FAQ - Frequently Answered Questions   What are orthotics? Elite Feet orthotics are hand-crafted foot orthotics worn on the inside of your shoe. They are NOT the hard plastic orthotics that have been around for decades. Custom orthotics are designed to cradle your feet in their neutral or ideal position while controlling abnormal foot motion. Elite Feet orthotics will correctly align the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the legs and feet. They improve balance and evenly distribute weight across the entire base of the foot. How can orthotics help me? Elite Feet orthotics, coupled with the proper footwear, will gently direct your feet and legs into their ideal biomechanical alignment. Whether you have chronic injuries or simply wish to prevent the possibility of injury, Elite Feet orthotics will provide the stability, support, and comfort for any activity. Do orthotics hurt? Elite Feet orthotics are a semi-flexible, accommodative orthotic device. The mold is an exact representation of the bone structure of your foot in its ideal position. Initially, orthotics will feel strange or different, but should not hurt. Orthotics will require a period of adjustment while your body gets used to the new position. During this time period, your body heat will allow for additional molding of the orthotics to the natural contours of your foot structure. Once you are used to the alignment, the orthotics will become an indispensable part of your daily regimen. Do orthotics fit in all shoes? Our standard orthotic is a ¾ length, which means it ends right behind the five balls (metatarsal heads) of your toes. This length will allow the orthotics to slide in and out of varying styles and lengths of shoes. Shoes that are high volume and lace will provide the optimal environment for your new Elite Feet. Elite Feet orthotics were initially designed to fit mainly in athletic and casual shoes, but we have since designed a style that will fit in most dress shoes. If you normally fit your shoes quite tightly, you may need to increase the size to properly fit the orthotic and your foot. Elite Feet also makes full length orthotics, as well as, 25-30 other material combinations which are chosen with your needs and shoe choices in mind. Since I purchased these orthotics, can I now buy cheaper shoes? As stated above, the orthotics work with your footwear to properly support your feet. The midsole and upper on a cheaper shoe will usually breakdown in less time and not provide a stable base for the orthotic to sit. The midsole is the most important element of your shoes. It provides the shock absorption and the stability in athletic footwear. Often times, if the midsole is compressed you can place the shoes on a flat tabletop; they will “wobble” and lean toward each other.  Since the shoe will already be leaning to the inside or outside, the orthotic on the inside of the shoe will be leaning as well.

Will orthotics work in most athletic footwear? Elite Feet provides orthotic crafting for medical professional and individuals worldwide. Any sport, which uses footwear, at any level, can benefit from proper foot alignment. Elite Feet has sent orthotics with athletes to the Winter and Summer Olympics, Ironman Triathlons, NCAA National Football Championships, Mount Everest, K2, and your local gym on a daily basis. Some footwear examples include: Ø        Walking/Hiking Ø        Aerobics Ø        Running Ø        Cycling Ø        Skiing – nordic/alpine Ø        Basketball Ø        Soccer Ø        Football Ø        Tennis - racket sports Ø        Skates - hockey/figure/roller Ø        Mountaineering You name the footwear and we have put orthotics in them! How long will orthotics last? The average life of an orthotic is 3-5 years of everyday use, which includes athletic activities. This time frame is entirely dependent upon your activities, body size, and how hard you are on your footwear. If you keep your shoes updated (i.e., buy new ones when the old ones breakdown) and buy quality footwear, there will be less stress to the orthotic and thus your orthotics will have a longer life. The orthotics and the shoes should work together, 50/50, as a part of a complete foot support package. Does insurance cover orthotics? Many insurance plans no longer provide coverage for orthotics. You will need to check with your particular provider. If you have coverage, we will provide the necessary receipt from your orthotic workorder, but you will need to submit it to your insurance company. If you have a prescription for orthotics and you submit it with the workorder, you will have a better chance of receiving payment. Since most providers are no longer covering orthotics, it is our goal at Elite Feet to keep the overall cost of our orthotics affordable and of the highest quality! Are the orthotics guaranteed? Your satisfaction and comfort is our only goal and is GUARANTEED! We offer FREE adjustments for 90 days after your initial purchase with a single day turn around time on ALL adjustments. Elite Feet offers a 30 day “no questions” refund on all orthotics, less a shipping and handling charge of $25.00. How do I order my new Elite Feet? You may submit our online order form, call us at 1.800.272.6124 for additional information, fax us at 1.303.666.5889, or e-mail us at elitefeet1@aol.com If you are in the Denver, Colorado or Austin, Texas area you may also schedule an in-house appointment in one of our offices. The crafting time for in-house molding is same day or one day for you to pick up your new orthotics.

Pam Kelly  (CPA, Mom, Figure Skater, Elite Feet Orthotics Wearer)