SALFORDINSOLE™

Key features

• No compromise on shape of the medial arch and heel cup
• No compromise on material properties (Shore A 85)
• Unique material formulation SureStep-Control™
• Computer aided design means maximum control of foot pronation with minimum material
• Available in individual shoe sizes for superior fit in a wide range of footwear
• Shape, material and optimised fit combine for high degree of comfort
• Silver based anti-microbial agents embedded in the material
• Highly durable – lifetime guarantee
• Machine washable and low odour properties
• Environmentally friendly – 100% of the material can be recycled
• Can be dispensed immediately for prompt and effective relief of symptoms
• Can be modified by addition of wedging and heel raises to create a custom device

Geometry

Many insoles have a pronounced arch shape but it is easily flattened by the forces exerted during walking and running. These insoles are unlikely to provide any biomechanical advantage for the foot.

The carefully crafted geometry of the salfordinsole™ is central to achieving its biomechanical aim. The heel cup holds the heel in position after the foot hits the ground. The medial profile will cradle the bones of the arch of the foot to reduce foot pronation and the forefoot fits snugly to prevent the insole and foot slipping.

The salfordinsole™ has a strong heel cup to control heel motion. It has a higher and better proportioned arch contour compared to other insoles and its edges are adapted to fit into a wide range of footwear.

Material

The material used to construct an insole determines how its geometric shape influences the forces and pressures under the foot. The material is therefore critical to the insole correctly controlling movement of the foot.

The salfordinsole™ is made from a mix of raw thermoplastic elastomer ingredients using a unique formulation to create SureStep-Control™. It has a very high abrasion rating so it guaranteed to last for many years.

The characteristics of this advanced material produce the strength to resist forces under the heel and arch, flexibility in the forefoot and a comfortable interface between the foot and the insole.

The specific formulation has the added advantage of silver based anti-microbial components. These additive components have been tested on over 50 bacteria and demonstrated 99.99% reduction in bacteria colonisation. The additives have also been approved for NHS Rapid Review*

* NHS Rapid Review provides prompt assessment of new and novel equipment, materials and other products or protocols that may be of value to the NHS in improving hospital infection control and reducing hospital acquired infections.

 

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Testimonials

The salfordinsole™ is now in use in NHS and private podiatry/physiotherapy clinics across the UK and by premiership football clubs.

The salfordinsole™ was used by patients and athletes, here are some of their comments:

"It's been nearly two months since using the insoles and you'll be pleased to hear I have had nothing but success. They are extremely comfortable to wear and I now wear them all the time. The insole is very easy to transfer from one type of footwear to another. With me being in the Police I wear black boots for work and it's very easy to just transfer the insoles to my football boots"

" I've been wearing them in both my work boots and running shoes. I no longer get the pain in my lower shin and the heel pain is getting easier. I have tried many insoles but not got the results that I've had with these in such a short time. I will and have recommended the salfordinsole to others".

“………[the] insoles were perfect and I'd purchase an extra pair”

“Can't believe that something so simple can make such a huge difference to relieving the pain I was suffering from. I've managed to run several times a week recently and not experienced any of the sharp pains I had previously. I will continue to wear the insoles”

“I am entirely satisfied with the insoles. It is comfortable and robust. Can be used in different shoes with ease and comfort. The material makes it easy to clean, dry and change to other footwear”

“..[the] insoles have benefited me and my injury. Soon to attempt some hill walking!”
“I hope they become available to the public as soon as possible”

“Can I get another pair? It would save me having to swap between shoes. This has been the first time I have had an improvement in my injury for months.”

“I instantly found them comfortable in my shoes.”

