Improving foot intrinsic muscle strength is always a good thing. Anything that restricts the mobility of the foot will be detrimental to developing intrinsic muscle strength. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole will allow the foot to move normally, allowing the muscles to strengthen over time. Once normal gait is established the muscles will be recruited at the right times to do what they are supposed to do. An active lifestyle is great for building strength.

Generally, an inverted heel position will not pre-dispose to hallux limitus. It is the pronated everted position of the foot that will generally push the medial forefoot upwards from ground reactive force, causing functional hallux limitus that can progress to structural hallux limitus over time. In the inverted STJ position it is very important to support the lateral column of the foot and restore the lateral arch to correct any forefoot valgus. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole does this. If the person is so inverted that they are not propelling through the big toe and favoring the lateral forefoot, this needs to be addressed by either correcting the inverted heel position surgically or providing functional training so they can engage the windlass mechanism and stabilize the foot in propulsion.

Yes, hypermobility is a known entity. In this situation the plantar fascia will stretch more than normal. These individuals will need lots of toe extension to provide enough tension to the fascia to keep the foot working well through the windlass mechanism. Make sure they wear a shoe that does not restrict movement through the big toe, with lots of flexibility behind the toes.

Yes, the foot shape will change over time with use of the Cluffy Ultimate Soles as the medial column of the forefoot plantarflexes with engagement of the windlass mechanism. Research has shown that once big toe mobility is improved, the first ray moves downward re-establishing the arch over time and improving foot alignment.

Not a bad idea. The insole sometimes moves around in a boot. You may want to consider a felt pad as mentioned in the presentation — it adheres to the boot and is very inexpensive as a temporary measure.

They are never too young. Insoles such as the Cluffy Ultimate Sole encourage good foot health, and I like to see the mindset of prevention.

With hard insoles, a period of adjustment is normally necessary because you are trying to stabilize the foot in a neutral position. With the Cluffy Ultimate Sole, we are letting the foot re-establish its own arches and move correctly from a pronated to a neutral position. There is no break-in period required. Some people will notice it feels different, and this usually resolves over a few days. I recommend not using it for competition until it feels natural. If the athlete feels good in it right away, let them go — the benefits for athletic performance will be appreciated immediately.

As the foot improves, yes. Unlike hard orthotics, the foot will improve over time with the Cluffy Ultimate Sole, and there may be a time when it is no longer needed. Hard orthotics generally are needed forever, as they have not been shown to improve foot position over time.

Cluffy Ultimate Soles sell for $99.99. They are more expensive than most traditional insole designs. The unique patented design allows the foot to function more normally, achieving results — particularly from an athletic performance standpoint — that are unique and superior. The balance features also offer older individuals with poor balance a unique benefit.

Yes, the Cluffy Ultimate Soles will work in cleats. Buy ½ size smaller than the shoe size and you may need to trim the outside of the forefoot area with a scissor to match the shape of the shoe. This is detailed on the packaging insertion instructions. Always remove the foam liner in the shoe and use it as a template to adjust the Cluffy Ultimate Soles. This is a great solution for athletes with plantar fasciitis.

We need to look at running and walking differently. In walking, the toes need to bend upwards for normal movement through the entire kinetic chain. The windlass mechanism is a big factor in resupination and active propulsion — this is "high gear walking." Shuffling when walking will not allow this to occur. With running, studies show decreased loading on the knee with midfoot or forefoot strikers, but this is offset by higher ankle and Achilles tendon loading. There may not be one right way to run for all athletes. Regarding cadence, a shorter cadence may be best for some runners, and it is still important to roll through the toes to maintain foot stability.

Running shoes generally have more cushioning to absorb 2–3x body weight, are lighter weight with breathable materials and aggressive tread designs. Some running shoes are stiffer and don't make good walking shoes. A good walking shoe has a heel design to roll you forward and flexibility behind the toes to allow normal foot movement.

Yes. Keep the same shoe size but purchase an insole ½ size smaller than the shoe. Minor adjustments may be needed to shape the insole to the shoe liner — it trims easily with a scissor. Replace the shoe liner with the Cluffy Ultimate Sole.

I think of two things: (1) Is there tightness of the posterior muscle group? This is usually the case — the extensors work harder to clear the toes during swing phase. Stabilizing the midfoot through the windlass mechanism is important, and the Cluffy Ultimate Sole addresses this. Slant board stretches and manipulation of the ankle also help. (2) Is there limited dorsiflexion of the first MTPJ where the EHL is actively attempting to dorsiflex the toe? This usually results in a spoon shape to the big toe. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole will resolve this by unlocking the big toe, so long as there is passive range of motion available.

When the first metatarsal is plantarflexed and the lateral forefoot is elevated, there will be a lot of force on the first ray and sesamoids, resulting in sesamoiditis, fracture, or arthritis. The solution is to support the lateral arch, reverse the forefoot valgus, and allow the 4th and 5th metatarsals to become more stable and weight bearing. Then lift the big toe to unlock it and establish sesamoid gliding — this puts more load on the toe instead of the first metatarsal head. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole is very effective for this condition. Also use a shoe with padding under the first metatarsal head, ensure flexibility on the forefoot, address limited ankle motion, and look at hip/knee position, stance width, angle of gait, and core strengthening.

Yes — Baxter's nerve (a branch of the posterior tibial nerve) can become entrapped beneath the plantar fascia, causing burning heel pain that is present all the time, not necessarily activity-related like plantar fasciitis. It is diagnosed via EMG. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole can help with some success, but this problem usually requires manual therapy or surgical release. Fortunately, it is relatively uncommon.

Tuli heel cups provide cushion to the heel only. They are good for older individuals with loss of the protective fat pad but do not deal with the cause of heel pain in most active individuals.

Six weeks after walking independently. Use them primarily for foot protection, particularly outdoors. Make sure shoes are flexible, breathable, and sized correctly.

Medial tibial stress syndrome and posterior tibial tendonitis are both caused by excessive pronation — an inability to transition out of pronation to a more stable neutral foot. If not addressed when young, pronation gets increasingly severe because the big toe locks up and the windlass mechanism can't stabilize the foot. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole restores the windlass mechanism and resolves these conditions quickly. Sever's disease is like plantar fasciitis in adults — same root problem. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole addresses the key issues directly and is very effective. Also use slant board stretches for Achilles tightness and ice heels at end of games and practices.

Pigeon toeing results from internal tibial torsion or femoral anteversion. Kids commonly compensate by pronating the foot, which destabilizes it and sets them up for injuries and structural issues with knees, hips, and back. I recommend an insole to protect the foot from excessive pronation. Many high-level athletes are a little pigeon-toed and can be quite good at athletics. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole is a comprehensive solution that also protects the lateral arch.

Gait training is fundamental and easy to do. We are not usually taught how to walk correctly, yet normal walking is essential for good posture, efficient energy transfer, injury prevention, and longevity. As we age, structural issues develop that prevent normal walking. The Cluffy Ultimate Sole is a great tool when these problems develop.

Making the individual aware of what they are doing and what they need to do is a big help. Eliminating stiffness in the big toe with the Cluffy Ultimate Soles allows them to roll through the foot correctly. As they continue to walk and change out of the duck-footed position, they will gradually make progress. Physical therapy is also very helpful.