Frequently-Asked-Questions

812-331-1962

What is the advantage of moldable insoles over regular insoles?

No two feet are the same, which is why there is no such thing as 'one-size-fits-all'. Almost all footwear is made flat, your foot is not. SOLEMATES "Support YOU!" and Sandals mold to fit your unique foot perfectly. Generic insoles and flat footwear simply cannot offer the same level of arch support, control and comfort that SOLEMATES products can.

Do I have to heat mold the footbeds to use them?

You can wear the footbeds without molding them. If you require maximum support this may be best. Otherwise, wear molding the footbeds will just take a few days longer to mold the footbeds to match your feet.

How long will they last?

Under normal use conditions our footbeds should last at least 1 year. If you are unsatisfied with the footbeds for any reason, return them within 90 days for replacement or refund, no questions asked.

What does the 90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee cover?

Our 90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee ensures our products are every bit as good as we say they are. If you are unhappy with any SOLEMATES products for any reason, simply contact us within 90 days to arrange a refund or exchange. Call us toll free at 1 812 -331-1962 If you purchased the product from our online store, call us at the toll free number to arrange a refund. All returns must be clearly labeled with a return authorization code on the outside of the package.

Who needs orthotics?

Orthotics benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to imbalance. Some imbalances are obvious, such as flat feet, excessive pronation, bow legs, knock knees, pigeon-toes, "duck feet" or high-arched feet. However, many foot deformities are subtle, and are not detected until symptoms occur. People who must walk or stand excessively at their work will also benefit from the comfort of orthotics. For those who are active in sports, orthotics will often increase endurance, performance and strength. For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress on the feet. Small problems are often magnified due to the increased weight. Orthotics will benefit people with special needs, such as diabetics or the elderly. These individuals need accommodation or increased softness in the orthotic. Orthotics can work in a preventative manner to avoid the development of future foot problems, such as skin ulcerations.

What specific conditions may be helped?

If you have arch pain, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, shin splints, calluses, corns, bunions, or hammer toes, cramping, aching or tired legs, you can achieve an improvement. Certain types of leg, lower back and neck pain can be alleviated. The support that is provided helps control excessive pronation and helps with mid-foot, heel, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back pain. If you have a neuroma, geriatric, or diabetic foot problem, orthotics can provide you with needed protection and comfort.

Imbalance in your feet can distort the skeletal architecture of your body. While foot orthotics will not make a marked improvement in posture, they may eliminate posture problems or pain caused by your feet.

These articles can help you decide if your foot problem can be helped by using orthotics.

Do I need a doctor's prescription to order custom orthotics?

No. A prescription is absolutely not required. By providing us with the written information in the order form, and taking an accurate impression, the appropriate orthotics will be specifically manufactured for you. It will fit and function extremely well with your foot.

Why do I need orthotics?

Although the human body is an amazing structure, it does have some design problems. It is intended to support and balance a large, tall and often heavy structure, on two very small surfaces. The force through a foot during normal walking is enormous. This force is increased greatly during sports activities. Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot motion. This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs, and sometimes affect the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotics help to improve those structural changes.Orthotics are particularly effective in relieving the fatigue and discomfort associated with "aging" feet. Years of walking and standing often cause the development of arthritis within the foot.Some orthotics start with a common plastic "shell", that is simply heated in the lab or office to fit the contours of the foot. Such a product, which often lacks a heel post, has limited effectiveness, but is often described as being a "custom" orthotic. Be cautious about being mislead about such arch supports.

How are CUSTOM orthotics made in our Sole Lab?

Your individual foot structure is captured in foot mold or impression. The orthotics are then fabricated, using these measurements, based upon your requirements. They are made from a variety of materials, depending upon your specific condition, activities, occupation, physical stature and the types of shoes in which you will be wearing them.

Does it take time to get used to orthotics?

You may find your SoleMatesOrthotics™ will be comfortable right away, or you may need a few days to get used to them. When you first begin to wear orthotics, your feet will experience subtle, yet distinct changes. Like shoes that you wear for the first time, there is a normal break-in period.

How much do SoleMatesOrthotics™cost?

Through our simplified at-home measurement kit you can significantly reduce your costs. We charge $275.00 + per pair, shipped within the U.S. If you order a second pair at the same time (such as one for work and one for sports), we will give you an additional discount of 25% on the second pair.

What if I need support and I am on a budget?

Our Sole, over the counter inserts are just the option for you! We call this "Support YOU!" These are heat moldable and will support your footprint.

Will a low cost gel arch support work as well?

Arch supports merely push against the arch when you are standing, and are not designed with the dynamic needs of your foot in mind. Although a low cost arch support can be of some help, they are very limited, and are manufactured in bulk to fit an "average foot" (whatever that is).

Just like eyeglasses must be designed to meet the specific needs of your eyes, orthotics must be designed to treat the unique requirements of your feet.

For any use of personal information other than the purpose for which it was collected, we will first ask for your permission for use.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, or write to us at:

Sole Sensations 414 S. College Bloomington, IN 47401 812-331-1962 www.solesensations.com