U.S. Foot Orthotic Insoles Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Prefabricated and Customized), By Material (Thermoplastics, Ethyl-vinyl Acetate (EVA), Foam, Composite Carbon Fiber, and Others), By Application (Medical, Sports & Athletics, and Personal), By Age Group (Adults and Pediatrics), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Stores, and Online Stores), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. foot orthotic insoles market size was valued at USD 1.32 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 1.45 billion in 2023 to USD 2.35 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period.

Foot orthotic insoles are specially designed shoe inserts to reduce foot pain and improve foot posture. Physicians prescribe these insoles for the reduction of pain and treatment of foot ailments. These insoles are either prefabricated or customized. Prefabricated foot orthoses are mass-produced based on foot sizes. Custom foot orthotics are specially designed to support feet. They have various applications, including medical, sports & athletics, and personal comfort.

The rising elderly population in the U.S. and an increase in the prevalence of chronic disorders, such as diabetes, are propelling the demand for diabetic foot ulcers. This is boosted by an increase in the cases of other foot ailments, which is driving the U.S. foot orthotic insoles market growth.

• For instance, according to data published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 2020, the population aged 85 and above is projected to double from 6.6 million in 2019 to 14.4 million in 2040.


• Furthermore, as per data published by the American Diabetes Association in 2020, 37.3 million Americans or 11.3% of the population had diabetes in 2019. The increasing prevalence of diabetes leads to diabetic foot ulcers, which has been fueling the demand for foot orthotic insoles.

Furthermore, technological advancement in the U.S. market due to high investments in R&D and robust ongoing clinical studies are projected to drive the foot orthotic insoles market growth over the forecast period.

• For instance, in November 2022, Upstep, an insole company, launched the first technology system with artificial intelligence, which reduces manufacturing time of customized insoles by about 50%. The company's goal is to establish the most advanced production system in the world in the insole industry.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Decline in Orthotic Appointments During Pandemic Negatively Impacted the Market Growth

The U.S. market witnessed negative growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The lockdown restrictions imposed by government authorities resulted in the shortage of materials and cancellation or postponement of services associated with several orthopedic conditions.

Moreover, several market players operating in the orthotic business segment witnessed a drop in their revenues during the pandemic in 2020.

• Major players engaged in the U.S. market such as Hanger Inc. and Össur witnessed a drop in their orthotics segment during the pandemic in FY 2020.

However, with the uplifting of lockdown restrictions, the number of orthotic appointments increased significantly in 2021 due to increasing cases of orthopedic disorders and surge in the demand for those products. This resulted in a faster recovery of the market in 2021. In addition, market players including Hanger Inc. and Össur witnessed a growth in their revenue in 2021 owing to the increase in the sales of orthotics. Nevertheless, the market is projected to normalize in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Demand for Customized Foot Orthotic Insoles to Drive Growth Trajectory

A customized foot orthotic is manufactured by a podiatrist after a complete evaluation of the foot structure of the user. The increasing demand and adoption for customized foot orthotics is driving the growth of the market. These foot orthotics are more effective than prefabricated ones in terms of dynamic balance, pressure relief, and load redistribution across plantar regions.

Furthermore, prominent players are continuously investing in R&D activities to introduce more fit and comfortable insoles using the latest 3D-printing technology, which is projected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period. For instance:

• In July 2022, Foot Levelers, Inc. launched InMotion custom orthotic for better pain management and comfort.


• In November 2021, FitMyFoot launched the world's first custom slide-sandals using the latest 3D-printing technology to provide more fit and comfortable insoles for end-users.

Such developments are expected to highly contribute to the market growth prospects during the forecast period.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Incidence of Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Arthritis, and Other Foot Conditions to Drive Market Growth

Orthotic insoles are used to relieve pressure on the foot which could prevent foot conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot ulcer is a common symptom for patients who have diabetes mellitus, which is not well controlled.

Moreover, there has been a rapid surge in diabetic foot ulcers owing to the increased incidence of diabetes. Hence, the factors mentioned above are influencing the U.S. foot orthotic insoles market growth.

Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of plantar fasciitis among sedentary middle-aged and older adults is projected to drive market growth in the near future.

• For instance, according to data published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), in 2019, nearly 10% of the U.S. population was affected with heel pain, which results in 1 million visits per year to medical authorities for treatment of plantar fasciitis.

These factors, coupled with the increasing focus of the market players to develop and introduce advanced products to treat the conditions, are expected to drive the growth of the U.S. market during the forecast period.

Strategic Partnership for the Development of Innovative Technologies to Augment Market Growth in the Forecast Period

One of the most critical drivers that is anticipated to drive the market growth over the forecast period is the utilization of advanced technologies owing to increased awareness. This development of advanced technologies is expected to be aided by strategic partnerships.

• For instance, in August 2021, Thuasne announced a strategic partnership with OPUM, a medical device and AI company. The partnership would help the company to digitize the product solutions for non-invasive no-pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis.

Such strategic partnerships are expected to give rise to innovative technologies which is expected to further contribute to the market growth in the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Costs of Custom Insoles to Limit the Market Growth

Custom foot insoles are created to address a specific person's foot issues and provide the most rigid support for proper alignment for people who have complications due to diabetes or several other foot conditions. Custom-designed orthotic insoles are fit and comfortable but have high costs attached to them.

• For instance, custom orthotic insoles manufactured by Footstar Orthotics can cost above USD 800 and the average cost is between USD 200 – USD 600.

