I recently started running at the ripe age of 49 and not surprisingly have had some issues with my feet. I have bunions to begin with and started getting heal pain after a run, and then had some funny things go on with my nails. I've seen Dr. Wagstaff twice now and found him to be very quick in determining the source of my problem and helping to resolve my issues in the easiest and most cost-effective manner. He is clearly very bright and knowledgeable and has helped me understand the physical mechanics behind my injuries so that I can curtail them in the future. I appreciate that he is an athlete because he understands that I want to continue running and supports me in that goal. I found him to be gentle, highly professional, and sensitive about my well being, always checking in with me and making sure I am comfortable. read more

I realize that I'm most likely preaching to the choir here, as Dr. Wagstaff already has 5 well-deserved stars here, but seriously - what a great podiatrist! Went in to get a toenail fixed up, and not only did he take care of another toe that might also grow into the nail bed, but took the time to explain prevention, care, long-term foot care and overall foot/leg health. They even opened 30 minutes early so I could get into the office on time. Highly recommended. read more

I have been seeing Steven Wagstaff for the last 12 years. I think he is great because he can always identify my problem and give me the exact right solution. He is professional, courteous and results driven. I recommend him highly. He is an independent doctor working on his own. You will always see him from start to finish. read more

I recently visited Dr. Wagstaff's office to accompany my partner on a routine visit to correct an issue on which Wagstaff was making great progress. I was the hand-holder, not the patient. So, during a lull in the conversation, I was surprised when Dr Wagstaff nonchalantly asked how my feet were doing. "Fine," I said thinking he was just making chat. No. I briefly mentioned I had turned my ankle while jogging three months ago, and the swelling had not completely subsided. My internist commented that my ankle could be that way for the rest of my life(!!). Wagstaff was aghast another medical professional was without the knowledge of ankles and feet he specialized in. He really was asking how I was doing and it became obvious he had something to say. Sitting me on the examination chair he showed me how the shoes most people buy, like the kind I was wearing (Nike fencing shoes) are without support in the middle. Picking up a plaster bone model of a foot, he showed me how the foot without arch support tends to collapse toward the instep. He demonstrated how a simple arch support allows the foot to walk heel down first, then touch off from the big toe all the while with the arch supported the ankle remains straight. That promotes correct healing. I walked out with new understanding and a pair of simple arch supports to turn crappy sport shoes into better sport shoes. Here is a man who cares about how feet work, and while using his knowledge running in his own marathon races, is happy to share what he knows so others can run better too. A true healer. read more

Okay, I have this warts in my feet which is bother me a lot. I went to podiatrist and dermatologist. They couldn't get rid of it. So, i tried Dr. Wagstaff last week. Seriously, he is the most caring and attention person I have seem in my whole life. We going to start the treatment next week and I am sure I will be warts free soon! So excited to see my feet nice and smooth! :) read more

Found great reviews for Dr Wagstaff on yelp when looking for a podiatrist due to some foot pain I'd recently developed. Appreciated that he personally called me back to confirm the appointment and find out what was going on. As other yelpers said, he is very thorough and wish he do more than just podiatry! He figured out what was going on quickly and didn't default to expensive treatments. Fantastic doctor and I highly recommend. read more

I had badly injured the plantar region of my foot and nothing could stop the pain, until I went to Dr. Wagstaff and got a set of exercises to do daily, an informative talk on how the foot actually works, step by step advice, and counseling on how to bring my foot back into its proper position. Many podiatrists just cast your foot right away and give you orthotics for your ideal foot; but if your ankle doesn't have the right angle of rotation first, and your calves aren't stretched, they will feel awful and you'll probably never wear them. Dr. Wagstaff gradually gets your foot realigned and analyzes your gait. By the time you get your inserts, you will love them---and be thrilled that you can walk and run pain free again. He is a genius who understand the architecture of the foot and a healer who knows the attitude is also key to getting better. read more

Dr. Wagstaff is the best. Period. Go to him. Do what he says. You'll feel better.

