Why Happy Feet?
When it comes to foot comfort, there are lots of options available. There are comfort shoes, custom-molded orthotics, over-the-counter inserts, cushions, and supports that are made based on scans of the feet. How are Good Feet supports any different than these products? And why are Happy Feet supports a wiser choice?
The Difference: Happy Feet vs. Orthotics
Orthotics are normally full-length, meaning they are as long as the inside of a shoe, from your heel all the way to the ends of your toes. They are normally constructed of a durable plastic and covered with a thick foam cushion for comfort. To make an orthotic, a doctor or podiatrist typically takes a “cast,” or mold of your foot while you are lying down on your stomach, with your foot relaxed. The arch of the orthotic is then built according to the existing shape and alignment of the foot.
Most orthotics are very thick, and some feature “heel posting,” which is an extended structure at the bottom of the heel of the orthotic, designed to stabilize the heel during gait. Due to the heel post, the vast majority of orthotics are suitable for only closed-heel shoes. The thickness and rigidity of most orthotics makes them too bulky for most footwear, except athletic or orthopedic shoes.
Orthotics are wonderful products for those who have specific health concerns, or unique foot care needs. However, most orthotic users have to buy shoes one size larger and/or wider than usual, in order to accommodate the orthotic.
Happy Feet Arch Supports are designed with an entirely different perspective on foot health. Rather than mold a product to an improperly aligned foot, we have designed all of our arch supports in the shape of the “Ideal Foot,” which is perfectly aligned. When wearing arch supports as part of an Arch Support System, the feet and body can become better aligned with time.
While orthotics typically run the entire length of the shoe, our arch supports run from your heel to the ball of your foot. This means you can slip our supports into more shoe styles, without worrying if your long insoles will stick out of the shoes. We even have products that can fit into your high heels!
While Happy Feet supports are not custom-molded to your feet, they are very personally fitted. When you visit your local Good Feet Clinic , your Certified Arch Support Fitter will fit you with arch supports according to your arch length, and foot flexibility. Special consideration will be given to your unique concerns, the shoes you wear, and the things you do every day. With over 350 sizes, styles and flexibilities, we’re sure to find a personal fit for you. You’ll leave our Clinic with your arch supports in your shoes–no waiting.
At Happy Feet, you’ll get a personal fit for your lifestyle, with arch supports designed to help bring the feet back into the Ideal Foot position. And you won’t have to give up your favorite shoes. Our arch supports aren’t very different from orthotics, but they are different in the areas that matter most to our customers: fashion freedom, customer service–and pain relief.
The Difference: Happy Feet vs. Over-the-counter inserts
Over-the-counter inserts are available in many different shops and chemists. They are made of various materials, most commonly EVA, foam, and/or gel compounds. These compounds normally lose their shape and/or cushioning pretty quickly, depending on the strength of the material and the level of stress you put on your feet while you wear them. Most over the counter inserts available are based on shoe size. Some are available in only three or four sizes; small to extra large.
Because these inserts are available only based on shoe size, they are not properly fitted to the foot’s four arches. Also, their pliable material means they are rarely strong enough to change the alignment of the feet or the body.
Happy Feet arch supports are personally fitted to your feet, based on your arch size, your foot flexibility, and the shoes you wear. While other options may seem less expensive, in the long run it pays to invest in arch supports that fit your unique arches, and aren’t made of materials that are designed to break down within months–and provide you that long term pain relief you’ve been searching for.
Our arch supports are constructed from only the highest quality materials, and we manufacture all of our products in our factory in Carlsbad, California. We believe that if you’re in pain, you want arch supports that will work as hard as you do, and won’t lose their shape or stability, no matter what your life is like. That’s why we back most of our arch supports with Happy Feet’s signature Limited Lifetime Warranty. If your warrantied arch supports ever flatten, crack, break, or lose their shape, you can get replacements for your style of arch support – FREE.
When your feet hurt, you want results, and you don’t want to spend money every month to replace inserts that only seem to provide minimal relief for a few weeks at a time. Good Feet Arch Support Systems include products that are designed to last a lifetime. Visit our Clinic today to find the solution which really does work.