FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are Step Forward orthotics?The Step Forward Foot Correctors are “Orthotics”. They are designed to reposition the bone structure of the foot and help align the body, helping to alleviate misalignments with the knees, hips and back.
How does Step Forward orthotics work?
The "Soft-Step" Orthotic starts with the shape of a normal healthy foot and by working the muscle groups, the foot adapts to the correct shape.
We size to the length and width of your foot then support the bones and work the muscles with this bio-engineered-balanced form. The hard form is designed to support body weight to align your knees, hips and back. The flexing action of the orthotics is designed to exercise muscle groups, toning and stretching muscle groups, increasing circulation (a diabetic benefit), thereby reducing fatigue. This is not a miracle overnight cure. There is a break-in period - a period of training the muscle groups - to the new shape. This break-in period can be as little as a week, typically two to three weeks with some as long as a month. Please refer to the “How orthotics work” page for detailed discussion. (link coming soon)
What types of orthotics are available from Step Forward?
The Soft Step is our most corrective orthotic. Over 95% of our clientele are fitted with these. The Thin Step orthotic is a little less corrective, designed for special circumstances, like an inflexible foot due to age or injury. The Thin Step is a great alternative for tighter fitting shoes. If you already have a pair of Soft Steps, you may consider purchasing a pair of complementary Thin Steps for this type of footwear.
Do you take a cast or mold of my foot?
No. If we were to start with a copy of your bad foot we would start with all your misalignment. We want your foot to change. We start with the normal healthy foot shape, with this bio-engineered balanced form we will work the muscle groups of the foot to adapt to the correct shape. After taking your footprint, we measure and size the orthotics to the length and width of your foot. We have arches in dozens of different sizes to match the bone structure.
How do you fit my feet?
We start by taking a weight bearing footprint of each foot. We use this to measure the length of the foot from the heel to the ball of the foot. We don’t want these to run the entire length of your foot for a few reasons:
1. We are fitting to the bone structure and the body weight is meant to be carried in the arch.
The toes are mainly used to balance the body.
2. Sometimes the full length orthotics are difficult to fit inside shoes
What is the difference between casted/molded orthotics and pre-fabricated orthotics?
Casted orthotics begins with a mold of the improper muscle balance that the feet and legs currently have. They are usually made in a non-weight bearing position, and the foot is usually supported with some pressure from under the 5th metatarsal head and with the other hand at the ankle joint to establish neutral for the ankle. The theory is that mold to the neutral foot, and the orthotic will hold the foot and ankle neutral when standing.
For some people, a modicum of support and stability will meet their needs, and a casted shape can give relief for many foot and back problems. But since we are not restoring collapsed metatarsal arches with this technique, it can help only partially, and many problems cannot be adequately addressed.
A pre-formed orthotic PROPERLY SHAPED, such as the Soft Step or Plastosan (not the only options), and PROPERLY FITTED, will place the bone structure of the foot in optimum position, allowing the skeleton to balance as it naturally does when barefoot on soft ground (with the knee balanced over the Mid-Tarsal Joint of the foot). In this case, all three of the arches of the foot are supported, the mid-tarsal joint is allowed to flex naturally, and the whole foot is stabilized laterally (side-to-side). Lateral stability is a function of the reverse triangle that the orthotic provides to interlock the triangle design of the foot.
When the foot is properly supported, the results are astounding for most people. The proprioceptors in the brain will center the knees over the Mid-Tarsal Joints of the feet, and most of the muscles used for standing and walking relax. In this posture, muscles are at a state of rest and only experience tension when needed for movement. The pelvis balances on the hips, and the spine balances on the pelvis.
How long does it take to get used to them?
Some people are able to wear them full-time in as little as a week while others may take up to 3-6 weeks. Everyone’s foot is different. Each customer is given specific instruction on how to wear them and for how long. Customers who try wearing them too often too soon may develop some bruising of muscles. This will subside once the wearer follows the wearing instructions provided to them at the time of purchase. Please refer to the "Break-In" page for more information.
How long do these last?
The material is made to last, without breaking down, for up to 15 years. Depending on a person’s activity level, their working environment or what they do on a daily basis can determine how the wear of the orthotics will hold up. Occasionally the foot will correct and the muscles will relax enough to change the size of your orthotic. As a child grows, he or she may need to change to a larger size with the growth of their feet. The orthotics are typically good to fit up to two shoe sizes difference.
Can you run in these?
Are the orthotics absorbent?
NO. Our orthotics are not absorbent. We use durable medical grade plastics regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, a proprietary blend of special polymers from DuPont, which are inert. The orthotics do not absorb fat, sweat or odor.
Can you wash them?