I belong to an HMO and have worn the same orthotics for many, many years. Dissatisfied with the foot care for my recurring problems, I hobbled into Dr. Wagstaffs office in a walking boot and in pain. After telling him MY diagnosis and my desire for new orthotics, Dr. Wagstaff examined me. Explained the actual mechanical problem, gave me calf stretch exercises and cut my orthotics with blade to correct a flaw. NO new costly orthotics, NO come back for lots of visits. Just do these exercises and get on with life. WOW. I actually left the office in my sneakers, really pain free and very very happy. I highly recommend seeing Dr. Wagstaff for his counsel and remedies. read more

I was referred to Dr. Wagstaff by a friend after suffering from a mysterious pain in my foot that no one could properly diagnose. I had been unable to run for more than two months and was frantic to figure out the problem but giving up hope. I went to see him with very low expectations but he was able to figured out exactly what the problem was and fit me with new orthodics which inevitably solved the problem and cured my foot pain. I am now back running with no lingering discomfort or problems. I have seen people of all ages and types in his office and so it seems he is good with a variety of foot ailments. I would definitely say however that because he is an athlete himself he is most excellent at getting runners back up and running again without ASAP. He is a great pod doc and seems to be an all-around good guy as well. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Wagstaff for a few years now for various issues and he has always been very knowledgeable, thoughtful, professional, and eager to explain the intricate dynamics of walking and running, and how these activities can result in various foot problems. He has a great bedside manner and it's usually easy to get an appointment within a reasonable timeframe. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a solid, competent and friendly podiatrist. read more

Very much enjoyed my experience with Dr. Wagstaff. Not only did he quickly get me in for an appointment and address my problem, he was generous with his time and expertise. I would not hesitate to recommend him and if you are a fellow athlete (runner, triathlete, etc.) I think you'll find he can relate directly and personally to your needs. read more

After a terrible fall where I sprained my ankle and badly bruised my foot to the point that I could hardly walk for weeks, a friend told me to go to Dr. Wagstaff. What an amazing doctor! He is so thorough and so attentive and takes the time to carefully share your options so that you are educated about his recommendations and why. And my foot is so much better! I would recommend him to anyone with any kind of foot problems. Really a rare gem amongst doctors this days!! read more

Dr Wagstaff is highly competent as well as friendly, articulate, considerate, thorough and generous. Without going into detail about my personal medical history, I can say that he has solved the issues I brought to him, helping me keep my job and prosper. I was never taken advantage of, he offered options along every step of the way in terms of intervention and cost. His positive and constructive advice allowed me to make good progress on my own. He has also been accomodating with last minute scheduling in an emergency. I have consulted with several podiatrists both in Europe and the U.S. but had not been treated this efficiently before. read more

Dr. Wagstaff is fabulous! I went to Dr. Wagstaff for a broken foot. He was completely booked the day I found out I broke my foot, but he stayed late to see me and fit me for a walking boot. He is extremely knowledgeable and was very patient in explaining everything to me and answering all of my (many!) questions. He is very pleasant and has the best bedside manner of any doctor I have ever been to. Every time I have an appointment with him, he says "I'm here for you," and he truly means it. read more

My wife had a serious foot injury and we visited Dr. Wagstaff. He is.not only an excellent physician, but is a committed healer. In the months since our original visit, he's proven to be a very caring and knowledgeable person. If we could give him six stars, we would do so! Thanks, Dr Wagstaff for being the ultimate professional. read more

I've been seeing Dr Wagstaff for over a year and find him to be very patient focused and hard working. Unlike the big practices that can make you feel like you are on a production line of revenue, Dr Wagstaff runs his own practice and takes the extra time to explain his treatment ideas - it wasn't until I asked him about custom inserts that we even discussed them. He is not trying to squeeze profit from his patients. I can't recommend him highly enough, go to Dr Wagstaff if you want a talented local doc with a personal approach. read more

