CrocsRx – Custom Cloud Molded Shoe gets CMS approval

Source:

Link: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/daily-textile-industries-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=60239

Custom Cloud Molded Shoe gets CMS approval

July 23, 2008 (USA)

CrocsRx, the medical division of Crocs Inc, announced the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has accepted the Custom Cloud model into the diabetic shoe program. Acceptance by the CMS validates the superior benefits of Croslite material, Crocs proprietary closed-cell resin, as the Custom Cloud is the first molded shoe to receive an approved code verification from the organization. Effective immediately, medical professionals can fit the more than 23 million Americans suffering from diabetes in the CrocsRx Custom Cloud. The approved shoe comes with three pairs of heat moldable orthotic insoles and is fitted by a professional practitioner, to offer long-term relief for foot ailments related to the disease. Recognized by the American Podiatric Medical Association with its distinguished Seal of Acceptance, the Custom Cloud offers diabetic patients several advantages over traditional specialty footwear. Among the most notable benefit is the customized fit that stems from the Croslite Ag+ material. Croslite Ag+ material expands upon the comfort attributes inherent to Croslite material while adding anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and odor resistant nano-Silver ceramic crystals. Moreover, patients find the Custom Cloud to be easier to slip on, easier to keep clean and that the shoe weighs less than other specialty medical footwear styles accepted by CMS. The Custom Cloud is available in three color combinations including Navy, Black and Chocolate in men’s size 4-13.5 and women’s size 6-13.5, with four width offerings. “We are thrilled with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid’s decision to include CrocsRx footwear in the Medicare program,” stated Eddie Scott, Director of CrocsRx. “CMS acceptance is an enormous accomplishment as this governing body completed an extensive review of clinical and historical performance data and found Croslite material to be a suitable alternative to existing specialty leather footwear.”

Crocs Inc

Shoes designed and handmade to fit the feet that wear them

Source:

July 2008 • Vol. 14 • Number 10

Word of foot puts Benzie company on the map – Read complete Story

By Danielle Horvath

Owner Tim McKay outside his shop at the top of the hill in Benzonia where he makes custom, handmade shoes. Photo by Danielle Horvath

BENZONIA – In this technology-crazed world we live in, Fernand Footwear makes shoes that are designed and handmade to fit the feet that wear them.

In his small, but airy Benzonia shop just off the main drag, owner Tim McKay traces his customers’ feet and creates a one of a kind pair just for them. He hand cuts the insole to the foot shape, hand stretches and works the leather over a piece of iron, and using just a sewing machine and small grinder, assembles each pair by hand. The entire shoe is then dunked in water and pushed out by hand to the final shape, all for less than $200 a pair.

With a “Made in America” Vibram sole, vegetable-tanned full grain leather insoles and water-resistant oil-tanned top-grade cowhide uppers, the shoes are lightweight, flexible and laminated to fit the curves of your sole. The oil-tan uppers are supple, durable and breathe through the grain.

McKay can build around any shoe inserts or orthotics and is often told by his customers that they have been unable to find a pair of shoes commercially produced that fit and feel good. They also service what they make with resoling and reconditioning.

“There are people walking around with Fernand’s made in the late 1980s that have been reconditioned,” said McKay.

In a good week, McKay and his part-time assistant can make about 15 pairs. He has a four-month backlog of custom orders and admits, “I’m always looking for interested and able assistants. It is very physical work and requires craftsmanship, strength and attention to detail, but it beats swinging a hammer.”

McKay is a former construction worker who worked and learned from the original owner Steve Fernand, and then bought the business in 2006.

“The learning curve on just what it takes to run a business has been huge,” he said. “But it was a logical progression once I learned from Steve, and he was interested in selling and moving on to other things.”

“The Fernand brand name is well-established and we get customers by word of “foot” as Steve used to say,” said McKay.

Fernand started the Comfoot Shoe line in 1978 and the business has been in Benzonia since 1987. There is a large file of “shoe love letters” from satisfied customers raving about their shoes and often wanting another pair and catalogs to pass onto their family and friends.

Although the 60-hour workweeks have been a surprise to McKay, he sees the business as an important link to his personal beliefs of sustainability and concerns about the environment.

“It’s been a pleasant surprise that people are more conscious of where and how the products they buy are being made. I’m really glad to see that. The product sells itself. I could probably move the business anywhere and customers would find me.”

McKay chose Benzonia for its small town qualities. “I ride my unicycle a few blocks to work all year around, it’s a good place to raise my 15-year-old daughter, I play music in a local band when I can and, for now, that all fits. I’m hoping in a few years to run the shop with alternative energy and go off the electrical grid, and that’s entirely possible here.”

