Did You Know
Supportive footwear plays a key role in keeping people mobile and pain-free. However, just wearing ‘sensible’ shoes is sometimes not enough for people with certain foot conditions, medical conditions, or custom orthotics wearers.
Orthopaedic shoes are specifically designed to support or accommodate the mechanics and structure of the foot, ankle and leg. In contrast to everyday footwear, they have a number of medically beneficial features and functions that have been shown to help people with diabetes, flat feet, and foot deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.
While many manufacturers call their footwear ‘orthopaedic’, there is actually a set of criteria that needs to be met in order to be recognized by extended health benefit providers as orthopaedic or diabetic shoes.
At Urban Soles, we work with two of the three off-the-shelf/stock orthopaedic/diabetic shoe brands that are recognized by EHC plans in Canada: Anodyne and Apex. We offer off-the-shelf/stock orthopaedic and diabetic shoes as well as shoe modifications and can provide you with insurance documentation (if applicable).
Our stock orthopaedic/diabetic shoes range from $185-$270 and include a professional fitting by a chiropractor.
Your extended health benefit plan may cover stock orthopaedic or diabetic shoes as well as shoe modifications. If you intend to claim your footwear, make sure to check your insurance coverage before making an appointment. The following are questions you may want to ask your insurer in order to determine your coverage:
- Does your plan cover OFF-THE-SHELF or STOCK orthopaedic shoes?
- Does your plan cover internal/external shoe modifications (and the shoes)?
- Is a pre-approval required?
- Is a prescription required? Will the prescription expire after a certain time?
- Which healthcare providers can prescribe orthopaedic shoes under my plan?
- Is a biomechanical assessment and/or gait analysis required?
- Can chiropractors dispense orthopaedic shoes under my plan?
- Coverage details:
- $ or %
- # of pairs
- annual limit
- when was your last claim?
- renewal (1 year, 2 years, other)
- What paperwork do I need to submit my claim?
Please note that you do not need a prescription to be fitted with stock orthopaedic shoes; however, most extended health benefit providers require a prescription for reimbursement. You will also need a prescription for your orthopaedic/diabetic shoes to be tax-exempt.
Insurance-Based Process
01
sizing
+
Biomechanical/ gait examination (if applicable)
02
insurance pre-approval
03
ordering
04
fitting
If you are paying out of pocket, no insurance pre-approval will be required (step #2), and your shoes will be ordered (step #3) on your first visit (full payment is due at this time).
Orthopaedic & Diabetic Shoe Fitting
your path to healthy and happy feet
Sizing
During your initial visit, your feet will be measured to determine your correct shoe size, and a biomechanical examination and gait analysis will be performed (if applicable — available for additional fee).
Based on our findings, we recommend the appropriate stock footwear and modifications (if applicable) and provide you with an estimate for your insurance (pre-approval).
Please confirm your insurance coverage and obtain a prescription from a qualified healthcare practitioner before booking your appointment with us.
Ordering
Once your footwear selection and modifications (if applicable) has been approved by your insurance, your shoes will be ordered, and full payment for your footwear is due at this time. Our off-the-shelf/stock orthopaedic & diabetic shoes range from $185-$270 (plus modification costs, if applicable).
Your fitting appointment will be scheduled once we receive your (modified) footwear from the lab.
Fitting
During your subsequent visit, you will be fitted with your new shoes to ensure proper fit and performance.
If you intend to submit a claim to your extended health benefits provider, you will be provided with a clinic receipt and insurance letter at this time.
Please wear the socks that you are planning on wearing with your new shoes and bring your custom orthotics (if applicable) with you.
Featured Orthopaedic & Diabetic Spring / Summer Footwear
REPRESENTING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS IN oRTHOPAEDIC sHOE mANUFACTURING
Orthopaedic & Diabetic Shoes
COMFORTABLE & SUPPORTIVE SHOES FOR CANADIANS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES – pROFESSIONALLY FITTED AT URBAN SOLES
women’s shoes
$185 aPEX canvas SHOES
$220 aPEX Leather/mesh SHOES
$230 aPEX BOOTS
$250 ANODYNE SHOES
$260 aNODYNE TRAIL BOOTS
$270 aNODYNE BOOTS
- Professional Shoe Fitting
- Biomechanical Examination/Gait Analysis available for additional fee (if required)
- Insurance Documentation (if applicable)
- FREE Annual Footwear Check-Up
0% GST with prescription from qualified healthcare provider
MEN’S SHOES
$220 aPEX Leather/mesh SHOES
$230 aPEX BOOTS
$250 aNODYNE SHOES
$260 ANODYNE TRAIL BOOTS
$270 ANODYNE BOOTS
- Professional Shoe Fitting
- Biomechanical Examination/Gait Analysis available for additional fee (if required)
- Insurance Documentation (if applicable)
- FREE Annual Footwear Check-Up