ATHLETES of all varieties, injured or not, take my advice and see Dr Wagstaff. I very reluctantly went to see him after sustaining a painful IT band injury while training for a half marathon and it was the best decision I ever made. I am without a doubt a better runner because of him. I honestly rolled my eyes when my husband suggested it. A "foot guy" for a hip injury? It seemed ridiculous at the time but I am a believer now. After a lengthy breakdown of foot mechanics and the correlation to the knee and hip, Dr Wagstaff determined which of my legs was slightly longer and therefore rotating out at the hip to compensate. He also noted my calf muscles were extremely tight and dragging my foot down. He gave me a handout explaining what defined a supportive running shoe (mine instantly failed the test) and then sent me home with a slightly built up orthotic and directions for daily calf stretches. I was back in a week and a half with notably loosened calves and Dr Wagstaff built the orthotics up a bit more, stacking the heel of my slightly shorter leg to even them out. A week and a half later I was ready to be fitted for my permanent orthotics, which Dr Wagstaff does the old school way with his actual HANDS and plaster gauze. My orthotics are wonderful. I switch them out in every shoe I own, including the clogs I wear as an RN, a job that has me on my feet for 12 hours at a stretch, and of course my running shoes. I really do believe that proper foot mechanics can ward off any number of injuries and strains in the spine, the hips and knees, etc. and I am so grateful to him for the education and the care. Oh, and I completed that half marathon, by the way! read more

My sincerest thanks to Stephen J Wagstaff, DPM in Larkspur, CA! Last year it had become difficult, very painful to walk uphill or over a few blocks. Historically 8 to 10 miles per day was not uncommon, when traveling. Thanks to Dr Wagstaff's diagnostics, stretching, exercises and orthotic inserts in the last 2 days I have walked 47,400 steps or 23.5 miles without any discomfort other than that which would be expected! That's maybe the greatest "gift" I have ever received! read more

I have nothing but praise for Dr. Wagstaff. I have been a patient of his for the last six months, and I have seen tremendously positive results. He not only helped me conquer nail fungus, which had plagued me for years, but he also recommended custom orthotics for me, and they have been great. I have very flat feet, and this has caused me many back problems for years. Off the shelf orthotics only gave me limited relief. The custom orthotics have made a world of difference for me. As other reviewers have stated, I really appreciated Dr. Wagstaff's detailed explanation of foot mechanics. This really helped me to understand exactly why my flat feet were not only causing back issues, but also contributed to my nail fungus. He is certainly one of the best doctors of any specialty that I have have encountered. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. read more

Dr Wagstaff is great! He has helped me through a few different foot issues. One time I had a piece of glass in my foot, another time I saw him for plantar fasciitis, and another time for a split toenail. He takes his time, is thorough, and kind. Very professional - highly recommend! He also doesn't push orthotics unnecessarily as a sales tactic like other podiatrists I've seen in the past. read more

Have alway received great customer service here. Alison at the front desk is very sweet with me and my Grandmother who also comes here. Dr. Wagstaff doesn't just want to slap a bandage on your feet. He really educates you on your problem and wants to get to the root of it before drastic measures are taken. Why wait until you need surgery to fix it if you can fix it now with more holistic products. I love that! read more

Simply terrific DPM! I am 75 and had been nursing a bunion for twenty years. Recently, pain was constant and another DPM advised surgery was required. I sought a second opinion from Dr. Wagstaff at the suggestion of a friend. He carefully evaluated my foot and suggested orthotics and specific exercises. What he did which was unique and truly superb in my experience is he explained in detail the dynamics of walking, where and why my foot balances were off/needed correction, and how and why the orthotics correction would very likely resolve the pain symptoms. It worked! Other than having to use orthotics in my shoes and sneakers I am now pain free and very happy. read more

