Orthix vs International Orthotic Labs: A Fair Comparison for Clinics
Orthix (Vancouver) and International Orthotic Labs, or IOL (Calgary), are both custom orthotics labs that work only with practitioners and supply clinics across Canada. This page sets out how each one works, using only what each lab publishes on its own website. Information from their public website as of Oct 2026.
The short version
- Both labs work only with practitioners, and both let clinics capture feet on an iPhone or iPad.
- IOL publishes an in-lab turnaround of five business days or less, full BAPFOL accreditation, a 100% money-back guarantee and a lifetime quality guarantee against normal breakage (with exclusions). It offers the IOL TrueCast app and a scanning kit with a Structure Sensor camera, available to lease or buy.
- Orthix puts the online assessment, phone or iPad capture, the 3D model the app generates, order submission and tracking in one app. It's based in Vancouver, with pickup or courier for Lower Mainland clinics. Typical fabrication is 5–10 days after lab acceptance.
Why clinics switch to Orthix
A simpler way to order custom orthotics for your clinic.
No scanner needed
Capture both feet on a phone or iPad. The Orthix app generates the 3D model.
Your first pair is free
Clinics new to Orthix get their first pair free on their first order.
All modifications free
Prescribe the modifications you need. They're included at no extra cost.
Simple online ordering
Online assessment, 3D model and order submission in one app.
Clear shipping
$8 per parcel/per orthotic, free at 21+ orders a month.
Typical fabrication 5–10 days
Typical fabrication time after lab acceptance, shipped across Canada.
No account or setup fees
Register your clinic and start ordering with no account or setup fees.
6-month guarantee
Manufacturing defects are repaired, remade or credited for 6 months after shipping.
Lab reviewed
The lab reviews every order before accepting it.
Side by side
| International Orthotic Labs (from its public website) | Orthix | |
|---|---|---|
| Lab location | #B-1115 48 Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta | 101A-8380 St. George St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3S7 |
| Who it serves | Fully custom devices "exclusively to medical practitioners". It says it can't fulfil requests from patients directly. | Clinics and practitioners across Canada only. Orthix doesn't sell to patients. |
| How orders are placed | The IOL TrueCast app (App Store) to scan, submit and manage cases. Printable and fillable PDF Rx forms. An online second-pair order form. | Online in the Orthix app, with order tracking and messaging the lab on each order |
| Foot capture | TrueCast scans with the Apple Face ID camera or a Structure Sensor camera | Phone or iPad capture in the app, and the app generates a 3D model. Foam impressions accepted as a secondary option. |
| Scanner hardware | A casting system with an iPad, Structure Sensor camera, casting bracket and app. 48-month lease or purchase options. | No dedicated scanner needed |
| Published turnaround | "Reliably five business days or less in-lab for the past decade" | Typical fabrication 5–10 days after lab acceptance (an estimate, not a guarantee) |
| Shipping | Shipment tracking link on the site. Shipping costs not stated on the pages we checked. | Typical fabrication is 5–10 days after lab acceptance; shipping time then depends on destination and courier. Pickup or courier in the Lower Mainland. Shipping is $8 per parcel/per orthotic at 1–20 orders a month and free at 21+ orders a month (Orthix Terms). |
| Warranty and adjustments | 100% money-back guarantee if you or your patient aren't happy. Lifetime quality guarantee against normal breakage (excluding TL2100). Adjustments covered up to 3 months after manufacture, per the original Rx. | Manufacturing defects are repaired, remade or credited under the Orthix Terms |
| Accreditation | Full accreditation by BAPFOL, according to its About page | Not listed in this comparison |
| Pricing | Rate list available on request | Not published on this page. Contact the lab. |
| Background | Founded in 2001 | Formerly Pioneers Orthomedix |
Information from their public website as of Oct 2026. Details change, so check with International Orthotic Labs for current terms. International Orthotic Labsis a trademark of its owner. Orthix isn't affiliated with or endorsed by International Orthotic Labs. Spotted something out of date? Email info@orthix.ca and we'll correct it.
How ordering differs
With IOL, according to its website, practitioners scan with the IOL TrueCast app, using the Face ID camera on an iPhone or iPad or a Structure Sensor camera, and submit and manage cases in the app. Printable and fillable PDF Rx forms are also available.
With Orthix, the online assessment, capture and order all happen in the Orthix app:
- Complete the online assessment. Drafts save until you're ready.
- Capture both feet on a phone or iPad.
- The app generates a 3D model. Review it with your patient.
- Submit the order. It reaches our Vancouver lab when you press submit.
- Track the order and message the lab in the app.
More detail: orthotic scanner options and what an orthotic prescription form includes.
When IOL may suit your clinic
- You want a lab that publishes an in-lab turnaround of five business days or less and a money-back guarantee.
- BAPFOL accreditation matters to your clinic.
- Your team already scans with TrueCast or a Structure Sensor and wants to keep that set-up.
- You prefer a lab based in Calgary.
When Orthix may suit your clinic
- You want the online assessment, capture, 3D model and tracking in one app.
- You don't want to lease or buy scanning hardware.
- You're a BC clinic, or in the Lower Mainland and want pickup or courier.
- You want to see each order's status and message the lab on the order itself.
Switching labs? Your first pair is free
Clinics that move to Orthix get their first pair of custom orthotics free. Register your clinic, place your first order in the Orthix app, and see the fit and finish for yourself.
For clinics new to Orthix. One free pair per clinic, applied to your first order.
Thinking about switching?
See our step-by-step guide to switching orthotics labs, compare labs on landed cost with the free orthotics lab comparison tool, and check shipping details on orthotics lab shipping across Canada.
Other comparisons: Orthix vs Paris Orthotics · Orthix vs The Orthotic Group (TOG) · Orthix vs Footmaxx
FAQ
- Is Orthix part of International Orthotic Labs?
- No. Orthix and International Orthotic Labs are separate, unrelated labs. Orthix is at 101A-8380 St. George St, Vancouver, and was formerly Pioneers Orthomedix.
- Where does this comparison come from?
- IOL information comes from its public website as of Oct 2026, and the source websites are noted on this page. Details change, so check with IOL for current terms.
- Do both labs support iPhone or iPad capture?
- Yes. According to its website, IOL's TrueCast app scans with the Apple Face ID camera or a Structure Sensor. With Orthix, you capture both feet on a phone or iPad in the Orthix app, and the app generates a 3D model.
- How long does an Orthix order take?
- Typical fabrication is 5–10 days after lab acceptance. Shipping time then depends on your destination and the courier.
- Can we use both labs?
- Yes. There's no requirement to use only one lab. You can place orders with Orthix without changing how you work with any other lab.
- Who can order from Orthix?
- Clinics and practitioners across Canada. Orthix doesn't sell to patients.
Try ordering in the Orthix app
Orthix · 101A-8380 St. George St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3S7 · +1 (604) 447-2880 · info@orthix.ca
Information from their public website as of Oct 2026. Details change, so check with International Orthotic Labs for current terms. International Orthotic Labsis a trademark of its owner. Orthix isn't affiliated with or endorsed by International Orthotic Labs. Spotted something out of date? Email info@orthix.ca and we'll correct it.
Sources: orthotic.ca, public website, checked October 2026.