Feel free to read testimonials made by some of our customers:
"This is just a short note of appreciation for your advice and analysis of my chronic back pain. For a long time I have had a pain on the lower left side of my back, but since you made the new arch supports, and especially heightened the right shoe to compensate for the shortness of my right leg, the pain has disappeared. Thank you very much." - Warren G. Lefort
"My husband and I have tried many different orthotics, but the ones made by Pak are far superior. Pak understands the way I walk and the pain I've been in. We drive 2 hours each way just to have Pak make my life better. Thank You." - Barry & Pat Young
"As a child I had scoliosis that went undetected. My left leg is 1/2 inch shorter than my right leg. I was aware of this as my ready made pants were always longer on the left side. My skirts also never stayed on my waist properly as my hips were not even. I accepted these things as just 'the way things were,' never realizing that they should have been corrected decades ago. Joseph told me strongly that I needed a 3/8 inch lift in the left shoe of all of my shoes and that I also needed orthotics to correct my ankle pronation. He said I would experience the following symptoms if I continued to ignore my asymmetry: lower back pain, hip pain, inability to stand straight, wear and tear on the joints, calluses on the toes, and difficulty in running and walking. I was amazed that I had every one of these problems. I had though that this was just part of having lived in my body for over five decades. Joseph's explanations and recommendations made sense to me. I had feet molds made and began the process of converting all my shoes. The results are very encouraging. I am able to stand straight for the first time. My hip pain is gone and my lower back pain is almost gone... My consultation with an orthopedic surgeon corroborated Joseph's assessment. I did the right thing listening to Joseph." - Sally Christian
"Thanks Joseph for doing a very good job with my work boots. With those boots that you fixed, I feel more safe walking and I am no longer have any back pain." - Jose Vergara
"I would like to highly recommend Joseph Hong Pak as an outstanding orthopedic shoe maker. He has designed leather ankle supports and orthotics for my shoes that have turly helped me to walk, hike long distances, dance, kayak with Tevas, and stand on my feet all day. Prior to my husband finding Joseph, my podiatrist had recommended surgery on my foot with six weeks in a cast for recovery and a good possibility of permanent limitations on my hiking, walking, and dancing activities. My cousin's husband is a sports orthopedic surgeon and he gave me this good advice, 'don't let anyone touch your foot.' Thank goodness I decided against surgery. I'm extremely lucky because my husband found Joseph Pak's shop in San Rafael and for over a year urged me to visit him. Joseph's good work enabled me to continue participating in all the recreational activities I love." -Betty Block
"Thank you very much for your amazing work. I have given you thousands of dollars over the years, and it definitely is money well spent. Value is not always about being inexpensive. In fact, you have saved me thousands of dollars in unwanted medical bills." - S.
"The personal service he provides is amazing! My inserts have made a world of difference. I have been spreading the word about Joseph's shop." - J.D.
"Joseph Pak makes well-fitting, excellent orthotics in a short time. He is also friendly and helpful throughout the process. Thank you!" - Patricia Garfield, Ph.D.
"In 2001 I had reached a point that I could no longer take my dog for a short walk. My physician told me I had Plantar Fasciitis, a common foot problem in older age. The options were surgery or orthopedics. I asked for orthopedics. Mr. Pak was referred to me by my mother-in-law. The result of my first orthopedic inserts was instant loss of pain. I could walk all day without any foot pain. Amazing! I couldn't be happier. Since 2001 I have had 3 inserts made and just had 2 more made for a total of 5 in six years. The inserts do last a long time. Thank you very much." - C.F.
"I have been coming to Mr. Pak for about 7 years. I refer to him as 'the shoe god.' He has done amazing reparis on both shoes and handbags. I am also on my second set of orthotics that he has made. These are truly wonderful and there arenot words to express how much more comfortable my shoes are now. I used to live in Marin, but since moving to the East Bay, I make the drive over here for any shoe/handbag/leather good related needs. Many, many thanks!" - J.R. Hampton
"I have been a customer for several years and my health is much better thanks to your work. With your orthotics and building up my left soles, I can enjoy my life (after childhood Polio) without pain. I listen to you because you are a rare professional in your field and a courteous, good human being." - Marilyn Cohen
"I am very happy with my orthotic supports, so happy, I have brought one of my friends to be fitted, and am bringing my wife soon. My knees and hips are adjusting well, and I feel better over all. I am recommending it to my patients to help hold their chiropractic adjustments better! I am looking forward to the 'long term' benefits of the supports on my entire skeletal system! Thank you very much!" - Patrick Sitzmann, D.C.
