PROCESS FOR MAKING ORTHOTIC INSERT, AN ORTHOTIC INSERT, AND A SHOE COMPRISING THE ORTHOTIC INSERT

摘要

Described are foot orthotics that are designed to restore, reduce or eliminate foot, ankle, knee, hip and back pain by restoring natural gait, balance and posture by supporting and conditioning different arches under the foot. These orthotics are made in a way that allows different areas of a unitary part to be custom made at different hardnesses by controlling the thickness and cross-linking of the orthotic in that area. The parts are made of a chemical-resistant, water-resistant microcellular closed cell material. The orthotics can be made in a variety of overall average stiffness by varying the amount of foaming agent and/or changing materials. These orthotics can also be made very light weight by increasing the amount of foaming and can incorporate a cushioning device made with the same process. Also provided for are a shoe or sandal including an orthotic of unitary construction, the orthotic being reheatable to conform partially to an individual's foot.