The Max is the firmest arch support in the Exerciser family. It is formed in the same mold as the Classic, but is made of an extremely durable polypropylene compound. The Max is ideal for those with very high arches, very flexible arches, or those who work on very hard surfaces, day in and day out. Its durable construction means it takes a little getting used to, but customers with high arches or dire arch support needs have found the break-in period worth it.

Flexibility: Very Firm
The Max is the most rigid arch support in the Exerciser family. It is built to work as hard as you do on hard surfaces or in heavy shoes.

The Max’s rigid compound prevents it from flexing very much during gait. This support can stand up to severe biomechanical imbalances, extremely high arches, or feet that are unstable during gait. But, be sure to follow the break-in instructions so you get the most out of your Max.

What’s in a Max?

“Stability Web”
The underside of the Max features a sturdy pattern of connected squares, which we call a “Stability Web.” These thick squares are positioned under the forefoot of the support, to help stabilize the support while the foot walks.

What Does It Do, And How Can It Help?
The Max’s square Stability Web helps to prevent unnecessary side-to-side motion of the foot during gait. This stable pattern helps the Max retain its arched shape no matter how hard the foot depresses it, ensuring that the many bones of the forefoot are properly supported. This leads to a more stabilized, better aligned foot.

Metatarsal Rise
The “front” of the Max features what looks like a miniature pitcher’s mound. This is called the “metatarsal rise,” and it is particularly effective at taking pressure off the ball of the foot, the toes, and the heel.

How Can It Help?
By properly supporting the metatarsal arch, the metatarsal rise lifts up the bones in the ball of the foot, effectively preventing them from hitting the ground too hard every time the foot pushes off for a step. This means that the metatarsal rise in the Max can help relieve pain caused by pressure in the ball of the foot, and also distribute body weight away from corns, calluses, and other painful problems in the ball of the foot.

As it takes pressure off the ball of the foot, the metatarsal rise in the Max also fans out the bones that form the arch, and the top of the foot. At the same time, the toes are relieved of lots of pressure. This is why the Max can help prevent the toes from gripping the ground with each step, which might be the cause of hammertoes, calluses or corns.

While properly distributing pressure through the front end of the foot, the Max’s metatarsal rise also redistributes pressure across the whole bottom of the foot, effectively reducing strain on the plantar fascia ligament (a band of tissue that runs from the bottom of the heel to the ball of the foot). When the plantar fascia ligament is allowed to stretch under too much pressure, it can become inflamed, causing a condition called “Plantar fasciitis.” Because the Max’s metatarsal rise is so effective at properly distributing body weight through the foot, it can greatly reduce strain on the plantar fascia ligament.

Because the Max is so firm, it does not flex much through the length of the entire support. For this reason, customers report that the metatarsal rise does not feel as severe in the Max as it does in other supports. This extra firmness translates into more rigid support for the middle of the foot during gait.

Heel Cup
The heel cup is a cup-like indentation at the heel end of the Max. It is designed to gather the fat pad beneath the heel, to help absorb the “step shock” that courses through the body every time each heel strikes the ground.

What Does It Do, Dnd How Can It Help?
Every step you takes begins when the heel makes contact with the ground, which is called “heel strike.” When the heel strikes the ground, up to three times the body’s weight can be exerted on the bones and tissues of the heel. This puts the heel under tons of stress, especially if it is not properly supported. The Max’s heel cup is designed to help cushion and properly align the heel, thereby reducing the stress of each step.

A stable heel is the foundation of a stable body. If a heel is striking the ground at an angle, or rolling too much to one side during gait, it can cause imbalances throughout the entire foot, ankle, knees, and ultimately through the entire body. By supporting the heel, the Max can help align each step, starting with heel strike.

While ensuring that each heel strike is balanced and cushioned, the Max’s heel cup can help to reduce fatigue on the ankles, knees, hips, and back. A properly supported heel can properly distribute the weight of the body through the legs during gait, which means that the tendons of the ankles and knees won’t have to work extra hard to keep the body upright. As part of an arch support system, the Max’s heel cup can be the first step toward an ideally aligned skeleton.

Inner And Outer Longitudinal Arch Support
The Max also features support for the inner and outer arches of the feet. These are designed to stabilize the foot during gait, to help prevent it rolling inward or outward with each step.

What Does It Do, And How Does It Help?
By supporting all four arches of the foot, the Max helps to properly distribute pressure through the entire foot, thereby preventing any one part of the foot from taking on too much pressure. This can help alleviate pain in areas of the foot otherwise suffering from too much stress.

The Max’s inner and outer longitudinal arches stabilize the foot during gait, helping to prevent pronation and supination (rolling inward or outward). Because it is so rigid, the Max allows virtually no unnecessary supination or pronation which can drastically reduce pain due to excessive rolling of the foot during gait.

As part of a complete Good Feet Arch Support System, the Max is ideal for:

• Walking

 

• Weightlifting

 

• Working (boots, shoes, etc.)

 

• Standing all day

 

Non-running exercise