Shoe Modifications

Sole Lift – permanent, external modification of the midsole and outsole to add a prescribed amount of height to one or both shoes.

Flare – permanent, external modification to the midsole and outsole to widen the base of support on the inside (medial) or outside (lateral) portion of the shoe.

Buttress – permanent, external modification to the midsole, outsole and the upper, to bolster the support available through the midfoot.

Rocker Sole – permanent, external modification to the midsole and outsole in which material is added and the flex point of the shoe is modified to allow improved function, or protection of the foot and ankle.

External Metatarsal Bar – permanent, external modification to the midsole in which a "bar" of material is added beneath the ball of the foot to change the flex point of the shoe. Similar to a Rocker Sole but with less adjustability and specificity of treatment.

Closure Modification – permanent, external modification of the upper of the shoe by the addition of leather and fabric. Examples include the addition of Hook & Loop (Velcro) straps, buckles, or a closure system including both hook & loop and lacing (Lace Stitch Velcro). This modification allows the use of footwear by an individual not able to use the original closure due to bony deformity of the foot or dysfunction of the hands, back, hips or knees.

Scaphoid Pad (Arch Cookie) – permanent, internal modification by the addition of padding to the medial longitudinal arch of a shoe. Typically used for children, or individuals requiring a lifting of the inside arch of the foot when a custom made orthoses is not feasible.

Posting (Wedging) – permanent or temporary, internal modification of a shoe or insole by the addition of "wedges" or "shims" to modify the angle of the rearfoot (heel) and/or forefoot (ball). Often used as a pre-orthotic trial to determine efficacy of corrective treatment.

Internal Heel Lift – non-permanent, internal modification by addition of a specific height to address a minor, or portion of a major leg length discrepancy. Used as a pair, internal heel lifts are also useful in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis and Sever's Disease as well as issues of footwear fit.

SACH Heel (Solid Ankle Cushion Heel) – permanent, external modification by addition of a softer durometer (compressible) material replacing a portion of the back heel base. SACH heels reduce shock at heel strike and compensates for diminished of ankle motion.

Shuffle Plate – permanent, external modification by addition of a smoother, more slippery material to the forefoot of a client's shoe. Useful when the client is unable to fully lift the forefoot, specifically when walking in a carpeted environment.

Thomas Heel - an anterior medial extension longer than the standard heel to add rearfoot or midfoot support medially.

Sole Bar – A steel or carbon fibre, full-length bar, laminated between the sole to eliminate dorsiflexion.

Custom Made Toe Splint – a device manufactured from a raw material (typically a silicon-like material) designed to re-align, separate or support a deformed or deviated toe or toes.