Off-the-shelf (prefabricated) orthotic insoles are widely used across NHS podiatry, physiotherapy and orthotics services as a first-line treatment for foot and lower-limb problems. These ready-made insoles provide arch support, cushioning and alignment correction without the wait or cost of custom devices. 

In fact, many NHS clinics now favor prefabricated insoles for common conditions – one clinician noted it is “rare that we cast for a custom made product in the NHS now” due to budget pressures . The NHS leverages procurement frameworks (e.g. NHS Supply Chain) to source approved insole products in bulk, often encouraging cost-effective alternatives through “product switching” initiatives .

Major suppliers report that a large portion of their orthotic insole range is available via NHS contracts, reflecting how extensively these products are adopted in NHS care .

Examples of prefabricated orthotic insoles

Off-the-shelf NHS insoles come in various designs, materials and sizes to fit different shoes and foot profiles. They are provided in NHS clinics as an immediate solution for patients with foot pain or gait issues - avoiding the need to wait for custom orthotics.

Common Off-the-Shelf Insoles Used by the NHS

Several brand-name orthotic insoles are frequently issued in the NHS. These brands are known for their effectiveness and adaptability, and most are available to both clinicians (via medical suppliers) and the general public (via pharmacies or retailers). 

According to one UK supplier, “60% of [their] insole range is available through the NHS”, and these products are “fitted daily by high street podiatrists, physios, chiropractors” – highlighting their ubiquity in clinical practice.

Below are some of the most commonly prescribed off-the-shelf insoles and their typical uses:

Slimflex: A popular EVA foam orthotic line (e.g. Slimflex Simple and Slimflex Kinetic) known for its versatility and low cost. Widely used by NHS practitioners as a first-line insole , Slimflex can be easily modified with wedges or pads. They provide good arch support and cushioning for conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet and over-pronation. They are supplied through medical suppliers (e.g. Algeos) and online retailers - used in both NHS and private clinics.

Healthy Step X-Line: The X-Line series of insoles (developed by UK podiatrists) is among “the most widely used insoles in the UK and NHS” . These prefabs have a contoured heel cup and arch support in various densities. NHS clinics use X-Line insoles as a “first line” device for general foot pain, arch strain, knee pain, and other musculoskeletal issues . 

Research confirms X-Line (along with Slimflex) is one of the top brands prescribed by NHS podiatrists.

Interpod: Interpod orthotics are semi-rigid prefabricated insoles designed by podiatrists (originally in Australia) that offer firm arch support similar to a custom device. The Interpod Flex range (available in low, medium, or high arch profiles) is “a great alternative to custom-made orthoses and is trusted by NHS and private clinicians across the country.” 

NHS foot clinics use Interpod insoles for patients who need more structured support or biomechanical control (e.g. significant overpronation, tibialis posterior dysfunction) without the expense of a fully custom insole. A specialised Interpod Diabetic insole is also offered for diabetic foot protection (with slow-rebound foam to cradle the foot).

Diabetic Insoles (Pressure-Relieving): For diabetic foot care, the NHS often supplies special off-the-shelf insoles made of soft, accommodating materials to reduce pressure and prevent ulcers. 

Brands like Diaped (an Algeos line) or Podotech diabetic insoles use memory foam or plastazote that “provide full cushioning to relieve pressure and prevent friction-related foot problems such as ulcers and calluses.” These are commonly issued through NHS high-risk foot clinics for patients with neuropathy or diabetes.

NHS Procurement and Usage Considerations

The selection of off-the-shelf insoles in the NHS is often guided by cost-effectiveness, clinical efficacy, and procurement contracts. NHS Supply Chain frameworks list approved orthotic products and enable bulk purchasing for hospitals . This standardisation means certain brands (like those above) are preferred across multiple NHS trusts. 

The NHS often tries a prefabricated insole as a first approach for problems like plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendonitis or metatarsalgia, since studies show prefabs can be as effective as custom insoles in many cases . If the patient improves, this spares the need for expensive custom orthotics. Only when off-the-shelf options fail to alleviate symptoms would a referral for custom-molded insoles be made.

Another factor is the broad availability of these products. Most off-the-shelf orthotic insoles are Class I medical devices that can be sold directly to consumers. Many NHS clinics simply instruct patients on which insole to buy (or supply a basic pair from clinic stock) rather than manufacturing a custom device. 

Notably, NHS-issued insoles are often identical to products sold in retail – for example, a patient information leaflet might suggest buying insoles from a pharmacy or outdoor store (e.g. recommending Orthosole or gel insoles from Boots/Blacks) as an alternative to waiting for an orthotics appointment. 

This underscores that the same branded insoles are available to both clinicians and the general public. Indeed, suppliers like Algeos explicitly cater to “NHS, B2B and General Public” markets , meaning the insoles used in NHS clinics can usually be purchased online or in shops by anyone.

In summary, the NHS commonly uses a core set of off-the-shelf orthotic insoles – such as Slimflex, X-Line, Interpod and Diaped products – to manage a variety of foot and lower limb conditions. These prefabricated orthoses are supported by procurement frameworks and clinical guidelines, and they cover use-cases ranging from plantar fasciitis and flat-foot pain to diabetic ulcer prevention. 

They are widely available outside the NHS as well, which allows continuity of care (patients can obtain replacements on their own). By using these readily available orthotic insoles, NHS podiatry and physiotherapy departments can provide effective, timely relief for common foot problems while containing costs .

Article Sources:

NHS Patient Leaflet – Orthotic insoles (EKHUFT)
Dorset County Hospital NHS – Purchasing Off-the-Shelf Orthotics
Podiatry Arena Forum – NHS clinician discussion on prefab vs custom
Research (Foot Orthoses in RA survey) – common brands in UK vs abroad
NHS Supply Chain – Orthotic Products Framework (cost-saving measures)