3D-Scanned Insoles: A Wellness Placebo or a Real Game-Changer?

When a tech startup promises to revolutionize your foot comfort with a $150 iPhone scan, is it innovation—or the wellness world’s latest placebo?

Groov’s 3D-scanned insoles use iPhone Face ID and AI to create custom shoe inserts for $150 (FSA/HSA eligible). The product replaces traditional $300-$800 podiatrist orthotics with phone-based 3D modeling but lacks Android compatibility.

Founder Dan Cataldi claims "shoe fit hasn’t evolved in ages," citing NBA players’ insole rituals as validation for his "democratization" pitch.

Reviewer Victoria Song conducted an 18,000-step comparison test, concluding the inserts provided "snugger arch support" but no conclusive performance leap over $20 drugstore options. She noted: "Any insole is better than no insole" while acknowledging the product lacks peer-reviewed validation.

I wasn’t angling to become a saucy Victorian ankle flasher for OnlyFans. I was there to get a set of insoles from Groov...

The $150 price tag represents 7.5x the cost of over-the-counter inserts, raising questions about whether AI personalization justifies the premium. While FSA/HSA eligibility may offset costs for some users, the iPhone-only limitation creates an accessibility paradox for a product claiming to "democratize" foot care.