For those wanting to forgo the custom shoe wait time, there are several styles available in the “shoe room” including loafer and oxford styles and sandals. McKay is also expanding a line of handmade leather purses and pouches. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday year-round, he will also take appointments if customers call first.

Check out www.fernandfootwear.com, or call 800-419-8621.BN

MBT shoes: do they actually work?

Source: July 1, 2008

MBT trainers seem like an unlikely item of footwear to catch the imagination of the young and trendy. With their thick, curved sole and sensible wide straps, they look like the sort of thing you need to wear if one of your legs is shorter than the other. Despite their distinct un-beauty, MBT trainers have, for the last eight years, been cited as the answer to modern-day solution for anything from back problems to cellulite on your bum.

A Sheffield Hallam University study concluded that wearing MBTs was better for the knees, hips and ankles than wearing conventional shoes.

However, recently there has been speculation that MBTs may not be for everyone. The claims as to assisting posture, back, hip and knee problems are not supported by evidence or any good rational explanation.

Article in The Independent discusses the issue

Read more . . .

Complete Article  mbt-shoes-do-they-actually-work.pdf

Foot foul

Article published in Gulf News for Foot odour problem & preventive measures

www.gallery.hd.org

Choose sandals and open shoes instead of closed shoes to allow your feet to breathe.

Foot foul

By Ritu Raizada, Lifestyle Features Coordinator Published: June 27, 2008, 00:07

If you have feet that sweat excessively, they can disrupt all aspects of your life – from work, to sleep, to recreational activities. When feet sweat, socks and shoes are immediately affected. Socks often need to be changed frequently throughout the day. Sufferers also have difficulty keeping sandals and other open shoes on their feet. Because they perspire heavily, feet keep slipping out of such footwear making walking not just difficult but also dangerous. For instance, walking in high-heeled open shoes can become dangerous if your feet keep slipping out of your footwear. Foot fresheners While there is no permanent cure for this, a feet deodorant is a great option to help control the condition. “Applying an antiperspirant to your soles before bed will help curb sweat,” says Yolanda Joubert, senior buyer for ladies footwear, Shoe Mart, Landmark Group. “When buying shoes in the UAE summer months, look for those that are made of natural materials like leather that can help prevent sweat by allowing the feet to breathe. “Choose sandals and open shoes instead of closed shoes. When wearing closed shoes, look for those that have cotton or other absorbent linings. Preferably, use absorbent shoe liners as these are specifically made for closed and open shoes.” She suggests wearing socks made of natural fibres when stepping out in shoes. “Also, such people should change their socks every day,” says Yolanda. “Make it a point to use loose insoles to protect your socks and feet. If you have removable insoles, pull them out of your shoes at the end of the day. This way, the insole as well as the shoe can dry out. Insoles should be replaced often to decrease the odour within the shoe. This will also decrease your chances of contracting a fungal infection. Shoe liners may need to be changed weekly or monthly, depending on your perspiration levels. Luckily they are fairly inexpensive. You might also opt for absorbent shoe liners.” Yolanda warns against wearing the same shoes two days in a row. Shoes take more than 24 hours to dry out so it makes sense to have more than one pair of shoes. This way you can change them every day. “When possible, wear sandals rather than shoes. This also eliminates constant pressure on the same spot of the foot.” Wear thick, soft socks to help draw moisture away from the feet. “Cotton and other absorbent materials are best,” says Yolanda. “There are no shortcuts but with a few simple techniques, individuals can reduce perspiration in terribly sweaty feet.” Soak away your troubles Foot care in summer is not limited to what shoes you choose. According to Yolanda, you should also pay close attention to how you treat your feet. “Wash your feet morning and evening in warm – not hot – water using a natural antibacterial soap,” she suggests. “Rinse your feet in cold water and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Sprinkle feet with talcum powder containing lavender, lemon and/or tea tree oil.” Try soaking your feet in black tea water for 30 minutes a day for seven to 10 days. To prepare the soak, brew two teabags per litre of water. “Black tea has tannic acid,” says Yolanda, “which is anti-bacterial by nature. “Consider relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or biofeedback. These can help control stress that triggers perspiration.” Soaking sweaty feet in cider vinegar and warm water (one part vinegar to two parts warm water) for about an hour a day will help too. Alternatively, using aromatic massage oil containing peppermint and cypress oils help reduce perspiration. Add eight drops of cypress oil and two drops of peppermint oil to 25 ml of sweet almond oil and massage into your feet twice a day. “But avoid using cream between the toes,” warns Yolanda. Medical intervention Your final option in the case of excessive sweating would be to refer to a podiatrist or dermatologist about prescription antiperspirants. While over-the-counter antiperspirants may help, a doctor can offer prescription products that really reduce issues and cure sweaty feet. If you have a very difficult foot odour problem, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic like two per cent erythromycin or one per cent clindamycin, applied each morning and at bedtime. These medications will be effective in killing most odour-causing bacteria. Acetic acid footbaths can be effective in drying up sweat glands, if treatments are given three times a day. Another footbath technique is iontophoresis. The feet are immersed in a pan of water and low electric current is applied. Iontophoresis is not a cure for excessive sweating, but it usually provides temporary relief, if applied frequently. Note: This should be done only under medical supervision. Foot notes Dr Sami Tabib, a podiatrist at Dubai Chiropody Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, tackles a few common summer feet conundrums: How do I combat stinking footwear? First, practise good foot hygiene to keep bacteria levels at a minimum. Bathe your feet daily in warm water then dry them well. Change your socks frequently, especially after exercising. Dust your feet frequently with a non-medicated baby powder or foot powder. Applying antibacterial ointment also may help. Allow your shoes to air out at least 24 hours after use by alternating with other shoes. Avoid wearing nylon socks or plastic shoes. Wear shoes made of leather, canvas, mesh or other materials that let your feet breathe. Wear thick, soft socks to help draw moisture away from the feet. Cotton and other absorbent materials are best. Look for fungal infections between your toes and on the soles of your feet and if you spot redness and dry skin, get treatment. Do regular pedicures help to keep feet clean and healthy? Pedicures are good if they’re done properly and without aggressive intervention such as cutting cuticles or cutting deep into the nail corners. Maintaining good foot hygiene is enough to keep your feet in good shape. What is the correct way to wash feet and how many times should a person wash them every day? Scrub your feet daily with a washcloth and antibacterial soap, and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Make sure to dry between the toes. This should be done at least once a day. How frequently should socks be washed? Clean socks are the best defence against bromohydrosis. Socks should be washed daily. Pure cotton socks are better than wool or those made with fibres that don’t breathe. Even better are the new synthetic fibres specially designed to wick away moisture. Check the label for that claim. What is the role of shoe-liners and antiperspirants? Do they actually work? Ultra-absorbent soles provide a specially blended wool fabric that is not tightly woven. They have small air crevices between the interlocked fibres that are able to capture perspiration from sweaty feet and as pressure is applied while walking, this perspiration slowly moves to the sides of the insole where it dissipates. The result is that the plantar foot stays drier, and remains unaffected by friction with shoes. What types of footwear should men,women and children purchase during summer? Open sandals are best to keep the feet aerated during the hot summer months. These sandals, however, are only for casual walking and cannot handle the impact of long distances. If you are going to walk long distances, use trainers to prevent blisters and pain resulting from walking in sandals with no support. Are there any shortcuts to reduce excessively perspiring feet? When sweating is excessive it is called hyperhydrosis. Consult a podiatrist for a remedy.