This is an attentive and effective doctor. I had a very stubborn, and very uncomfortable, wart on the sole of my foot for ~10 years. Long story short, I was treated by Dr. Wagstaff and his treatment worked perfectly. I went to a number of other doctors during the previous years. Those doctors included other podiatrists (some local) who said that treatment was no problem, super standard, and easy. Then they would burn, freeze, and cut holes - leaving the wart plus added scar tissue and callus. One other local podiatrist told me the only way to remove it would be a very invasive surgery going in from the top, which would leave me on crutches for weeks. Dr. Wagstaff quickly and professionally assessed the situation, and offered an alternative, newer, treatment. The treatment resulted in the wart gone, and no scarring, or callusing. The wart is still gone months later. For the first time in ages the bottom of my foot looks normal, and I don't have discomfort when I walk. Dr. Wagstaff was very aware of comfort (or dis-comfort if need be) during treatment, clear communication, patient curiosity, and had a great chair-side manner. He carefully explained how the foot works, how it can influence the rest of the body, and how that pertained to other issues I was having (knees etc.). He suggested stretches and inserts that helped, just as an aside to my main purpose for the appointment. He obviously takes pride in his job, and being the best possible at it. This applies to technical knowledge, as well as good business practice and patient treatment. Thank you Dr. Wagstaff! read more

I've just returned from a visit with Dr. Wagstaff and was very, very impressed. He explained everything about the general mechanics of the foot and then the specifics of my own foot. He offered simple solutions and exercises for my calf, foot, ankle issues, and sent me home with arch supports and an adjusted insole. It's only been an hour and my whole lower body feels better already. I know I need custom orthotics, and he's my guy! I saw a podiatrist years ago who was/is the podiatrist for the Oakland A's, but he was half as knowledgeable and cared maybe a third of the amount Dr. Wagstaff does -- about my issues and his job. Thank you, Doc! read more

I really appreciate Dr. Wagstaff 's holistic approach to medicine. I went to see him for plantar fasciitis. He used non-invasive techniques and body mechanics. read more

My initial interaction with Dr. Wagstaff was through my assistant, who called to get more information about his methods, process, and costs. His conversation with my assistant (both times) was courteous, pleasant, and very informative. My recent visit with Dr. Wagstaff brought more of the same treatment. Dr. Wagstaff took all the time I needed to explain what is going on with me, without making me ask. He shared a lot of information about why he was doing what he was doing and explained everything in such a way that it was very easy for me to understand. He shared a lot of information about how I could easily change my lifestyle, including what shoes to look for and exercises I could do, that would help me to obtain a higher quality of life. I especially liked the way he gets his insoles produced. The fact that his insoles are made out of a block plastic and are carved out instead of melted molds, makes them a lot stronger and more durable. I find that very attractive, as someone who has worn insoles for a long time. However the best thing is that I always felt he took the time to explain everything I wanted to know, and I never felt rushed for a second (unlike experiences I had with other care providers). All-in-all, he was dead-on about my specific issues, presented himself as a really smart and very thoughtful doctor of podiatry, and I felt well taken care of. I would whole-heartedly recommend going to visit Dr. Steven Wagstaff for your podiatric needs. read more

I paid my high bill off a couple months ago. I continue to get bills. I have called the billing office and still no results. I have tried to call Dr. office several times-noone answers the phone. The 2X I went there the young lady sitting there was not all that busy so why not pick up the phone? Don't let the Dr. cut any callouses, you will be billed a ridiculous amt. for this. Get a pedicure from a reputable salon and save yourself some money. The pre-inserts Dr. Wagstaff made hurt my feet so much worse than they already hurt that I didn't trust him to make custom orthotics for me. The price was insane and they weren't willing to do the legwork to see how much my insurance would pay for custom. I did find out that if you just get out of southern Marin the prices are better. To Dr. Wagstaffs credit he did give me some stretches that continue to be helpful. I'm currently wearing a semi custom orthotic until I can save my pennies for custom. dr. Wagstaff needs to realize that not everyone in Marin is wealthy and that customer service such as having office staff assist with checking insurance and being certain that accounts are credited when someone hand delivers a check to the office is really important. Currently I'm not well with much more serious problems and the fact that the burden is back on me to get a copy of my check and hassle with this is pretty annoying I'm not sure if I'll ever go back as I was mostly unimpressed with my overall experience. Since this review Dr. Wagstaff has tried to call me back after I called and he returned my call about billing. The second call to me was about this review. As I stated in that call I am not well.I do not want to talk to you. All I want is for someone from your office to call your billing office and have them correct their books and stop sending me bills. That I appreciate. The fact that you call me at I time when I have bigger worries to discuss this review says volumes . read more