"After years of doctors and one bone graft, these shoes and inserts have given me the most comfort I have experienced in twenty years." - John Bicknell
"3 years ago I tore my Achilles Tendon and sprained my ankle severely. I have spent many thousands of dollars and seen many doctors. To no avail, I was not healing. Walking has been almost impossible. Fortunately, I found Joseph. After making my supports, ankle brace, and putting the right shoes on my feet, I walked out of his establishment with hardly any pain. Then I walked for over 30 minutes straight. I am beyond grateful and trust Joseph completely with my feet. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, bless you." - Mary Lambert
"I have been troubled with foot problems for most of my adult life. Over the course of many years, I have tried wearing various types of orthotics that were custom made for my feet. None of them helped very much, and they were all very uncomfortable. Some caused more problems than they helped. Fortunately, I discovered the Joseph's shop. Joseph assured me that the orthotics that he custom makes right in his own shop would be extremely helpful for me as well as being very comfortable. I am happy to say that everything Joseph told me about his orthotics turned out to be 100% true. My feet feel so much better. My only regret is that I did not find out about his orthotics years ago. Joseph helped me to understand the importance of correcting my foot problems and how these problems would affect proper body alignment. He explained all of this much better than any orthopedist or podiatrist ever did -- and with much more patience and caring than any doctor I had consulted with over the years for my condition. I always feel welcome to stop in his shop if I have any questions concerning my feet and/or shoes." - Linda Robins
"I love my orthotics. I wear them in my athletic shoes, dress shoes, etc. My feet and knees no longer have any pain. I even sent my husband in to get a pair of orthotics. He said after wearing them for a week, 'Why didn't you tell me to come here years ago?' Thank you for helping my entire body to feel better." - Bonnie Sern
"I am very grateful that I am able to walk without discomfort. Also, through your astute observation, you were able to diagnose my underlying orthopedic condition, that which may have attributed to this problem. Through your examination, finding that one of my legs is shorter, resulted in correcting my shoes to compensate this anomaly. I appreciate your professional positive attitude and expert workmanship. Already I have referred some of my acquaintances to you." - Joan Vermond
"A few years ago the foot and knee pain was causing me to change my life in the wrong direction. I was getting ready for a short trip to Mount Shasta for some exploring. I made a brief visit to Joseph's store and I was introduced to a 'sample of comfort and support.' The instant body reaction to correcting a flat foot was one thing, but the ankle support that was tried out with the orthotic sold me right away. Joseph did really turn my progressively waning active lifestyle into an ever increasing energized future. I cannot stop recommending his services to people that work and play on their feet most of the time. The investment continues to be well worth while. Keep up the excellent work Joseph, and thanks again." - Ian Davidson
"Until recently, I had suffered from chronic and rather severe knee pain. Soon after using Joseph's orthopedic footwear, my knee pain disappeared and, not coincidentally, so did my pain medication. My kudos to Mr. Pak for a job splendidly done!" - Dr. Jerry Amada
"To anyone considering custom shoes or orthotics from Montecito Orthopedic Footwear, I can highly recommend the work. Having had many foot surgeries, I experienced considerable foot discomfort, and could not find shoes that fit properly. Joseph identified my problems more quickly and accurately than several podiatrists and orthopedic companies I'd tried earlier. I now have a pair of beautifully-fitting, custom-made hiking boots, and two pairs of orthotics for different uses. I'm delighted with the result and am walking comfortably for the first time in several years." - Natalie Montgomery
"I am very pleased with Pak's custom arch supports. My feet were giving me problems and discomfort, but when Pak gave me the arch supports, the problem with my feet eased immediately." - John Anderson
"I highly recommend Montecito Orthopedic Footwear to anyone that has foot and ankle pain such as myself. I have gone to doctors and have worn their prescribed orthotics which did very little to help and was told that was the best that could be done for me. Then I went to Joseph, and I was told the orthotics I was wearing were wrong and was explained why. I had very little pain after putting on the ankle brace and arch support. I was told that if any problems come back, I could come back to get them adjusted. I feel great. My feet never felt better and I don't feel near as tired at the end of the day. Over all the years dealing with sore painful feet and doctors that don't seem to know how to help, I found that Montecito Orthopedic Footwear is the best there is. I also feel that I'll be a lifetime customer. Thanks so much!" - Gordan Sloan
"I can highly recommend the high quality of the workmanship and knowledge shown in the making of custom made shoes, orthotics, and orther orthopedic devices from this company. It's been a pleasure working with them." - Michael Wener, D.P.M.
"After walking painfully for years on a severely damaged ankle, the supports and the fine shoes that Joseph made for me gave me back the ability to walk normally and pain free. Thank you so much." - Felice Fendell
"Following recovery from foot and knee surgery, off the shelf shoes, braces and inserts did not provide adequate support for normal activities. Custom made ankle braces, orthotics, and shoe modifications by Joseph provided considerable relief of pain, ability to stand and walk longer as well as better balance." - Louis R. Kray