FootHouse is a modern foot and lower limb care clinic based in Folkestone Kent established in 1999. We offer first class chiropody and podiatry services and specialise in Biomechanics. We incorporate Bio-Kinetic solutions with our state of the art Gait analysis equipment, which include 2D Video gait analysis and synchronised pressure mapping. This means we are able to provide the very best custom insoles and orthoses specific to your needs.

At FootHouse we use Amfit Footfax CAD-CAM foot digitizer, Templo 2D Video analysis and AMcube Foot Pro pressure mapping system. This enables us to fully assess the kinetics and kinematics (forces and motion) of the body and capture the foot profile ready for design and manufacture of the orthotics.

In association with Insole Pro and MAR systems we can offer one of the fastest and most in depth biomechanical assessment and orthosis production service in south east England.

David K. Smith

David is a HPC registered podiatrist and a Member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. He has completed an MSc in applied Biomechanics at Strathclyde University and is a member of i-FAB (international Foot and Ankle Biomechanics). David Smith is the proprietor of FootHouse.

David K. Smith HPC Registration Number 21258

Insoles and Orthoses at FootHouse

At FootHouse we supply off the shelf orthoses and insoles and we also supply and manufacture bespoke custom orthoses and insoles.

Most people have had insoles in their shoes and many will know something about orthoses but what are they and what is the difference between insoles and orthoses or orthotics. For a start orthoses is the correct term not orthotics. Insoles can be any insert that goes in the shoe and could be applied to orthoses. Usually though insoles are flat soft devices that just attempt to improve comfort through cushioning. Orthoses on the other hand are specially designed inserts that actually change the nature of the forces acting on the feet and change how the foot works the way you walk and how your stand (gait and posture).

We keep in stock a huge range of materials for making insoles while you wait. We also keep branded devices to like Vasyli and Power Step, which are off the shelf orthoses that can be customised to the customer’s individual needs within certain limits. Our speciality is producing bespoke custom orthoses that are uniquely prescribed to the individual customer. NB please read about ‘Biomechanics’ and ‘Active Bio-Kinetic Solutions’ to find out how we collect and evaluate the data needed to design and manufacture your custom orthoses.

Once we have analysed and evaluated your foot or lower limb problem we design and make the orthoses. This is done using Amfit FootFax CAD CAM Technology to capture the foot shape, design and mill the orthoses. We also can take a cast of the foot and use a lab who scan that using CAD CAM technology and mill the finished product. We usually use Salts Techstep for this type of orthosis. Visit http://www.saltstechstep.co.uk/stepahead-insoles-range.aspx for further info.

Custom orthoses are superior to off the shelf since they are made to the shape of the individual foot and contain the unique prescription required by the individual. The prescription describes how the orthosis is made to change the action of the foot and the forces acting through it. Custom orthoses also last longer and are more comfortable but most importantly they do the job in the most optimum and efficient way.

It is not always necessary to have custom orthoses since some feet can be fitted quite effectively with an off the shelf product or a simple insole made and fitted while you wait. Bespoke orthoses take longer to make from a few days to a few weeks

Find out what Insoles and Orthoses we supply