I stand by my original negative review of Dr. Wagstaff's services. He claims he reached out to me but this is untrue. He told me point blank that he had cured my ailment and again this was not true. I also found him to be very high priced for the inserts he made for my running shoes. And they did not fit properly. He has written a very long defense here but the fact remains his services were unsatisfactory. I have no axe to grind. I just want an honest appraisal. If your insurance will pay his high prices and he can help you heal, that's great. I can only report on my own experience. read more

Stephen Wagstaff and his back office are a complete joke. He has disgraced the profession of ethical and caring doctors by conforming to selling in-soles at a premium as his go-to treatment for any health case. He perpetuates the insensitivity to patient needs by trying to suggest unnecessary custom orthotics just to bill your insurance by any means necessary to cover his overhead. He is arragont and should reevaluate his methodology of his career. If you don't take my word for it , create an appt and see how fast it takes him to suggest you need orthotic inserts as a great solution. It's more than sad to see how his office can possibly sleep at night with this cookie cutter routine for people who need a podiatrist that cares about their condition. Do yourself a favor and find another podiatrist. read more

It is with gratitude and deep appreciation I chose to give Dr. Wagstaff an excellent rating and whole heartedly recommend him as a dedicated healer for his patients.. He is very ethical, from my experience, regrading his method of creating custom made orthotics.. From my understanding, I recall him saying, (paraphrase), the angle of the ankles, vis a vis a normal, healthy gait, must be 0 degrees plus and he instructed me to do hamstring stretches until I attained his recommendation..He then took molds of my feet, with my feet resting in a horizontal position.. Two weeks later, I picked up my custom made orthotics and have felt an alchemical change for the better..I no longer have a swollen right foot, ankle or knee!!!! I feel so grounded and truly, my gait is more congruent, much easier dorsi flexion, ankle flexibiilty and easier lifting of my right leg.. I walk with confidence now and faster while feeling safe in my balance.. Also Alison, the Office Manager, is wonderful, caring, professional and very efficient..She is a delight.. Thank you so much again, Dr. Wagstaff, words are inadequate for the freedom I now feel in taking each step.. Keep up your great artistry in custom made orthotics.... Cheers, Carol S. Bostick read more

I can't recommend Dr. Wagstaff highly enough! I was on the path toward surgery for a very painful neuroma when my NP suggested I get a second opinion and gave me Dr. Wagstaff's name. At my first appointment he asked me if anyone ever explained how the foot works. Uh, actually no. So he spent 5 minutes explaining the mechanics of the foot and ankle, how my issue was essentially a structural one (flattened arches and uber tight calves), and that I didn't need surgery. Sent me home to do exercises and I came back 2 weeks later to be cast for new orthotics. Since diligently doing my calf stretches and wearing my old pair of orthotics I have had zero foot pain, despite long hikes (10+ miles) and bike rides (20 miles) which before would have left me in agony. Because of Dr. Wagstaff I no longer need expensive foot surgery with all the down time that entails and am looking forward to my Machu Picchu trek in May! read more

