How long is the process of getting orthotics made?
An evaluation is scheduled at your convenience--and typically lasts 50 minutes. We take a close look at your feet and gait and make our recommendations. If orthotics are indicated, we will make impressions of your feet. It is rare that feet would not be benefited by orthotics. Typically, the orthotics will be ready for you in about one week. After the orthotics are fitted to your shoes--we will instruct you on how to "make friends." Typically a follow-up visit will be scheduled for two weeks later. For those driving far, with careful scheduling, the first and second visit (the dispense) can be on the same day.
Where do your clients come from?
About half of our clients are from this valley where we live. About a 25% come from outside Vernal--but within the Uintah Basin--so within an hour's drive. About 6% come from the “Wasatch Front,” 7% from Utah outside the Wasatch Front and outside the Uintah Basin. About 7% of our clients come from outside Utah but within 1000 miles. A few percent come from over 1000 miles.
How much do orthotics cost?
Typical cost here is $600, less for children, more for complicated cases. That is an all-inclusive figure--the evaluation, the orthotics, the follow-up.
How long do orthotics last?
We can only speak to those that we make. Typically 7-10 years. Usually the “top-cover,” the padding, needs to be replaced annually. Usually a $40 charge. However--the better question is how long until your feet have changed to the point that new impressions need to be made. That can be 5-12 years, give or take.
Do you accept insurance?
Unfortunately--at least here in Utah, most insurances exclude foot orthotics. In the case that your insurance does pay, we will give you a “Providers Statement,” that allows you to seek reimbursement. We do not bill insurance. However, if you have a Health Savings Account, we can process the card attached to that account.
What do you charge for the first visit?
$100 for a 45-60 minute evaluation.
Can I come see you if I don’t have foot pain?
We are all about prevention. We are very willing to take a look and tell you what we see.
How did you learn to do this?
Randy traveled to Grand Junction and Denver Colorado literally dozens and dozens of times over a 10 year period of time, shadowing men, who are brilliant, and helping care for their patients. Additionally, he has attended training in Indiana, California, Tennessee, Washington and more. Unfortunately, there is not a concise college program in Pedorthics in the US.
You claim that your orthotics are different/better. With so many in the country that sell orthotics, how can you make that claim?
I have a friend that lives in Manhattan that I made orthotics for a couple years ago. Recently my friend developed a strange pain in an odd place on one foot. He visited a middle-aged Podiatrist in Manhattan. The Doctor pulled Peter’s orthotics out of his shoes and demanded to know where he had got them--exclaiming that he had never, ever, seen such a well made pair of orthotics. We hear stories such as this frequently. What we do here truly is different. My story is that people in the Uintah Basin assume that every town has a Randy.
Why have I had to live with foot pain for so many years?
I’m sorry. We’ve been doing this work for about 20 years. We have no control over what other Pedorthists and Podiatrists do. Please help us tell our story.
Do you accept Credit Cards?
Yes, we accept credit cards and we can process HSA debit cards. We do charge the %3 that it costs us to run the card.
Do you have just the office in Vernal?
Currently, we are seeing clients only in Vernal, Utah. For those outside the area, Uintah County is a beautiful place for an outdoor family vacation. Plan a trip and see this amazing part of the West. Be sure to call for an appointment beforehand.
Do you make boots?
The short answer is yes. However, bootmaking is very involved and time consuming. Mass produced boots on the market meet most needs and are more affordable. For this reason, Randy builds boots only for clients who do not have any other option.
Do you teach bootmaking?
From 1982--2007 Randy conducted 2-week bootmaking seminars. During that time nearly 500 individuals--from as far away as Hong Kong, and Australia--were trained in Bootmaking here in Vernal Utah. That is a chapter of our life and business that is closed. We no longer teach.
Why do I have such difficulty finding someone that will make the shoes that I need?
Shoe and bootmaking are difficult crafts. Lots of people make the attempt, but fail. It is incredibly difficult to get the training, the equipment and tools, and the materials. Then it is even more difficult to be profitable. And if you are not profitable someone will tell you that you can not continue. (Usually your banker or your landlord.) Given all that, it is precious few that succeed in shoe or bootmaking.
Are you associated with Merrell Boots of Wolverine?
In 1981 Randy Merrell, with two partners John Schweizer and Clark Matis founded Merrell Boot Company. For five years Randy lived the life of Corporate President, and he traveled to Italy and Germany four times every year, where the boots were originally manufactured. After five years Randy left and returned to making boots custom in his shop; having a lot more fun (and a relationship with his wife and sons). Soon after the company was sold to a Canadian ski company--and after that to Wolverine in Minnesota. Randy has had no formal relationship with Merrell since 1986.
