Fitting and Care Instructions
The 1st thing you should know about your new foot supports is DO NOT RUSH! Conditions that took years to develop will not disappear immediately.
An important factor for the supports to function correctly is your footwear. Please use common sense when you are choosing your style of footwear. (You may need to purchase new footwear. Worn out footwear, especially uneven heels, will affect the results of the supports.) REMOVE any extra padding, arch cookies, heel pads, etc. from your footwear before inserting the supports.
You should remove the innersole and place the orthotic in the base of the shoe, you should then replace the innersole providing the innersole is the sale general thickness though out. We recommend that the innersole is only 3-5mm thick again with constant thickness, it may have shape to it along as its not thick on one side to the other.
You may experience minor aches and pains in your back, hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet during the break in period, this is not uncommon.
Suggested Wearing Times: (this is a general guideline, basically if they are comfortable keep wearing them if they are painful then try the below instructions)
Day 1: 30 minutes total for the day
Day 2: 30 minutes sessions x3 times/day
Day 3: 60 minutes sessions x3 times/day
Day 4: 90 minutes sessions x3 times/day
Day 5: 120 minutes sessions x3 times/day
Day 6: 180 minutes sessions x3 times/day
**YOU MAY WEAR THEM ALL DAY ON DAY 7.**
**You may encounter some discomfort during this break-in-period, if so … shorten the wearing times.**
Commence wearing your orthotics first thing in the morning or after you have been off your feet for awhile. If you have been resting, relaxing, or eating, do not go barefoot, wear your supports before standing on your feet. Follow the guidelines. The break-in-period of your new supports can take as many as 14 days or 60 hours of wearing time.
Fitting Supports Into Footwear
Different shoe styles have different insoles that come with the shoe. Before fitting the support into the shoe, make sure that the insole that comes with the shoe is relatively flat and is removable. If an insole has too much material added to it, the support will not fit properly. We do recommend placing the support under the insole (where applicable).
Insole should be flat with no added support. Added material on existing insoles do not let supports do their job properly
When inserting the supports into a pair of shoes, be certain that you place the support all the way back into the heel. By doing this, it makes certain that the support is in the proper position.
If you are wearing a lace up style shoe, we do recommend that you untie your shoes when taking them off, and make sure they’re untied when putting them on. We recommend this procedure to eliminate breaking down the heel counter.
Shoe Fitting Tips
1. Shoe sizes are not standard – Sizes vary between shoe brands and styles. A size 9D from one manufacturer might fit like a size 9B from another. Don’t select shoes by the size marked on the shoe. Start with a size range, try them on, and walk around with them.
2. Have both feet measured every time you purchase a pair of shoes – Over the course of your lifetime, your feet will change in both size and shape. For many people, one foot is slightly longer and/or wider than the other, so fit the largest foot first. Try to wear the type of socks you will use for the specific activity.
3. Select shoes that match the shape of your foot – If your foot shape matches your shoe shape, you’re on the right track to a good shoe fit.
4. When you shop for shoes, try on various types and styles – Judge shoes by how they fit your feet. Don’t select any style that feels too tight, too loose, or irritates part of your foot. If shoes feel too snug or too loose at the time of fitting, your feet may hurt later on.
5. Shoes should be as wide as your feet, and longer – When shoes contact the ground during walking or running, feet elongate. Allow adequate space at the end of the shoe for your longest toe.
6. Make sure the widest part of your foot (the ball) fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe – This match permits shoes to bend where your feet flex, giving you a more functional and more comfortable wearing experience.
7. Heels should fit comfortably in the shoes – Don’t buy shoes too small to avoid heel slippage. If your foot has excessive slippage in the heel of your shoe, try a different shoe, or ask your shoe fitter to make some minor adjustments.
8. Supports affect the way a shoe fits – Foot supports will take up shoe space intended for your feet. You should always try your supports in the new shoes prior to purchase.
9. Choose shoes appropriate for the activity and the time your perform that activity – Feet change shape and size during the day and under different conditions – after exercise, in warm weather, with weight gain, or from sitting to standing. When shoe shopping, remember that your feet are generally larger after an activity than preceding it, so buy accordingly.
10. Walk in the shoe to make sure it feels comfortable – No need to do a marathon run while trying on shoes, but at least take a walk around the store. Shoes express your fashion sense and affect your health and activities, so choose wisely. Shop in stores that offer full service, including a good size and width selection and staff trained in proper shoe fitting and measuring. You may want to wear your new shoes at home before you use them in the elements.
11. Shop for your new shoes at the end of the day – Your feet are swollen towards the end of the day. When shopping for new shoes at the end of the day, you can achieve a more accurate fit with your new shoes.
Washing Tips
You may wash your new supports, when required, with a mild liquid soap. Wet and apply the soap, wash your supports with your fingers and rinse off remaining soap with lukewarm water. Let them air dry until you need them next.