Not so happy feet

Source: Hindustantimes.com

Article in Hindustan times conveys why Foot need to be taken care of during Summers.

Complete story

Neha Sharma, Hindustan Times

Mumbai, June 28, 2008

Enough of patting sunscreen on your face. Believe it or not, your feet need it more. If you are one of those who frequently wear flip flops or open sandals, then you are at the risk of developing skin cancer. Dermatologists say that this part of the body is most susceptible because it is often ignored.

Dr Shehla Agarwal, consulting dermatologist, says that fear of tanning compels many to apply sun-block creams or lotions on their face and arms.

The feet remain unattended to. If they apply sunscreen to their feet, they immediately slip into sandals and the cream is wiped out.

“In winters, our feet are kept safe inside shoes. Then they are suddenly exposed to extreme sunlight in sum mer. Fair skin is more vulnerable to cancer,” says Agarwal.

Acral melanoma (cancer of feet and hand) though not very common, affects Indian skin too, she warns. It emerges like a bruise and is often ignored.

The bruise does not fade, it appears and disappears. Then the toe nail lifts up or separates from the skin or, there is a black streak on the nail.

That’s the danger sign. As far as possible, try to wear socks with footwear, advises Dr Anup Dhir, senior cosmetic surgeon, Apollo Hospital. “In the west, they have introduced UV radiation-free clothing,” he informs. “If possible, we can also adopt such clothes.”

© Copyright 2007 Hindustan Times

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=b1302a9a-d243-4c60-9189-b551d706e54c