Overview of the Criteria used to describe our Footwear

Category:

The category in which the footwear is listed on the Well & Able website shop.

Height:

Our orthopaedic shoes come in different heights. The height of the shoe's upper part is crucial for stability, with taller shoes offering increased support for the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Our footwear is categorised into four heights for easy selection.

Below the ankle: Standard shoes that have uppers that fit below the ankle bones, mainly supporting the foot.

At the ankle: Shoes with uppers as high as the ankle bones that provide mild ankle support and stability and are suitable for foot orthotics with raised heel profiles and SMOs.

Above the ankle: Footwear with taller uppers that fit above the ankle bones to offer firm ankle support and stability.

Lower leg: Shoes with extended uppers reaching to the lower leg to provide firm support and stability for the ankle and lower leg

Counter support:

The counter of our orthopaedic shoes is integrated into the shoe in a way that resembles a butterfly with wings, wrapping around the heel and sides of the foot to offer structure, support, and alignment. It is crafted from sturdy materials and is classified into four levels of support for easier selection.

• Level 1 Medium provides effective support for milder alignment and stability concerns.
• Level 2 Medium + offers firmer support for mild to moderate alignment and stability issues whist maintaining comfort and flexibility.
• Level 3 High provides firmer support for moderate alignment and stability concerns.
• Level 4 High + delivers the highest level of support with a very firm structure tailored for more significant orthopaedic and stability issues.

Sole stiffness:

The soles of our orthopaedic shoes, made from a variety of materials, vary in stiffness levels, affecting walking style. The heel and middle sections offer stability and firmness, while the front part can be flexible to promote toe bending for push off, or rigid to prevent incorrect toe bending while walking. Our shoes are categorized into three stiffness levels for easy selection:

• Low stiffness for flexibility and normal toe bending.
• Moderate stiffness for balance.
• High stiffness for stability and minimized toe movement.

Weight:

The weight of our orthopaedic shoes is influenced by the materials used in their construction and can have an impact on muscle engagement and walking style. Lighter shoes can help alleviate muscle fatigue, while heavier shoes can aid in coordination and addressing toe-walking issues. Our shoes are classified based on weight for easier selection:

• Feather weight shoes are exceptionally light.
• Light weight shoes are slightly heavier but still provide a comfortable feel.
• Middle weight shoes offer increased support and stability with a firm feel.
• Top weight shoes are the heaviest, providing durability, support, and extra weight for enhanced stability.

Upper materials:

Information about the materials utilized in the shoe upper.

Lining:

Information regarding the materials utilised in the shoe's internal lining.

Sole:

The composition of the outersole material, along with any details regarding its construction and potential for modification.

Innersole:

Information regarding the shoe's innersole, including whether it is removable and if options for an arch or flat innersole are available.

Fastening:

The various fastening options available for the shoe. Options include:

• Velcro
• Laces
• Laces and Zip
• BOA dial

Other features:

Outlines additional features of the shoe that may not be covered in other sections.

Size range:

The size, and width, if applicable, the shoe is stocked in, if it is stocked, and the size it is available to order.

Since not all models are kept in stock, be sure to verify this information to see if a shoe is available and what sizes can be ordered.

Width fitting:

Some brands are available in multiple widths while others have one standard width.

Details of the widths the shoe the shoe is stocked in and the widths that are available to order.

Split pairs:

Split pairs refer to situations where a shoe is ordered in different lengths and/or widths, while maintaining the same colour.

It's important to note that some manufacturers impose an additional charge for split pairs.

Colour customisation:

Details if the shoe is available to order in custom colours.

It's important to note that some manufacturers impose an additional charge for custom colours.

Delivery time frame:

The timeframe for ordering shoes from our supplier encompasses several stages: the period before placing the order, the duration required for the manufacturer to produce the shoes, and the shipping time to our warehouse.

Please note that there may be instances when the delivery timeframe is not achieved due to factors beyond Well & Able's control.

Country of Origin

The country where the shoes are manufactured.