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 update info by email or USPS.

email: tporcelli@earthlink.net

USPS: Footco, POB 13377, Chicago, IL 60613

Folks have been asking about how long their casts are stored: All casts have been kept in storage to accommodate duplicate orthoses requests. These include casts that go back as far as 1992. The casts from before 2000 will eventually be discarded. When this happens, it will be posted on this site.

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

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.

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, 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 about a month ago. 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.

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

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.

This may not be a problem for me because the alignment that I require for my foot type is exactly that. However, this is generally unacceptable for folks who require symmetrical heel alignment. In most cases I would send this shoe back for a replacement.

I’ll update this assessment after I test drive the shoes for a while.

*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.

After a long delay due to covid, scheduling has resumed as of 1-15-24. Current turnaround time from casting to fitting is approximately 2 weeks.

*E-mail communication is best.