I love Dr. Wagstaff! I came to him for a second opinion for a bunion in my big toe. My previous Dr. Gave me a cortisone shot in my foot and recommended surgery if that didn't help. Dr. Wagstaff did a thorough examination and even more thorough explanation of how our feet work. He then made orthotics for my shoes. I have been using these for 6 months now and have NO pain or problems with my feet. I can now take long hikes pain free. Thank you Dr. Wagstaff for taking such good care of me. I recommend him very highly. read more

Dr Wagstaff seems to have fixed my ankle/bunion problems; he explained that the bunion was caused by uneven leg length. He gave me some calf stretching exercises and fit me with orthotics, which have helped quite a bit. He treats the source of the problem by working on the mechanics. I personally wasn't crazy about his lengthy and technical explanations of foot mechanics, but that's just me. I appreciate the fact that he's thinking. read more

Dr. Wagstaff is an honest, no-nonsense foot doctor who cured my plantar fachiitis the natural, correct way. I had gone to a different local foot doc for the past year, and all he kept doing was shooting my foot up with cortisone and taping my foot and making me buy orthodic inserts. He never taught me the correct ways to stretch (which is paramount for plantar fachiitis) and I suffered for an entire year. I switched to Dr. Wagstaff and he taught me exactly why the condition is so painful and what everyday things I can do to correct it. He didn't pressure me into inserts and refused to give me cortisone shots. My plantar is gone now. THANK YOU, DR. WAGSTAFF, for caring about your patients long-term health (not just short-term fixes)!! read more

I was referred to Dr. Wagstaff 3 years ago by a physical therapist who recommended him highly. I suffer from flat feet and damaged ankles. I had been using orthotics for decades and was having difficulty with long hikes of over 4 miles. Dr. Wagstaff fitted me with the most comfortable orthotics I have owned and offered advice on how to strengthen my feet. I have had very good results and just ordered a second pair of orthotics. He is respectful and kind. read more

I'm so glad I went to see Dr. Wagstaff. I went to him for a second opinion on what I thought was a broken sesamoid bone. My options with my other podiatrist was to try shoe inserts or reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, the inserts he had made me weren't helping with the pain, so he was getting ready to set up a surgery. I'm a college student, and doing surgery would have been one of the most inconvenient things that could happen right now. I went to see Dr. Wagstaff, who went to tell me that I did not have a broken sesamoid, but more that the ligament/tendon in my calf that helped me move was not stretching correctly which caused my extreme pain. He fixed my orthotics and showed me some exercises to do to help alleviate the pain. It only took me two weeks of this to completely get rid of the pain. I can run and walk normally now and wear any type of shoe! I'm so thankful to Dr. Wagstaff for helping me when I thought I was going to have to get surgery. He's so knowledgeable and I hope he can help other people who are in similar situations. read more

I appreciate that YELP offers the opportunity to check out professionals and then make a decision about scheduling an appointment. I had noticed that virtually all reviewers had had uniformly excellent experiences. You can't win them all. That said, my experience of Dr. Wagstaff was just great. He's not warm and fuzzy which can be a distraction but, thoughtful, empathetic and, most importantly, good at what he does. I went to see him with an ongoing heel problem that made it nearly impossible to walk. Yes, I bought a boot which wasn't covered by insurance ($200+) but, I walked out of the office. I followed his instructions and took to heart the explanation he gave to me and I'm quite sure my problem is handled. I have already recommended him to friends, without hesitation. Good guy, highly accomplished, a competitive athlete who seriously knows feet. Also located in one of the coolest mid-century buildings around. Thanks doc!!! read more

Went to him, twice, and each time he gave me more medical information than my previous doctors did. Extremely gentle, and with problems of ingrown toe nails, which can be extremely painful, he removed it with little discomfort. Can't recommend him enough. read more

Dr. Wagstaff is the best podiatrist I have ever seen and I have been to more than I can recall. I only wish I had seen him when i was young! Perhaps my feet would not be so bad, nor would I have had detrimental alcohol injections and a collection of more inserts than imaginable. I have plantar fasciitis and generally horrible feet and he has taken a conservative and helpful approach. read more