Foot Solutions is a retail franchise specializing in custom orthotics and therapeutic footwear. Founded in 2000, the brand has grown to 70+ locations globally. Franchisees operate 900–1,500 square foot stores with 2–4 staff members, offering free foot assessments, laser scanning, gait analysis, and 3D-printed custom orthotics. The business serves customers seeking relief from foot pain, mobility issues, and alignment problems.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $70,000 (Liquid Capital refers to readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets that can be accessed without borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income.)
- Ownership Model: Owner-operator (semi-absentee possible after year 2)
- Location Type: Retail (900–1,500 sq ft)
- Time Commitment: Full-time
- Experience Required: None; no medical or podiatry background needed
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- 20+ years proven foot wellness model
- 60%+ gross margins on products
- Aging population drives sustained demand
- Limited direct competition in niche category
- Recurring customer relationships build annuity value
About Foot Solutions
Foot Solutions launched in 2000 as a specialized foot wellness retailer combining custom orthotics with expert-selected supportive footwear. The brand has grown to 70+ locations globally, serving customers with foot pain, mobility challenges, and alignment issues. Unlike big box shoe stores, Foot Solutions provides personalized assessments and medical-grade solutions.
The model combines retail with healthcare crossover — stores use laser scanning and gait analysis to create 3D-printed custom orthotics designed for individual biomechanics. Many locations are Medicare accredited for diabetic patients. Staff can pursue board certification as Certified Pedorthists, building credibility with the medical community. Physicians, podiatrists, and physical therapists refer patients to Foot Solutions regularly.
Why Franchise With Foot Solutions?
- Free foot assessment model drives customer acquisition — low-barrier entry point converts to orthotic and footwear sales.
- 60%+ gross margins on custom orthotics and specialized footwear create strong unit economics with limited overhead.
- Medical crossover positioning cannot be replicated online — customers need in-person scanning, fitting, and expertise.
- Recurring customer relationships create annuity value — once customers experience results, they return for replacements and referrals.
- Small footprint (900–1,500 sq ft) with 2–4 staff keeps fixed costs low and operations manageable.
ABF Exclusive Insights
Market Analysis: The U.S. population is aging rapidly — adults 50+ increasingly prioritize mobility, pain management, and foot health. Diabetes rates continue rising, driving demand for custom diabetic insoles and orthopedic footwear covered by Medicare. Health-conscious consumers across age groups seek solutions for plantar fasciitis, bunions, shin splints, and back pain caused by foot alignment issues. The foot wellness market has strong demographic tailwinds.
Competitive Advantage: Foot Solutions occupies a niche with limited direct competition. Big box shoe stores lack expertise; podiatrist offices lack retail selection; over-the-counter insoles lack customization. Foot Solutions combines all three — medical-grade assessment, custom 3D-printed orthotics, and curated therapeutic footwear. This positioning cannot be replicated by e-commerce, protecting franchisees from online competition that devastates traditional retail.
ABF Timing Insight: Foot Solutions is transparent about the ramp-up period — expect the first year to focus on building a customer base, with profitability typically coming in year two and beyond. This is a relationship-driven annuity business, not a quick-hit retail play. For investors seeking a defensible niche with recurring revenue and demographic tailwinds, the model rewards patience. The 20+ year track record and 60%+ margins validate the long-term economics.
Training & Support
- 60+ hours of online training with quizzes and tests covering foot wellness, products, and business operations.
- Minimum two weeks working under a highly trained foot health expert for hands-on skill development.
- Path to Certified Pedorthist board certification — enables Medicare diabetic services and builds credibility.
- Site selection collaboration with franchise team providing guidance on location, demographics, and lease considerations.
- Ongoing support from ownership group committed to exclusive product lines and brand differentiation.
Franchise Owners That Thrive
- Community connectors who build relationships with local medical professionals
- Patient builders comfortable with a 12–18 month ramp to profitability
- Service-oriented individuals who enjoy helping customers solve health problems
- Retail operators who appreciate high-margin, low-volume sales model
- Healthcare-adjacent professionals seeking meaningful work with medical impact
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who Is NOT A Good Fit for This Franchise
- Seeking immediate profitability — first year typically requires building customer base
- Uncomfortable with consultative selling or personalized customer service
- Expecting high transaction volume like traditional retail — this is low-volume, high-margin
- Less than $70,000 in liquid capital available
Candidates who do not meet the financial criteria below are typically not approved by the franchisor.
Investment Readiness Check
- Ownership timeline: Approximately 4–6 months from signing to opening
- Minimum Net Worth: $500,000 verified during qualification
- Minimum Liquid Capital: $70,000 — required for consideration
- Territory availability and site selection confirmed before approval
All financial thresholds are set by the franchisor and are non-negotiable during approval.
Franchisor Authority Disclosure
America’s Best Franchises provides guidance and introductions. Final approval criteria, financial thresholds, and territory decisions are determined exclusively by the franchisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a medical or podiatry background?
A. No. Foot Solutions provides comprehensive training. Staff can pursue Certified Pedorthist board certification through the system.
Q. How long until the business is profitable?
A. Expect 12–18 months to build a customer base. Once established, customers are loyal and the business becomes an annuity with recurring relationships.
Q. Can this be semi-absentee?
A. Foot Solutions performs best with owner involvement, especially in years one and two. Semi-absentee may be possible later with the right management structure.
Q. Who refers customers to Foot Solutions?
A. Podiatrists, orthopedists, physical therapists, and rheumatologists regularly refer patients for custom orthotics and therapeutic footwear.
Next Steps
By submitting this form, you confirm that you meet the liquid capital requirement of $70,000 established by the franchisor.
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Foot Solutions.
This profile represents general franchise information. Individual results may vary. Refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.