Arch Supports Wearing Instructions

October 9, 2009

PREPARE your shoes by removing any built-in shoe liners or inserts. This is important because the arch supports must lay flat along the sole and flush against the back of your shoes for best results. Built-in arched liners have not been designed or custom fit to your feet and will only act to improperly position your feet and arch supports. If arched liners are glued in, cut away or remove only the scaphoid pad (arched portion) to assure a comfortable, precise fit. If not glued in, remove the entire liner or simply remove the scaphoid (arched) portion and return the liner to the shoe. Removing arched liners may create too much room or discomfort within the shoe. You can replace them with our Walk2bFit.Com moleskin cushions if this occurs. Place them above your arch supports.

START by wearing your arch supports 1-2 hours the first day and add approximately 1 hour each day as comfort permits. Don’t over wear your arch supports during the break-in period! Continue until you can wear them comfortably all day long. This “break-in period” normally takes 1-2 weeks. Begin your wearing hours at the start of each day. We have found that this promotes consistency and provides the greatest results. If you have difficulty adding 1 hour each day, it’s okay, add time more slowly.

EXPECT to feel an uncomfortable lump under the middle to forward part of your arches during the break-in period as well as soreness when you first put on the arch supports each day. Most people do. This is normal! These lumps will become less noticeable over time and then gradually disappear.

IF YOUR ARCH SUPPORTS SLIP FORWARD attach a two-sided Velcro strip to the bottom of the heel cup. If your heels rise or slip out of your shoe when you’re walking, attach moleskin across the back inside edge of the shoe. When purchasing new shoes always try them on with your arch supports. This will assure a precise, perfect fit right from the start. Expect older, worn out shoes to take longer to comfortably accommodate your new arch supports. For men, deck shoes and loafers are most difficult, laced shoes are easiest. Women can use velcro in flats or pumps.

EXERCISE with your new arch supports only after you are able to wear them comfortably all day long. There is also an additional break-in period once this more aggressive activity is initiated. Don’t worry! This too will dissipate with time.

DO NOT expose your supports to extreme temperatures like in an enclosed car, a car’s dashboard, on a windowsill, direct sunlight, near a heat source, in a dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer. Extreme heat may affect the support’s shape and integrity. Also, keep them away from pets who have tendency to chew things. Wash arch supports in lukewarm soapy water.

Posted in Ask The Experts, Diabetic Footcare