Our SemiFlex Carbon foot orthotics are designed to provide maximum support and optimal comfort. Designed to fit in most types of footwear, these Orthotics are highly reccommended to people who work on hard surfaces for extended periods of time.
With five components the insole is able to control almost every aspect of the foot and its movement.
Features
The Micro-fibre top covering (0.4mm), absorbs perspiration and provides a smooth interface with the plantar surface of the foot.
The Urethane memory cushion (3mm) gives a cushion under the base of the foot. Extremely long lasting, the urethane will return to shape after each step - supposedly guaranteed for the life of the shoe.
The Injection moulded urethane foam base, gives the bulk of the support under the rear of the foot and is termed as 3/4 length reaching to just behind the metatarsal heads. This would be substituted for an EVA in different densities or indeed different types of plastics to provide the support required, in this case supplemented by the Carbon Composite underneath.
The XT Sprint Semi Flex is quite springy, ideal for an athlete as it assists the toe off, but for a casted device even an ultra Rigid Carbon Composite could be used depending on the patient.
The Visco elastic heel pad is moulded into the urethane foam to give a shock attenuation pad under the heel strike but in a casted device this is more likely to be a much harder material to provide the functional control under the sub talar joint.
Indications
The carbon graphite insert provides support to counter the additional weight considerations while still maintaining critical rear foot motion control and shock absorption. These orthotics have demonstrated relieve for discomfort at the feet, knees and back in the occupational settings typically with hard work surfaces, with indications for heel spur conditions, chondromalacia, low back pain, Achilles tendonitis, sciatica, patello-femoral syndromes, calcaneal apophysitis, iliotibial band discomfort, heel pain, supinated or pronated concerns, and for those with an intolerance for rigid orthotics.
Wearing your Foot Orthotics
Because each person is unique, so is his or her response to new inserts. As you adjust to this new alignment, you may experience some mild discomfort. If you experience any severe pain or discomfort, remove the insoles from your shoes for at least two to four hours and then try again. If pain persists, stop wearing them and make an appointment to see a foot health professional.
Select good shoes with proper support and always try them on with the insoles in place to ensure proper fit. Suitable fitting and supportive footwear is vital to the function of the insoles and overall comfort.
The best type of shoes to wear with your insoles should have a closed back and toe; come up over the top of the feet like laced-up sport shoes; low heels; a removable liner; and a slightly wider width to accommodate the insoles. Ensure that the insole sits flat in the shoe and is not folded up or creased.
Fitting your Foot Orthotics
Decide if you need to remove the current insole or simply line the new insole on top of the old one. Try placing the new insole on top of the old temporarily and try the shoe on; remove the original insole if the shoe feels too tight with both. Also pull out the old one if it is loose, falling apart or smelly, or if recommended by the manufacturer of the new insole. If the original is glued in and needs to be removed, pull back the toe end and carefully peel out the insole.
Use the original insole as a template to trace and trim the new insole if the new insole doesn't quite fit or curls up a bit. Use a marker to trace and scissors to trim. Take off only the necessary amount, as you want a snug fit.
It is not necessary to glue the replacement insole, but if desired, apply a thin, even coat of shoe glue or bicycle tube repair glue to the bottom of the insoles. Do not glue all the way to the edges. Leave about an inch of space. Put the insoles in place and smooth down with your hands while applying light pressure.
Care for your Foot Orthotics
Clean your insoles at least once per fortnight to reduce bacterial growth using a damp soapy cloth and allow to dry naturally in the air.
During the night, remove your insoles from the shoes to allow a natural drying process.
NHS Prescribed Product