Weekly Feature: Vionic

At Foot Foundation, we carry a number of comfortable footwear designs for women ranging from shoes to sandals. One major brand name is Vionic® with Orthaheel® Technology. This product design was originally known as Orthaheel®.

“This innovative Orthaheel® technology helps reduce over-pronation, which can improve foot function and relieve common associated pains such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain), knee pain and back pain.” (Vionic Shoes Canada, 2014)

Australian podiatrist, Phillip Vasyli introduced the Orthaheel® brand in 1991. His goal was to reach a larger audience of individuals who suffer from foot pain and desired pain relief, walking comfort, and an overall well-being of their feet. His invention of the award-winning Orthaheel® orthotic meant the world’s first and only true orthotic available to the public without a doctor’s prescription. When Vasyli began his podiatry practice over 30 years ago, he found that he was treating multiple patients who were affected by “over-pronation” (Vionic Shoes Canada, 2014).

Over-pronation, or flat feet, is a common biomechanical problem that occurs in the walking process when a person’s arch collapses upon weight bearing. This motion can cause extreme stress or inflammation on the plantar fascia. This is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, attaching at the bottom of the heel bone and extending to the forefoot. (Aetrex Worldwide Inc., 2015) When this fibrous tissue becomes stressed, it can potentially cause severe discomfort and lead to other foot problems. (Aetrex Worldwide Inc., 2015)

Vasyli took on the task of researching lower limb biomechanics and orthotic treatment. In doing so, he was able to make orthotic treatment more affordable and accessible to those who required assistance. Previously, options to treat foot pain were costly and time-consuming. Through clinical research and a dedication to collaborating with the medical community, Vasyli was able to introduce custom, heat mold-able orthotics. (Vionic Shoes Canada, 2014)

As of July 2013, Vionic Group’s three consumer brands (Dr. Andrew Weil Integrative Footwear, Orthaheel®, and Vionic®) amalgamated technology and performance with fashion to create Vionic® with Orthaheel® Technology. Although the styles and designs are new, Vionic® retains Orthaheel® Technology, its most prominent feature, as well as a commitment to creating life-changing footwear. Because of this merge, Vasyli International is now in a good position to serve both the medical and consumer markets. (Vionic Shoes Canada, 2014)

Today, this company “has achieved global recognition as a leader in orthotic treatment, ensuring the highest quality in foot care standards and practices” (Vionic Shoes Canada, 2014).

Hurry in today and try on some Vionic® sandals with Orthaheel® technology. Get ready for spring!