YES. Our base orthotics can be washed with mild soap, such as hand soap or dishwashing liquid. Allow to dry.
How much do these cost?
Our retail price is $349.95 USD for US domestic sales.
Couldn’t I just buy a cheaper insert from the store?
Yes, of course you can. There are big differences between Step Forward Orthotics versus a shoe insert purchased over the counter.
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STEP FORWARD
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OVER THE COUNTER
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REPLACE THEM IN:
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10-15 years
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6 months-2 years (typically)
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MATERIAL THEY’RE MADE OF:
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Hypoallergenic, non-absorbent medical plastic
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Foam or leather (which absorb sweat and odor and break down over time)
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HOW THEY’RE SIZED:
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Custom fitted (from heel to metatarsal)
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One size, or per shoe size
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WHAT THEY DO FOR THE BODY:
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Provide support, stabilization, proper alignment, and muscle strengthening
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Provide cushion and some support
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Does Health Insurance cover these?
Yes, the Soft Step Foot Correctors and the Plastosan Orthotics are covered by many health insurance policies. There are many different types of policy from each insurance company, each unique in terms. Be aware that not all policies pay for medical equipment, and if yours does, be aware of your deductible before you buy.
NOTE: SOFT STEP FOOT CORRECTORS ARE MADE OF MATERIAL THAT IS FDA APPROVED FOR DIABETIC USE; THEY ARE BREATHABLE, REDUCE SPECIFIC PRESSURES IN THE FEET, INCREASE CIRCULATION IN THE LOWER EXTREMETIES, IMPROVE BALANCE SKILLS, AND WILL NOT RETAIN ODOR OR BACTERIA.
If you have purchased the Orthotics already, you can submit your receipt or proof of purchase to your insurance company for reimbursement, minus any applicable deductible. Most insurance companies have reimbursement forms on their websites, and with some companies all you need to submit is the reimbursement form and your receipt. It is up to your own insurance company and plan to decide if your new orthotics will be reimbursed.
Some policies also require a prescription from your doctor for reimbursement. If this is the case, and you already own your Orthotics, you only need to contact your doctor and say, "Doc, I bought these arch supports and they are helping me feel better, could you please write a prescription for me for insurance reimbursement?" Most physicians are happy to accommodate you if you are already having success with your Orthotics. You can obtain a prescription from almost any type of doctor, including M.D., Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.), Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.), Dr. of Osteopathy (D.O.), Orthopedic Doctor, Physical Therapist (P.T.), Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), Podiatrist (D.P.M.), and many more.
Do I need a prescription to buy these?
No. You can purchase them at your pleasure. However, you most likely WOULD need a prescription if you pursue a reimbursement through your insurance company.
Do these work for a person who has diabetes?
YES! They increase circulation and aid in reducing ulcer pressure. The non-absorbent, hypoallergenic material can be washed daily if needed. They do not house any micro-organisms or bacteria which people with diabetes are often exposed to with other orthotics. The orthotics will not absorb odor or sweat, nor will it retain moisture under the foot. We recommend washing regularly.
Will this cure my problem?
We have had great success adressing varoius problems unfortutnaly the only thing we can "cure" is ham. These foot correctors are happily worn throughout the world and you should never self-diagnose a medical condition without seeking your medical professional’s advice. Step Forward Orthotics assist in working towards the goal of a healthier way of life.
Will I have to always wear my orthotics for life?
The Soft Step Orthotic is considered a foot corrector because, over time, a person may notice a change in their body posture, the relief of pressure on their joints such as knees and hips, and a reduction of pain in their feet. We recommend that once you have felt a relief of your symptoms, that you continue to wear the orthotics all of the time. This is because when you wear them, your body is kept in the proper alignment at all times which will decrease the risk of having return symptoms.
What is the most important thing to remember?
Please follow the instructions on how to break-in the orthotics. It is important to take care of your feet because they are the foundation to the body above it! We also recommend keeping them out of reach of children or pets to avoid misplaced, lost, or damaged orthotics.
Who wears Step Forward orthotics?
Anyone of any age and any body type can wear Step Forward Foot Correctors. We can fit infants to a person in their 90’s. Most people will only purchase orthotics once they’ve experienced foot, knee, hip, or back problems. Some people will purchase an orthotic for a preventative intervention prior to experiencing any problems.
Can children be fitted for orthotics?
Yes, children and even infants can be fitted for orthotics. A child’s foot can take some years to develop an arch and therefore appear flat. Occasionally, this flat foot will cause disruption in the child’s daily life. It is important to recognize the need for a foot correcting orthotic as early as possible to maintain proper alignment for the entire body to grow properly.
