. I believe we need to wear quality shoes all our lives yet such goods are expensive and seem to be less available than in decades past.
I got a pair of good feet arch supports on a cruise in 2017. I love them. I went into a store 2 hours from my home to get another pair. I was given the royal run around!! They wouldn’t even look at the supports that I just wanted to duplicate . Long story short I paid $500.00 for supports in the bottom of a drawer. I wore them , made my back & feet hurt. I went back two times, they exchanged the supports, neither pair is remotely close to the ones I wear all the time. I will tell anyone that will listen— stay out of that place!!! It is a money pit.
I bought the good feet inserts for 2169 dollars with the promise from the clerk that my foot problems would be taken care of That was not true I can not wear the inserts they are very painful I’m afraid they will make my feet worse.Trying to get my money back.Is their a way to get in on the law suit I’m a senior on fixed income can’t afford to hire a lawyer.
Hey Diana, I think your best option is to contact the law company itself
I started using them 2 years ago and my feet pain no longer hurt. I personally have no complaints. My son has been using this product for thr last 5 years due to flat feet and it has work wonders for him. He works where he stands on concrete floor for 8 hrs, sometimes more during busy season, and they have been a life saver. He does purchase a well cushioned steel toe shoe along with the inserts and in his opinion, worth every penny. I know this product works differently for everyone, but the most important part is sticking to the schedule when you first purchase and it will pay off in the long run. I know it won’t cure his flat feet or the how my arc is positioned, but it has taken the pain away. We have tried so many products trying to save money on something not as expensive, but we feel this is the best option for us.
It’s great to hear that the inserts have effectively relieved foot pain for both you and your son, especially in demanding work conditions!
I had an appointment on November 18 for a fitting for my arches. I thought I was going in there to get one pair. The gentleman that help me had me try on four pairs and said I needed all of them. I wasn’t sure why I needed all four but I really didn’t ask any questions because I thought he knew what he was talking about. He also told me I needed to use their socks so he got me two pairs and he also got me a three pack of the cushions. He could tell I was desperate to get feeling better with walking so like I said, I thought he knew what he was talking about when he went to the register to check out he told me the total it was over $2300. I didn’t stop to ask questions, but they never told me how much it was for each arch support. I felt really stupid so I went ahead and purchased them and signed the paper. Also didn’t know there was no return policy but they told me I signed a paper I said I knew there was no returns . When I got home, I felt really stupid that I spent that kind of money I called them and they said no refunds. I told him I couldn’t afford them and I know I could’ve said something at the store but I felt pressured so I don’t know what to do now, so I hope you can help me out.
I’m sorry to hear that
I carefully explained at my first appointment that I had arthritis in my feet and had no cushion in the bottom of my feet, just bone against skin. They assured me their product would solve my problem, and they would adjust them until it did. Their supports are hard. I need something with a cushion. My feet still hurt and my only option is an instore credit. Buyer beware.