About Step Forward
Soft Step History
Development of the Soft Step Foot Corrector came about due to the work of Dr. George Alzner
over 35 years ago. Dr. Alzner was a Romanian Physician who researched the dynamics of the
foot structure for many years before he developed the arch supports. In 1962, the arches became available in the United States.
The Alzner Approach
Dr. Geroge Alzner studied orthopaedics in West Germany where he was trained and received his Masters Degree in 1940’s. He then studied physiology for another 4 years. Over a period of approximately 20 years he observed and researched how the biomechanics of the foot structure operated and he observed and researched foot related problems before developing his own style of arch support, which has come to be known as the “Alzner”.
His approach is very simple, but also very effective, he worked on the theory that an arch support should help to “normalise” the shape of the abnormal foot. As such, he then designed his arch support in the shape of a healthy foot and the idea is, rather than make a support to suit an imbalanced foot structure, his design encourages the imbalanced foot structure to be reshaped into the form that a healthy foot takes. Some say that his design is the most advanced design of an arch support available.
In 1970 our parent company “Step Forward” began manufacturing the orthotics in Seattle, Washington. At this time, new moulds were made which included major changes and corrections. George Alzner oversaw these major changes and corrections. Thereby, the second generation Alzner was born - "Soft Step."
The “Soft Step” arch support and the research, theory and engineering which makes it a reality has been well tried and tested as the Manufacturers are in business since 1974 --- this speaks volumes. The design is kept simple but the effects are astounding. The foot needs to be measured and this is done with a clean, quick ink impression, which does not leave an ink stain.
This ink impression allows us to ascertain the length and width of the foot in order to marry this information with the correct size arch support. It allows us to observe pressure points and areas, which may be problematic. The ink impression also allows us to see where your weight distribution is falling and more importantly where it is falling that may be causing some of your discomfort.
Remember your shoe size has nothing to do with your arch size. There is no fuss, no mess and most importantly no waiting period and the person’s feet can be fitted there and then, on the spot.
You will be amazed at the difference standing in the arches will make, you will be able to feel the difference almost immediately.
If you want to help improve your overall structural position and alleviate a lot of bodily aches and pains then treat yourself to a pair of “Soft Step” Foot Correctors which re-position your foot structure into a position of balance and support – you will be amazed at the difference standing on the “Soft Step” Foot Corrector arch supports make to your overall posture and balance, almost immediately.
STEP FORWARD
was founded in 1974 by Roxanne Kimber. After suffering with back and shoulder problems and exploring many avenues for relief, Roxanne Kimber found the Soft-Step orthotic. These orthotics provided her with much sought relief. With newfound freedom from back pain, Roxanne and Step Forward began by distributing supports to local doctors and clinics.
Through the years many other products have surfaced, but none with the integrity and reliability of the Soft-Step and Thin-Step. Step Forward was established to help people with legitimate problems originating with the feet.
The company has grown throughout the years and now distributes in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, South Africa and Taiwan.
The Soft Step Foot Corrector is the mainstay orthotic product that Step Forward provides.
The Soft Step has provided relief and correction for 95% of the people fitted. It is made of a flexible material that does not generate or retain heat, cause the foot to sweat, or retain any type of odour.
Step Forward is staffed by knowledgeable and caring people. The shipping department maintains a complete stock of orthotics and has daily mail services for domestic and international shipments.
The Soft Step Orthotic
The Soft Step orthotic has been sold successfully since 1974. The Soft Step orthotic's unique structure gets you up off your heels, frees your toes, and puts you over your arch, thereby correctly aligning your whole body. Soft Step provides the perfect support for all three arches; longitudinal, metatarsal, and medial. Many symptoms like backaches, headaches, knee and shoulder pain, etc., can be alleviated almost immediately. The actual correcting of your feet occurs over a period of time.
The Thin Step Orthotic
The Thin Step has been sold for over 40 years, and is available for men, women and children. The Thin Step, also has a longitudinal, metatarsal, and medial arch, supported at a slightly lower angle for all three arches. The Thin Step is thinner, and made specially for those tight-fitting shoes, sandals, boots or high heels.
Note: The Thin Step is not to be confused with the Soft Step foot "corrector." It is a foot "support" and a nice addition to your wardrobe.
The Machine that makes the Orthotics
Pictured to the left is one of the machines that manufactures our Soft-Step Orthotics. We use a company based in Idaho who operate these machines and does the “dirty” work for us. As you can tell from the picture they run a “clean” shop. We manufacture with virgin polymer material, which is a proprietary blend of Dupont materials specific for our project that balances flexibility, toughness and resilience! Step Forward does not use any reground materials or seconds. We pride ourselves in the quality of this process, making our products unique in the marketplace. Step Forward owns the moulds and the materials that are used for the Soft Step orthotics. This ensures that we control the product from start to finish. We resell all of our waste and trim materials so, instead of supporting your feet, it might be the picnic bench supporting your assets next week— if that bench was made in the USA. The Thin-Step orthotics are manufactured in Germany. The Thin-Step facility has been manufacturing products since the middle of the 1930’s. They are also known for the use of virgin material in their processes. The company's experience in nylon based material stems from making artificial practice teeth for student dentists. They also manufacture other dental supplies for students and dentists.
Thank you for viewing our web page
We will be pleased to answer any questions you have and be of service to you.
Please be aware that in no way is any of the material presented within this website
meant to be a substitute for professional care or attention by a
qualified medical practitioner, nor should it be construed as such.
But, bear in mind the following:
The Soft Step Foot Corrector, an orthotic, is a Class I Medical Device.
The Soft Step Foot Corrector is CE Marked and is approved by the Irish Medicines Board.
The Soft Step Foot Corrector is a Registered Medical Device with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Registration No. 3021074)
The Soft Step Foot Corrector is a Registered Medical Device by The Health Products Board of Canada (Licence No. 2113)
The Soft Step Foot Corrector is manufactured in the U.S.
The Soft Step Foot Corrector is worn by thousands of people just like you.
Your better health may be just "TWO FEET" away, so take
" A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION " with
STEP FORWARD IRELAND
44A Cedarwood Park, Glasnevin, Dublin 11
Call today for an appointment to
have your feet checked
086-8309392 or 086-8308757
Manufacturer: Step Forward Company, 11109 Kent Kangley Rd, Kent, Washington 98031