Prescribing foot orthotics includes proper selection of materials to be used in the manufacture of the devices. The previous post covered frame material choices, now we will summarize top covers and their suggested usage. The feature that most patients will first notice and appreciate is the top cover of the orthotic, so let's go over what materials are available on the FootID Pro app and at the KevinRoot Medical website.
When using the FootID Pro app on your Iphone or desktop, and you have selected your preferred orthotic type, follow the configurator to the far right selection which will be “covering”. Alternatively, descriptions of the various top cover choices can be found on the KevinRoot Medical website, locate “custom modifications” at the top of the home page, click, and then scroll to the column on the right of the page. A quick summation of the choices follows:
- No top cover - when space in the shoe is limited, or when a patient wears through soft materials quickly, add separate top cover as needed (pre-cut to fit Spenco insoles is common choice), to enable frequent replacement
- Prolite - cushioned, perforated foam, available in different thicknesses. Good for athletic shoes, good for limiting heat, easy to clean
- Spenco - cloth covered neoprene, very cushioned and usually durable.Multiple thicknesses available. Good for athletic shoes or whenever perspiration may be an issue. Can retain odor, try Febreze, foot powder or deodorant spray
- Protex - vinyl, faux leather. Thin, easy to clean. Tends to be slippery, particularly with certain socks or stockings. Retains heat.
- Leather - natural material, thin and durable. Best for dress shoes. Can retain moisture and discolor over time.
- Suede - good choice if not sure if leather or vinyl is preferred
- Plastazote - very soft and forgiving. Does compress easily, primary use devices intended for neuropathic diabetic patients
- EVA - Ethyl Vinyl Acetate, plastic foam material, often used in athletic shoe midsoles, known for flexibility, toughness and rubber-like qualities
User’s activity level should be considered when selecting a top cover. High activity (athletes, runners), the best materials: EVA, Prolite, or Neoprene because these offer excellent shock absorption and durability. Low activity (sedentary lifestyle or older adults), the best materials are soft foams, plastazote, or Neoprene. Comfort and pressure relief are more important than performance.
Footwear type considerations for dress shoes/low volume shoes, the best materials are thin leather, suede or Protex. These covers are low-profile and look more professional. For casual /athletic shoes, without or without a removable foot bed, the best materials: EVA, neoprene, or prolite to allow due to more room allows thicker, more cushioned materials. In sandals / open shoes the best materials are leather or suede in a dress sandal and EVA in a sport sandal. These handle sweat well and look better exposed.
Foot condition or medical needs such as diabetes, neuropathic and hypersensitive sensitive feet, the best materials are Plastazote or other foam coverings. These reduce friction and pressure points.
Durability vs. comfort, if durability is the priority, choose EVA. Neoprene or leather. If comfort is the priority choose Prolite, Neoprene or plastazote.Thinner materials can be augmented by use of full thickness cushioning materials such as Myolite, PPT, or Plastazote. For example, in a dress shoe that has a removable insert, a full length device with a leather cover and myolite cushion would be an excellent choice.
Please note when using the configurator on the FootID Pro app you may also customize the bottom cover, top cover length and well as indicating other shaping or gluing instructions you may desire.
