Footco does not supply shoes. We often get calls from folks who are trying to find shoes. Footco stopped supplying shoes about 15 years ago due to the overhead expense.

Footco is currently updating database records. If your contact info has changed since you were last seen, please send updated info by email or USPS. Thanks!

email: tporcelli@earthlink.net

USPS: Footco, POB 13377, Chicago, IL 60613

Footco will continue to see patients at at the current Montrose location. Clinic hours are currently limited to Saturdays. House-calls and hospital visits may be possible by special arrangement on weekdays.

Duplicate orthoses requests are currently very popular. As a result, there is a two week turnaround time to process these orders. Footco is able to ship duplicate orders to anywhere in the US. Overseas shipping details are still being worked out.

The 6 hour continuing education program will be offered again later this year in Chicago. The details are still being worked out at this time. Check back regularly for details and dates. If you would like to schedule an on-site course, call or e-mail to discuss.

As many of you know, the shoe market is always a moving target and can be quite frustrating. It seems that as soon as you find a shoe that works for you the model changes and it is no longer available.

Although the New Balance Fresh Foam series has been a recent favorite, specifically the model 1080, the price has increased significantly and is out of reach for many folks. In response to the price increase I’ve looked at other shoes on the market. The current Asics “Gel Contend“, “Gel Excite” and “Gel Venture” models have many of the same desired features; neutral alignment, reinforced heel counter, cushioned midsole, nice rocker sole bevel, and light weight at a lower price. If you are looking for a good athletic shoe, one of these Asics models may work well.

Adidas has recently introduced the Racer TR23. This looks promising. Adidas was not a consideration until recently. The heel height is good, the heel counter seems stable, and the toe-box has a rounded shape. *The anterior rocker sole is not as substantial as I had hoped for but the soling is flexible so this may not be a big issue.

I received a pair today. The fit is snug but the upper material is pliable, so the shoe doesn’t feel tight.

On this new pair, the heel alignment is not symmetrical. The LEFT shoe is vertical at the heel but the RIGHT shoe is clearly tilted inward (everted) at the heel. This is a disappointing, yet common, quality control problem with most athletic shoes.

*After test-driving this pair for a week or so I returned them for a full refund.

*As always, feel free to e-mail any shoe-related questions.

Folks often ask about the effects of yoga on various joints and muscles. Here’s an illustrated reference book that gives a good overview of what is happening during each of the asanas.

Re-casting is not usually necessary unless your feet have changed or new symptoms have emerged or returned. It’s good practice to have your orthoses checked every two years or so. If you are currently benefiting from your orthoses and your feet have not changed, re-casting is unnecessary.

At a follow-up recheck visit, the top covers will show the weight distribution pattern on worn orthoses and this provides an accurate way to assess the effectiveness and accuracy of the orthoses over time and to determine whether or not re-casting is indicated. Over the course of 45 years, the percentage of folks who need to be re-casted by Footco is about 10%.

Custom orthoses made by Footco will generally last 10 years or more. They usually need to be refurbished after several years due to wear and tear. In rare cases your orthoses may need to be refurbished sooner, depending on your activity level.

Due to recent downsizing we are not currently able to provide any braces that go over the ankle. This includes the “Porcelli Brace” aka ACFO (ankle-calcaneal-forefoot-orthosis), SMO (supra-malleolar orthosis) and Arizona Braces. Please check this website for future announcements.