The overall treatment cost varies from one professional to the other. Most podiatrists quote a price for an entire treatment program, they do not quote an actual fee. The factors mentioned above are responsible for limiting the growth of the U.S. market.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

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Customized Segment to Grow in the Market Owing to Growing Product Launches by the Market Players

Based on type, the market is classified into prefabricated and customized. In 2022, the customized segment was anticipated to dominate the U.S. foot orthotic insoles market share. The growth is mainly attributed to market players' continuous investments in R&D activities to introduce more innovative customized insoles using the latest 3D-printing technology.

• For instance, in April 2021, GeBioM and Covestro supported orthopedic shoemakers in terms of the production of customized insoles using 3D printing technology.

Furthermore, most orthotists’ also prescribe customized foot insoles to help in better clinical outcomes, propelling the segmental growth over the forecast period. Moreover, the prefabricated segment is expected to witness a comparatively lower CAGR during the forecast period. In addition, the increasing geriatric population, the surge in the prevalence of foot conditions, and the rise in awareness of the product benefits is expected to augment the segment growth.

By Material Analysis

Ethyl-vinyl Acetate (EVA) Segment to Account for the Segmental Growth Owing to Easy Availability and Recyclable Property

Based on material, the market is segmented into thermoplastics, ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA), foam, composite carbon fiber, and others. The ethyl-vinyl acetate (EVA) segment dominated the market in revenue in 2022 and is projected to maintain its position over the forecast period owing to its easy availability and recyclable property as compared to other materials.

The thermoplastics segment ranked the second largest in the market in 2022. The growth is mainly attributed to the rise in adoption of foot insoles for sports and athletic activities and growing product launches by manufacturers due to enhanced benefits.

On the other hand, the composite carbon fiber segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Composite carbon fiber is a high-performance and strong reinforcement polymer. Moreover, the rising adoption of orthotic insoles by athletes is projected to drive the segmental growth in the near future.

By Application Analysis

Medical Segment to Lead Owing to its Strong Demand by Medical Professionals

Based on application, the market is segmented into medical, sports & athletics, and personal. The medical segment holds the largest market share owing to the rising number of clinical studies in foot orthotic insoles indicating the benefits of reducing pain in various disorders.

The sports & athletics segment accounts for the second highest share and is anticipated to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period. Several key players are manufacturing non-removable foot orthotic solutions, which is projected to increase the demand for foot orthotics in sports and athletics.

Furthermore, the personal segment is projected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period owing to the increasing adoption of a healthy lifestyle among the population.

By Age Group Analysis

High Adult Patient Populace to Propel Segment Growth Driven by Rising Product Adoption

Based on age group, the market is segmented into adults and pediatrics. The adults segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2022. The increasing product adoption among adults due to the rise in prevalence of arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, and common problems associated with old age is influencing the segmental growth.

However, pediatrics segment accounted for a significant market share in 2022 owing to rise in the number of pediatrics foot insoles.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Strong Volumes of Orthotic Insoles Attributed to Hospital Pharmacies to Propel Segment Growth 

Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacies, retail stores, and online stores.  Hospital pharmacies dominated the market in 2022. The dominance is due to the growing awareness and demand for customized products and favorable health reimbursements.

The retail stores segment accounted for a significant market share in 2022 as prominent players in the market are focused on expanding their global presence by launching new retail stores.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

High Focus of Key Players Toward Mergers and Acquisitions to Strengthen Industry Presence

In terms of competitive landscape, this highly fragmented market includes several prominent players such as Hanger Inc., Implus Footcare LLC, and Footbalance Systems Ltd. The key players are highly focused on mergers and acquisitions to enhance its product offerings to expand its market presence.

• For instance, in December 2022, Hanger, Inc. announced the acquisition of Surestep, a manufacturer of custom pediatric orthotic devices. The collaboration helped Surestep to strengthen its market position in custom pediatric orthotics.

Moreover, manufacturers of custom foot orthotic insoles are involved in strategic initiatives to acquire innovative technologies such as high frequency and shock absorbing materials. Other vital players, such as Aetrex Worldwide Inc., Thuasne North America, Inc., Foot Science International, and Bauerfeind AG, are steadily establishing their position in the global market owing to new product launches. 

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Implus Footcare LLC (U.S.)


• Hanger Inc. (U.S.)


• Aetrex Worldwide, Inc. (U.S.)


• Footbalance System Ltd. (Finland)


• Tynor (India)


• Digital Orthotics Laboratories Australia Pty Ltd. (Australia)


• Thuasne (France)


• Foot Science International (New Zealand)


• Superfeet Worldwide, LLC (U.S.)


• OttoBock (Germany)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2023: Hike Medical launched a pilot program to combat foot pain and disorders for blue-collar industries.


• April 2022: O2 Partners LLC launched the world’s first OrthoLite ESD Shield. The solution is a mechanically-bonded electrostatic discharge protection insole technology.


• March 2022: inStryde, Inc., a startup company in the U.S., launched SmartFit for custom insoles, which is an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven online platform.


• March 2022: Superfeet, the global insole industry leader, partnered with Red Wing Shoes, the industry leader in safety footwear, to bring their iconic shape to a new collection of footbeds specifically made for Red Wing purpose-built performance work boots.


• February 2021: Yellow Wood Partners LLC, a Boston-based company, acquired the Scholl footcare brand from Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, which operates globally outside of the Americas.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The market research report includes a robust research methodology and provides a detailed analysis and focuses on key aspects such as technological advancements, key industry developments, pricing analysis by key players, competition landscape, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. Besides this, the report also offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In addition to the aforementioned factors, it encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation