FAQs
Answers to help you get the most from your personalized fitting.
About foot health
What is a Certified Pedorthist?
A Certified Pedorthist, or C. Ped. is a fancy word for foot specialist, – which includes shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses and other pedorthic devices – to solve problems in, or related to, the foot and lower limb. Althea’s has Certified Pedorthists on-site whereas most shoe stores (even some claiming to offer custom work) do not.
Why do I need a prescription?
A proper diagnosis by a medical physician or foot specialist is very important. Many foot problems present the same set of symptoms. It’s in the best interest of your personal health to be properly diagnosed before seeking medical orthotics.
I am eager to see how Althea’s can help me have greater foot comfort. Should I make an appointment or just come by?
If you make an appointment in advance, a specialist’s time is reserved for you. We always have someone available to help if you aren’t able to schedule in advance. Bear in mind, because of our personal attention to each client there are times where you may have a short wait for a specialist.
Another shoe store says they “do not prescribe or make custom orthotics” and only provide a referral to an orthotic specialist. How is that different than what is available at Althea’s?
Since the staff at Althea’s are certified pedorthist we are qualified to make custom orthotics on site. Our certified pedorthist have attended school and have the training the staff at most chain stores do not.
Setting and preparing for your appointment
How long is a typical appointment?
Please allow for at least 25 minutes. Appointments may go longer depending on your specific situation. If you are pressed for time on the day you are scheduled please let the pedorthist know when you arrive so we can best accommodate your needs. If the consultation requires more time than you’ve allowed, we are happy to schedule a follow up appointment.
I have a very busy schedule. Does Althea's allow after hours appointments?
We offer Saturday appointments to accommodate our customers’ busy weekday schedules. The first available Saturday appointment begins at 10:00 a.m and the last appointment available to be scheduled is 1:00 p.m.
I don’t live near Everett or Lakewood. Can Althea’s Footwear Solutions help me?
We have stores in Lakewood and Everett, Washington (Seattle by appointment only). The fitting process is very personal. We do require a visit to one of our locations in order to provide uniquely fit shoes. We have customers that come to us from as far away as Alaska and California.
How do I schedule my appointment?
We’d be happy to schedule your appointment by phone.
Are there certain things should I bring to my first footwear appointment?
Please bring shoes that you’ve worn regularly; comfortable or not. This will allow the pedorthist to evaluate what we can do to improve your foot comfort.
I’m embarrassed by my foot problems. What will Althea’s do to protect my privacy?
We take care of each client in a professional manner and take every effort to protect your privacy, respect everyone’s unique concerns.
For medically necessary orthotics am I required to have a prescription?
A proper diagnosis by a medical physician or foot specialist is very important. Many foot problems present the same set of symptoms. It’s in the best interest of your personal health to be properly diagnosed before seeking medical orthotics.
I have a pair of shoes I purchased at another store. Can Althea’s provide adjustments to those shoes?
Shoe quality varies greatly depending on the manufacturer. We are only able to provide adjustments to shoes purchased elsewhere in certain circumstances. If the shoe is a poor fit to start with, it may be a better idea to start fresh by scheduling an appointment.
Can I purchase shoes at Althea’s Footwear Solutions as-is, without customization?
Yes, many people do. Even if you aren’t having a unique fit created, we can help you find the shoe that fits best.
Your Althea's Footwear Fitting
Am I guaranteed to be evaluated by a certified pedorthists for my appointment?
Chances are yes. Most of our staff are certified pedorthists. Your experience at Althea’s Footwear Solutions will be unlike any typical retail shoe shopping experience you may have had at ordinary stores. We will assess the needs of your foot in relation to your lifestyle. We will help you choose a pair shoes most appropriate for you. We can then address the unique fitting needs for each foot. Some of the services and products we often provide include metatarsal relief, arch pads, cushioning the heel, adding a lift, and making adjustments to change the way your foot hits the floor for the best alignment.
