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Answer |
| How is the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System different from other insoles on the market?
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Conventional footwear acts like a brace on the feet, restricting the movement of muscle and bone, which eventually weakens and destabilizes the structure. Traditional orthotics and other insole products add to this bracing effect by further stabilizing and cushioning the feet, often causing them to become dependent on the support. The Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System is not designed to merely "brace" the muscles of the feet; Barefoot Science is designed to restrengthen and realign the muscles and bones in the feet and lower legs. |
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How does the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System work?
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The Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System incorporates a unique and revolutionary dome design along with a series of inserts (Stages) that progressively stimulate the center of the arch. This pressure under the arch triggers a reflex action in the muscles that, when repeated with each step, strengthens the foot and lower leg muscles that work together to stabilize the foot, aligning the bones in the foot more efficiently. When the bones of the foot realign, stability increases, resulting in superior natural shock management. |
What is the difference between the full length and the 3/4 length versions?
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1) Full length: The full length version is designed for shoes that have a removable insole, such as running or walking shoes. Make sure to remove the generic insole completely before inserting the full length version of Barefoot Science. The Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System works best on an even surface without a built-in arch or excessive cushioning.
2) 3/4 length: The 3/4 length version is designed for dress or casual shoes that do not have a removable insole. Typically, these shoes contain a flat leather pad through the insole area, without any cushioning or arch contour. The versatility of the 3/4 length version makes it quite popular because it can be easily transferred from shoe to shoe. However, the 3/4 length version is not meant to be worn in shoes that have a built-in contoured insole. |
| What kind of footwear works best with the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System?
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- Footwear that fits without restriction and that allows the feet to breathe, facilitating bloodflow
- Footwear with an adjustable instep whether by laces, buckles, velcro, or stretch bands
- Footwear that provides ample room for the toes, which is necessary for optimum stabilization of the foot
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| How long does the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System last?
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Every person will have a slightly different experience with the System, depending on their usage frequency, body weight, and intensity.
The All Purpose Model is our lightweight introduction to the System and should last up to six months with daily use. The premium Multi-Purpose Model incorporates reinforcement through the heel and forefoot areas and should last for six months to a year with regular use. |
| How long should it take to move from one stage to the next?
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Every Model comes complete with a full set of progressively firmer inserts to gradually strengthen the muscles of the feet and lower limbs in a 5-7 Stage program. Our extensive wear-testing has demonstrated that each Stage should be worn for at least ONE WEEK before moving to the next, starting with the first (softest) insert. Initially, with each Stage you'll feel a mild pressure under the arch of your foot. In approximately one week's time, this pressure will become unnoticeable and you'll be ready to move on to the next Stage. Save used Stages in case you move the System to a more restrictive shoe (see question #11) or begin wearing the System anew after being out of footwear due to illness, surgery, vacation, etc. |
| Once my feet are strong, will I still have to wear the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System?
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Using the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System is similar to participating in an exercise program. Barefoot Science's goal is to keep your feet stronger and healthier, despite the confines of footwear. The Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System should be worn in any restrictive shoes with an enclosed toebox to counteract the bracing or restrictive effect this has on the feet. Barefoot Science exercises your feet right in your shoes! |
| Can I wear the Barefoot Science Foot Strengthening System in my skates and ski boots?
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Yes, the System can be worn in a wide variety of athletic footwear. Skates and ski boots are traditionally very stiff and restrictive, which magnifies the sensation of pressure under the feet. For optimum comfort, it may be necessary to move down to a lower Stage than you would normally wear in your street shoes. As an example, if you are using Stage 4 in your regular shoes and boots, you will find that Stage 2 or even Stage 1 is far more comfortable in your skates or ski boots. In fact, you might find it most comfortable not to use any Stages with the insole at all. |
How do I clean the Barefoot Science System?
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The best way to clean the System is with an old toothbrush, mild dish soap, and warm water. Simply give the top covers a soft brushing with mild soap, then rinse the soap off and allow the components to AIR dry. Do not wash or dry the System in automatic machines. |
What do you do when you reach the final stage?
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If you are able to wear the final Stage comfortably, you may be wondering what comes next. Logic dictates that you should continue to progress, but there are two key reasons why the Barefoot Science System includes a limited number of Stages.
1) The type of footwear you'll be wearing the Barefoot Science System in will influence how far you can comfortably progress.
- Footwear that is adjustable over the top of the foot (via laces, velcro, etc.) and that is relatively soft through the sole will accommodate even the highest Stages comfortably.
- Footwear that is rigid tends to magnify pressure under the arch, making higher Stages uncomfortable. (For example, slip-ons that can't be adjusted over the top of the foot may only be able to be worn with Stages 1, 2 or 3.)
Ideally, your footwear should be flexible and adjustable with a roomy toe area. If you tend to wear a variety of styles on a weekly basis, you'll find that the higher Stage that felt great in your athletic or walking shoes is often not as comfortable in the more restrictive and rigid environment of dress shoes. If this is the case, move back a Stage or two when in these types of shoes. 2) Barefoot Science is designed to work as a maintenance program to help you achieve and maintain a balance between optimum arch height and flexibility, both of which are required for healthy foot function. However, for the vast majority of individuals, a beneficial balance is maintained within the available range of Stages. |
| Is it OK to stop at an earlier stage? |
Yes - when just starting to use the System. If you find Stage 1 uncomfortable, try using the System without any insert in the arch cavity at all for a week or more for a more gradual introduction.
Yes - if a particular shoe (typically a rigid dress or work shoe) prevents comfortable wear beyond the lower Stages. You'll find the higher Stages more comfortable in flexible, well fit athletic footwear, which is more about the limits imposed by shoe design than foot design. Wearing the System regularly is key to optimum foot health - using a lower Stage in dress shoes is better than not wearing the System at all, provided the heels are relatively flat.
Characteristics in footwear that can limit your progression to the later stages:
- too snug over the instep (shoes that are laced too tightly)
- rigid through the sole (rigidity underfoot magnifies the sensation of pressure)
- confining toe box area
- non-adjustable instep design (slip-ons)
- wrong size or width for your feet
- heels that exceed one inch in height (driving your weight forward of the arch area).
Yes - If your feet are fairly rigid or you already have high arches, you may find that you're not able to tolerate the higher Stages as comfortably as those who have more mobile low-arched feet.
Progress as far as you are able to without pain. Remember: The Barefoot Science System is designed to gradually bring your feet back to a healthy, aligned state despite the negative impact of most footwear. Poorly fit footwear that works against the foot's natural mechanism for stabilizing itself is the cause of a vast majority of foot problems. |
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