Q. What are Footminders orthotics made of? Are they hard or soft?
Footminders orthotic technology enables our products to be firm enough to provide needed arch support, but pliable enough to provide cushioning, and to mold to your feet after a few days of wear, providing maximum walking comfort. They are made of a medium-density material called E.V.A. The major advantage of E.V.A. is that it is supportive and ‘giving’ at the same time.
Q. How long will it take to get used to my new orthotics?
Because of the ‘foot-friendly’ materials used in Footminders and its anatomic shape (following the foot’s natural curves), most of our customers find them comfortable immediately after inserting in them their shoes. Some people, however, need some time to get used to them, and for the orthotics to mold to you feet. If the orthotic feels strange or uncomfortable at first, we recommend you wear them only for one hour per day, and increase the wearing time by an extra half to one hour every day, until they feel completely comfortable.
Q. Is the price listed for a single Footminders orthotic insole, or a pair ?
All of our orthotic insole products are sold exclusively in pairs, the main reason being the answer to the question below.
Q. Only one of my feet hurts. Do I need to wear the Footminders orthotics in BOTH shoes?
Most people experience pain in only their left or right foot (or heel or knee), not in both. However, you will still need to wear the orthotics in BOTH shoes, because wearing the orthotic in only one shoe will raise one side slightly and may put your body out of balance, causing your hips to be out of aligment. So please always wear the orthotic insoles in BOTH shoes.
Q. What is the difference between Footminders orthotics and regular insoles/footbeds?
There’s a big difference between regular insoles/footbeds and orthotics! Regular footbeds are mainly designed to provide a cushioning effect and shock absorption. They may feel comfortable at first, however they do not address any biomechanical problems i.e. they do not correct overpronation. Orthotics are a functional device, designed to correct and optimize our foot function. Some footbeds also feature an arch support, but often the support is too weak to have any effect or benefit, especially if the footbeds are made of very soft materials.
How do orthotics exactly work? First of all, orthotics do a lot more than supporting the arches. Orthotics re-align the feet and ankles and restore ‘faulty’ foot function. In addition, orthotics provide an even weight distribution, taking pressure off sore spots (e.g. the heels, the ball of the foot, and corns in between toes and bunions). They also provide some degree of shock absorption, but this is not their main purpose. The main purpose of an orthotic insole is to improve foot function and in many cases this will reduce foot pain and prevent future problems and injury.
Q. Can I put Footminders insoles in the washing machine or dryer?
No, please don’t! The easiest way to clean Footminders orthotics is to simply wipe them with a warm soapy cloth. Please, do not soak them or put them in a dryer.