Where are Step Forward orthotics sold?
Step Forward Foot Correctors began selling at the Western WA Puyallup Fair in 1974. You can catch us at many of the local trade shows, home shows, and fairs throughout the US and world. We have expanded broadly to the international market and have distributors all over. We provide our orthotics to chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and other medical professionals who, in turn, provide their patients with the orthotics.
All feet are different, so how can one shape fit every person’s foot?
Feet do come in all shapes and sizes. The bones are essentially the same shape, but the feet become misaligned because the muscles, ligaments and tendons have pulled the bones out of shape. The Soft Step Foot Correctors shape was perfected through over 15 years of research, analysis and experimentation and has proven to be successful over decades of extensive use.
Why don’t podiatrists sell them?
Our products are corrective and therefore have the potential to alleviate most foot ailments, non-surgically. If worn early on…most foot problems can be avoided. Most podiatrists tend to address foot problems surgically when the problems become painful and extremely symptomatic.
What kinds of shoes can I wear these in?
These fit in typically 95% of all shoes including: clogs, sandals, high heels, athletic shoes, dress shoes, work boots, etc. It can be more difficult to fit these inside shoes that have a very narrow toe box (such as a cowboy boot) or a very high insole (such as the brand Dansko). We recommend you bring the orthotics along with you when shopping for your next pair of shoes to make certain they will fit.
Do these work in boots?
Yes, but be aware of a narrow toe-box, as the foot can have trouble sliding into the boot with the metatarsal support blocking it. We recommend you bring the orthotics along with you when shopping for your next pair of boots to make certain they will fit.
Will I need to buy larger shoes?
No. The orthotic only goes ¾ length of the foot and will easily transfer from shoe to shoe. Also, there is a misconception that because the arch is high in the middle of the foot, that the foot would be pushed upward into the shoe. What is really happening is that all three arches of the foot are being fully supported to hold your weight. If the orthotic is properly fitted, the bone structure will maintain proper alignment and the toes will feel like they have even MORE room than without the orthotic in the shoe.
Do these make my heel slip out of my shoe?
Some people can experience their heel sliding out of the back of the shoe. This is typically only in the first week or two of the break-in period. Remember that we are putting an orthotic, that your foot is not used to, into your shoe that holds your foot in a certain position. Until your muscles begin to relax (which is assisted by the flexibility of the orthotic), you heel may slightly move up when you step. If this is problematic for you, we recommend you to purchase heel grips.
How does my footprint tell me I have problems elsewhere in my body?
The weight bearing footprint can tell us what areas of the foot are experiencing the most or least amount of pressure. Our body’s main function is to maintain balance and stand up as straight as possible. As a person takes part in activities and/or has an injury, the way they walk can begin to develop bad habits. These habits can cause constant pulling and tugging on muscle insertions, tendons and ligaments, thus putting the body out of alignment. Reflexology charts can help to deduce what may be happening within the body, above the foot.
Can I add cushioning to my orthotics?
Yes, but only if the cushioning is flat and does not have a built in arch support. As you purchase an athletic shoe, pull out the manufacturers arch and replace it with the Step Forward Foot Corrector. Another option is to cut around the arch and replace it back into the shoe either on top or bottom of the orthotic.
Can I wear my orthotics without socks?
Yes. The orthotics are hypoallergenic and made with a medical plastic that does not cause the foot to sweat. These also do not absorb foot sweat and odor.
How do I keep the orthotic from sliding around in my shoe?
Once you have them in place and are weight bearing on them (standing), they should remain in place and also hold your ankle stabilized. If the sole of your shoe is slippery and there is trouble to keep them the orthotics in place, just use a few pieces of Velcro to hold them. Place the Velcro at the back of the shoe with the hook (scratchy side) on the orthotic and the loop (soft side) on the shoe. This will prevent discomfort later, if you decide to wear those pair of shoes without the arches in.
Is there a really good type of shoe I should be wearing?
There are a variety of shoes and styles that would well suit each person. This question does not have a distinct answer. When purchasing shoes, make note of the shoe last. Shoe Last is the overall shape of the shoe, including curvature, width, height, taper, and other miscellaneous details of the fit. Can you bend the shoe easily? If so, you may consider another option for better stability and support. We recommend you bring the orthotics along with you when shopping for your next pair of shoes to make certain they will fit.
Are there good foot or leg exercises that will help me?
Yes. The main exercise that we tell people to do is the roll their foot on top of a golf ball. We recommend that you do so directly before wearing the orthotics for that day, to relax the muscles and to be able to wear them longer throughout the break-in period. You should have been given an Owner’s Manual at the time of purchase, which illustrates some different exercises for the foot and ankle.