Do you mean orthotics that you insert into shoes or "orthotic shoes"? I have no experience with 'orthotic shoes' but lots of experience with custom orthotics and DAFOs. My experience is that you should not get them from a podiatrist (who could prescribe them) but from an orthotist who specializes in cast/creating/fitting them. We've had very poor results with podiatrists.

I've got 2 kids who need the custom orthotics and 1 kid who does very well with the semi-custom ones that Shoe Train has. We drive from Alexandria just for that reason - and to get shoes that fit with them.

No experience with braces yet. My DD wears DAFO's. Our experience with a podiatrist was withregular orthotics. We did it once and never went back. They charged us 2.5 times the cost and they were not made correctly anyway. We have never purchased orthotics or shoes through a podiatrist though. My DD has gotten shoes mostly at Shoe Train (mostly sneakers and not orthotic specific). Now she gets orthotic shoes either online or at a store like Van Dyke and Bacon (Baltimore and Ellicot City). We have been seeing an orthopedist.

Any experience with shoes or braces? We have an appointment with the podiatrist next week. Should I take their suggestion or a specific brand? How will I know if it's covered by insurance?

TIA