Good Feet's Business Model: The 3-Step System
The Good Feet Store operates a franchise model focused on selling prefabricated, or off-the-shelf, arch supports. The in-store process typically involves a free, personalized fitting by a salesperson, not a podiatrist or medical doctor. Customers are often guided toward the proprietary 3-Step System, which includes three different types of arch supports: 'Strengthener,' 'Maintainer,' and 'Relaxer'. The idea is to transition from firmer, corrective supports to softer, more comfortable ones as the feet and body adjust. While Good Feet positions this as a comprehensive, personalized solution, expert opinions and customer experiences offer a different perspective.
Criticisms and Consumer Concerns
Despite positive corporate testimonials, many customers and medical professionals have raised serious concerns about the company's practices. A few key criticisms stand out:
- High Cost for Prefabricated Products: Perhaps the most frequent complaint is the exorbitant cost. While Good Feet arch supports are not true custom orthotics, they are often priced at a similar or even higher level. Many customers report spending well over $1,000 for a system that contains mass-produced inserts. In contrast, reputable over-the-counter (OTC) inserts can cost under $100, and genuine custom orthotics from a podiatrist may offer better value for a similar price.
- Unqualified Sales Staff: Good Feet sales associates, though called 'certified arch support specialists,' lack formal medical training. This raises serious issues, as staff may give advice or recommendations based on a sales model rather than a medical diagnosis. Podiatrists highlight that conditions like stress fractures or tendon tears require professional diagnosis and may not be helped by non-medical inserts.
- High-Pressure Sales and Lack of Price Transparency: Many consumers describe facing high-pressure sales tactics during their in-store consultations. Pricing is often not disclosed upfront, and customers feel pressured to purchase expensive, multi-pair packages after a lengthy fitting process.
- No-Refund Policy: The company’s strict “all sales final” policy is another point of contention. Numerous customer complaints document instances where this policy was not clearly stated until after the purchase was completed. For customers whose pain worsens or who find the product ineffective, this leaves them with no recourse for a refund, only the option to exchange for a different set of products.
- Legal Challenges and Ad Claims: Good Feet has faced legal scrutiny regarding its marketing. In 2025, the National Advertising Division of the BBB recommended that Good Feet discontinue certain pain relief claims that lacked substantiation. A class-action lawsuit filed in 2019 also alleged deceptive advertising regarding the efficacy and custom nature of the products.
Comparison Table: Good Feet vs. Custom vs. OTC
| Feature | Good Feet Arch Supports | True Custom Orthotics (Podiatrist) | Quality Over-the-Counter (OTC) Inserts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Typically $1,000+ for a system | $300-$800, often insurance covered | $20-$100 |
| Personalization | Prefabricated, selected based on foot arch length and size | Made from a custom mold of your foot | Prefabricated; one-size-fits-many approach |
| Medical Expertise | Sales staff with no formal medical training | Licensed podiatrist or physician | None; self-selection |
| Refund Policy | Strict no-refund policy reported | Varies by clinic, but typically allows for adjustments | Varies by brand; often allows returns |
| Medical Efficacy | Mixed results; relies on marketing claims | Tailored to address specific conditions | Provides general support, not tailored to specific ailments |
Expert Opinions and the Verdict on Reputability
Many medical professionals, including podiatrists, express skepticism about Good Feet's practices. They emphasize that while some people may find relief, the core issues lie with the misrepresentation of the products as 'custom,' the lack of professional diagnosis, and the excessively high price point. One podiatrist stated that the devices are “not bad, per se, but they are also not particularly effective arch supports for a majority of patients and they cost many times more than arch supports that in my opinion work much better”. For those with serious underlying conditions, relying on non-medical staff for solutions can be dangerous, potentially aggravating an issue or delaying proper treatment.
Conversely, some customers report positive experiences, claiming significant pain relief. These testimonials often highlight the personalized fitting experience and the effectiveness of the inserts for their specific needs. However, the volume of negative reviews concerning cost, deceptive practices, and the refund policy cannot be ignored and significantly impacts the company's overall reputation.
In conclusion, whether Good Feet is a reputable company is a complex question with no simple answer. The company's corporate standing with the BBB and positive testimonials paint one picture, but a closer look at expert opinion, numerous customer complaints, and legal issues reveals a pattern of questionable business practices. The company's business model relies on selling expensive, prefabricated inserts through a sales-heavy process, often without disclosing critical information like the refund policy upfront. For consumers seeking effective and value-driven solutions for foot pain, consulting a qualified medical professional, such as a podiatrist, and exploring quality custom or over-the-counter options is a more prudent and safer course of action.
For more information on the difference between over-the-counter and custom orthotics, refer to information from the Podiatric Medical Board of California.
