Running Shoes

• HEELCUP: Medium heel cup (Deep is a consideration if the provider desires extra heel cup control, or wants to stiffen the orthotic for any reason, including a flexible flat foot).

• SHELL WIDTH: Standard shell width for males, standard or narrow for females (many women’s shoes are cut narrower at the waist

• TOPCOVER LENGTH: Full length ultrasuede (US) over 3mm Cushion Foam OR Full length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 3mm.

CONSIDERATIONS

Break in for runners recommended as follows: Once 8 hour casual break in has been completed, re-evaluate patient and based on success of break-in begin running in orthotics I mile at a time until 6 miles has been ran with no complications.

Common complications with running break-in include blistering in the arch region – first make sure the orthotic is in full contact (Fowler Test) and the patient is following the recommended break in. Warn them if they feel a hot spot

to take the orthotics out before blistering occurs. You can also place a stripe of micro pore tape over the arch of the orthotic to help with friction.

Ski Boots

• HEELCUP: Medium heel cup

• SHELL WIDTH: Narrow shell width (due to volume constraints and fit issues)

• TOPCOVER LENGTH: Full length ultrasuede (US) over 3mm Cushion Foam OR Full length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 3mm.

CONSIDERATIONS

Break in for skiiers recommended as follows: Once 8 hour casual break in has been completed, re-evaluate patient and based on success of break-in begin skiing in orthotics a couple runs the first day and increase runs based on comfort from there on.

ALPINE: Order normal shoe size and cut to fit on dispense. The arch may need to be lowered, due to the forward cant (8-12 degrees) in most alpine ski boots, because of increased arch pressure and plantar fascia pressure. Some removable liners are very thin, in this case you should consider a Full length ultrasuede (US) over 2mm Cushion Foam OR Full length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 2mm design.

Casting for Alpine Skiing

TELEMARK AND SNOWBOARDING:

A standard shell width will work for Telemark Ski boots and for snowboarding boots. The arch will typically not need to be lowered in these 2 types of boots.

Track and Cross Country Cleats

• HEELCUP: Medium Heel Cup

• SHELL WIDTH: Narrow shell width

• TOPCOVER LENGTH: Full length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 3mm or 2mm.

CONSIDERATIONS

Break in for cleats recommended as follows: Once 8 hour casual break in has been completed, re-evaluate patient and based on success of break-in begin use of orthotics in cleats. Running/Jumping activities should be broken in slowly with the same gradual increase in wear time of the orthotics. Many cleats have removable inserts, it is best to measure the thickness of this insert to ensure if a 3mm or 2mm insert thickness is best.

Cycling Shoes/Cleats

• HEELCUP: Medium Heel Cup

• SHELL WIDTH: Narrow shell width

• TOPCOVER LENGTH: Full length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 3mm or 2mm.

CONSIDERATIONS

Break in for cyclists recommended as follows: Once 8 hour casual break in has been completed, re-evaluate patient and based on success of break-in begin cycling in orthotics.

Sports Cleats (Soccer, Football, Softball, Lacrosse)

• HEELCUP: Medium Heel Cup

• SHELL WIDTH: Narrow shell width

• TOPCOVER LENGTH: Full length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 3mm or 2mm.

CONSIDERATIONS

Break in for cleats recommended as follows: Once 8 hour casual break in has been completed, re-evaluate patient and based on success of break-in begin use of orthotics in cleats. Running/Jumping activities should be broken in slowly with the same gradual increase in wear time of the orthotics. Cleats provide much less support to the foot than typical training shoes. Orthotics will feel slightly different in a cleat and therefore require the gradual break-in approach.

Many cleats have removable inserts, it is best to measure the thickness of this insert to ensure if a 3mm or 2mm insert thickness is best. Some cleats are a more standard width and would work best with a standard width design. Be sure to evaluate the cleats before designing orthotics specifically for them.

Skates (Hockey, Figure Skating, Roller Blades)

• HEELCUP: Medium Heel Cup

• SHELL WIDTH: Narrow shell width

• TOPCOVER LENGTH: Full length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 3mm or 2mm.

CONSIDERATIONS

Break in for skates recommended as follows: Once 8 hour casual break in has been completed, re-evaluate patient and based on success of break-in begin use of orthotics in cleats. Skating should be broken in slowly with the same gradual increase in wear time of the orthotics in the skates. Medial to lateral movements put different stresses on the feet that may require additional break in time to accommodate to the sport.

Dancing Shoes (Ballroom, Jazz, Ballet, Clogging)

• HEELCUP: Shallow Heel Cup

• SHELL WIDTH: Narrow shell width

• TOPCOVER LENGTH: Sulcus length Matrix (anti-microbial, anti-odor) 2mm.

CONSIDERATIONS

Break in for dancing shoes recommended as follows: Once 8 hour casual break in has been completed, re-evaluate patient and based on success of break-in begin dancing in orthotics. Dancing shoes have very little room in them for orthotics. For best success, ensure the shoe has a medial wall to support the orthotic and a heel cup that will also allow the orthotic to sit flat. Depending on heel height of the shoe, you will likely have to design for a high heel modification or make the adjustment in your office. Industrial Velcro is used in many cases to secure the orthotic into the shoe.

Ballet Point Shoes

Ballet Shoes – not good matches for Custom Orthotic Supports