Instep Dance Magazine Articles

Reprints of monthly column as first appearing in Instep Dance Magazine (no longer in print).

August 2001

Foot Supports Revisited: Orthotics for Ladies' High-Heeled Dance Shoes

By Rick Allen, DC

"Better health leads to better dancing."

It's been almost three years since I reviewed foot supports, technically called orthotics. (See Orthotics - Giving Your Feet A Lift - September - November 1998.) The material I presented then is still valid. This month I thought I would pass on another orthotic that I have found works well for the most challenging case: women's high-heeled dance shoes. The challenge is fitting a functional orthotic in a small shoe without it sticking out the side of the shoe.

Recently, I added a line of heat-moldable orthotics by Vasyli Orthotics, an internationally respected company based in Australia. The "slimfit" model is specifically designed to fit inside ladies' high-heeled shoes. The flexible base allows easy contouring to the shank of the shoe. The rear foot angle is reduced to 2 degrees, due to the high heel factor, while the broad metatarsal dome provides comfort and realignment of the forefoot area - a major complaint area for most high heel wearers.

I am currently seeking several additional ladies to try these at a minimal introductory cost of $75. (Most custom orthotics cost $150-300.) If you are interested, call my office at 503-257-1324.

Reference:

Web site for Vasyli orthotics - http://www.vasyli.com

Next article: Let's look at some new, innovative treatment for shin splints.

Dr. Rick Allen is a chiropractor, massage therapist and dance student in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Rick welcomes your questions and suggestions for future articles. However, he cannot make specific diagnoses or treatment recommendations unless you visit him in person. He can be reached by phone: 503-257-1324, mail: 221 NE 78th Avenue, Portland, OR 97213, e-mail or World Wide Web: www.CascadeWellnessClinic.com

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