Upstep Orthotics : Revisited
Six years later...
RainyDayMagazine reviews are different because–when possible–we follow up our FirstLook and FirstUse reviews with longer-term updates. This is possible because we don’t just regurgitate press releases, we REALLY use what we review.
Upstep Custom Orthotics
One of our editors has had flat feet all of her life. While it may sound amusing, not having the normal arch causes a lot of discomfort because nothing above the feet is in the right place, structurally speaking. She tried all kinds of orthotics, and until the custom Upstep orthotics arrived at the office, nothing offered reliable relief for the condition. In her words, Upstep “gave me back my feet!!!”
We first looked at Upstep Custom Orthotics in 2019. Our reviewer has used them almost every day for the past six years. How have her Upsteps held up? Read on…
Six years later
In 2019, we ordered two different styles of orthotics from Upsteps: one for everyday use (and everyday shoes) and the other for hiking, sports, and more active situations. Readers can see that both sets had been used extensively!
The everyday orthotics plastic form held up to the heavy use. The top layer of the padding had taken a lot of abuse over the years, is showing a lot of wear, but it held up and didn’t disintegrate.
The same was true of the sports orthotics. The impressions made by the toes, the ball of the foot, and the heel were all clearly visible. Looking at the side, the integrity of the different layers still looked good!
The two sets of Upstep orthotics showed the wear and tear from daily use, but both are still functional even after six years of use. That says a lot about the quality of Upstep’s products.
New Mold
We didn’t expect that Upstep would have kept the original mold after six years…and no, they no longer have it 🙂 They sent a new mold, we repeated the process, and sent it back in the prepaid envelope….quick, easy, and hassle-free.
New Upstep
When our editor ordered the new set, she answered a series of questions regarding what was bothering her now. Based on her answers, Upstep determined which of their offerings best fit her current needs and goals.
This new set is kind of a mixture of the first two sets. This set has no hard plastic form, but still has a few different layers of foam. Also, the shape of the arch is clearly different than those of the other sets.
New/Old Compared
The new set is different from the previous two sets: it’s slightly narrower, and the arch is a touch more pronounced.
Exercises can help change the shape of the arch by strengthening the muscles and tissues that support it, which can improve its height and support over time. This is especially true for people with low/fallen arches, as a combination of exercises and proper foot positioning can build muscular support. We can see the similarities and differences in the various sets. It will be interesting to hear the thoughts after the FirstUse.
FirstThougths
Those of us with good arches don’t think twice about them. Those who don’t have good arches think about them all the time. Those who don’t want to have to think about their arches should get a pair of custom orthotics from Upstep! They really are top-notch, oh so pain-relieving, and they LAST…so well worth the money!!!
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