What brands of shoes does Althea’s Footwear Solutions carry?
I want an attractive shoe. Are uniquely fit shoes ugly?
Our shoes are available in a variety of styles from the latest fashion trends to more sensible shoes. We work to match the style of the shoe to your lifestyle with an eye on the best comfort possible. In our experience, customers with more complex medical issues typically choose shoes that are more sensible rather than being concerned with the latest shoe fashion trends.
Are all shoe styles in stock?
We have well over a thousand shoes in stock at any time. In line with our experience that each customer has unique fitting needs, we prefer to order the exact fit. Unlike typical retail shoe stores,we aren’t interested in selling just what we have available. At Althea’s we would rather make certain the shoe you go home with is right for you feet and lifestyle.
Will I be required to make a shoe purchase after my footwear appointment?
Each of our Comfort Advisory Appointments by Althea’s are provided at no cost and obligation-free. Most clients choose to make a purchase after they see and feel what a difference properly selected, sized and uniquely fit shoes offer.
Purchasing special order footwear
What can I expect to pay for a uniquely fit pair of shoes?
Althea’s offers a variety of shoes for most budgets. When you purchase shoes from Althea’s we offer complimentary adjustments to achieve the best fit. Our shoes vary from $105 to $300.
If I purchase shoes that need to be customized can I take them home the same day?
We have a large selection of shoes in stock that can be customized while you wait. For more specialized shoes and fit, it typically takes about two weeks to receive your uniquely fit shoe, insert or orthotic. Our clients agree it’s well worth the wait for the foot comfort they experience.
What is the process for special order shoes?
Once the correct shoe and size is determined, we accept payment and place the order. Most special order shoes arrive within a week and a half. If there is ever a delay in that time-line we notify you right away.
What’s the difference between the “pre-fabricated custom fit” inserts sold at other stores and the custom orthotics that Althea’s Footwear Solutions creates?
“Pre-fabricated” implies there is nothing custom about such an insert at all. Pre-fabricated inserts fit a more typical foot – which are usually not the feet that hurt! The term “pre-fabricated” inserts also imply the left and the right feet are the same which is not the case for most people.
At Althea’s we take each foot’s unique features into account and create a specific fit for each foot. Sometimes this is accomplished with inserts manufactured specifically for you and other times we are able to offer other types of adjustments to your shoe so you have the perfect fit for you – not what some manufacturing conglomerate has decided is “custom” for you without having even seen your feet! Althea’s doesn’t use deceptive marketing or “words” to make customers think they are getting something they aren’t.
Will Althea’s bill my insurance for my medically necessary orthotics and diabetic shoes?
We are contracted with most insurance companies. We are happy to call and verify coverage for you with a prescription from your doctor and your insurance information.
What insurance companies cover Althea’s Footwear Solutions products?
Provide list of companies and statement that the list is NOT exclusive of other insurance providers
I have a medical flex spending account through my employer. Can I use this as a method of payment for my medically necessary shoes, services or supplies?
Yes, Althea’s can use those payment cards. We are happy to provide a receipt and explanation of services for you to use to submit for reimbursement. We recommend verifying with your flex plan provider that your purchase at Althea’s qualifies for reimbursement in your specific situation.
What methods of payment does Althea's Footwear Solutions accept?
We accept cash, check, Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Can I order shoes from Althea’s Footwear Solutions over the phone?
If you have previously purchased from Althea’s Footwear Solutions, we keep detailed records of your purchase to make ordering in the future more convenient. We are happy to help you order a new pair of shoes with this information on hand. Many of our customers call ahead, pre-order the shoe they know they want, and upon delivery we are able to provide any modifications necessary.
Returns and exchanges
Althea’s Footwear Solutions policy
All new unaltered shoes may be returned within 7 days from the date of purchase for a refund or exchange.
Shoes must be in the complete original packaging and be in new and unworn condition. Due to health regulations compression stockings are not returnable. Shoes purchased on clearance/closeout are not returnable.