When asked "what did you like best?" they said:

• "They work! Support makes walking comfortable"
• "Good fit to shoes"
• "Put knees in a straighter position. Improved injury!"
• "Cleanliness and smoothness"
• "Was able to undertake more activities with less pain"
• "Being unaware of them, confidence in exercising, hardness"
• "Size of arch and being full length"
• "Neat, easy to transfer, robust, serviceable material"
• "Non-slip surface, practical, easy to walk in, comfy"
• "Fit was great for non custom orthoses"
• "Easy to transfer between shoes, don't absorb sweat"
• "Fit, comfort and support"
• "Comfortable, reduced ankle pain that normally occurs"
• "Snug fit, very comfortable, distinctive."
• "No more pain or discomfort"
• "Good fit in shoes"
• "Keep feet in snug, stable position"
• "Good support at rear heel. Firm arch support"
• "Ease of removing, durability and support"
• "Supportive and comfortable after 5 minutes"
• "Very good fit in shoes - hardly notice they are there"
• "Support and confidence with weights"
• "Structured support underfoot giving confidence"
• "Good fit and comfortable when running"
• "The comfort and support that they give"
• "Felt better support for foot in general – especially around the arch"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the arch shape the way it is?

The most recent kinematics research by foot biomechanics researchers at the University of Salford has shown that all the joints of the foot move during walking and running. This includes movement between the cuneiforms and the navicular, and between the metatarsals and the cuneiforms and cuboid. It is therefore critical to support all these joints with an orthosis if you are to control foot motion. This means that the geometry of the insole and arch contour must closely follow the three dimensional contours of the plantar surface of the foot.

The arch profile and 3D geometry of the salfordinsole™ was created by synthesising an average geometry from a large range of foot casts. These casts were taken with the foot in the same position as would be used for a custom made foot orthosis.

What material is the insole made from?

The SureStep-Control™ material is a thermoplastic elastomer which means it offers the stiffness of traditional theromoplastic orthoses when used in areas such as the arch of the foot, but can also be more flexible than theromoplastic orthoses in areas such as the forefoot. It has a high Shore value of 85 which is similar to high density EVA. The specific formulation has the added advantage of embedded anti-bacterial agents.

Does this mean I no longer need to prescribe customised foot orthoses?

In designing the shape and geometry of the salfordinsole™ and formulating the SureStep-Control™ material we have not compromised on either arch profile or material properties. This is why we believe the salfordinsole™ is the only prefabricated insole to offer the functional and clinical benefits of a custom made foot orthosis. We would suggest you use the salfordinsole™ as the principal means by which you provide orthotic therapy to your patients. You can dispense these immediately at their first appointment and therefore provide immediate therapy and benefits. For those patients who you feel would benefit from further control of foot motion and a customised orthosis, use the salfordinsole™ as the orthotic shell and add materials where required (e.g. heel wedging or heel raise).

Can I add wedges and raises to the insole?

Yes - we will be producing rearfoot wedges and heel raises in various sizes and existing users are adding EVA additions where appropriate. This can further enhance the control of rearfoot motion and your ability to tailor the devices to the specific needs of each patient. The bottom of the salfordinsole™ is flat and is perfect for additions under the heel and forefoot.

Why is the surface smooth?

Adding a fabric top cover or a texture to the surface of an orthosis is unnecessary and can create an unhealthy environment within the shoe. Compared to a smooth surface, any textured surface will increase the surface area of the insole, considerably increasing moisture retention and promoting bacterial growth.

Won’t the foot slip if the surface is smooth?

No, for three reasons. Firstly, whilst the surface is smooth this does not mean that there is no friction between the foot and the insole, there is. Secondly, the arch shape and heel cup mean that the foot is cradled in position and there is a reduced tendency for the foot to move forwards and backwards on top of the insole. Thirdly, because the insole takes up some room in the shoe it will inevitably increase the ability of the shoe to hold the foot firmly. The salfordinsole™ is available in individual shoe sizes rather than generic S/M/L/XL sizes, so the fit inside footwear is excellent. Also, remember that it is the sock which interfaces with the insole, not the foot, so you should check hosiery too.

Is this an insole or foot orthosis?

The salfordinsole™ is an orthosis because the term orthosis simply means 'a device which changes the forces acting on the body'.

I am not a health care professional, can I purchase pair a pair of the salfordinsole™?

Unfortunately we are unable to supply the salfordinsole™ direct to consumers or patients. If you are a consumer or patient please click here for advice on finding a health care professional who can prescribe the salfordinsole™.