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About Step Forward

Soft Step History

Development of the Soft Step Foot Corrector came about due to the work of Dr. George Alzner almost 50 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.

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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.

Pain in the foot. Massage of female feet. Pedicures. Isolated on white background.

STEP FORWARD

was founded in 1974 by Roxanne Kimber (so, on the market without any changes to their design in over 48 years).

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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 manufacturing company has grown throughout the years and now distributes in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Europe, Scandanavia, 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. OVER 48 YEARS WITHOUT ANY CHANGE TO THE DESIGN.

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.

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The Machine that makes the Orthotics

Pictured to the top 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.

Step Forward Ireland, of 44A Cedarwood Park, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 offers the following warranty with each orthotic purchased directly from Step Forward Ireland, as a domestic retail purchase.

Limited Warranty Our Orthotics are warranted by the Manufacturer against defects in materials or workmanship. Due to the nature of the manufacturing process they cannot warrantee against heat and/or abrasion. If the Orthotic should ever break within 2 years of purchase, return the Orthotic and the original paperwork and receipt to our office for a free replacement. This will incur a Postage/Packing charge of €20 paid by the purchaser.

The customer is always invited to call the office if they have any questions and are always invited back for a free check up or check ups if necessary. If, after 90 days of wearing the Orthotics according to the instructions provided and having had your 2 check ups, you are unhappy with the results, please return the Orthotics with the original receipt (not photocopy), instructions form and paperwork issued at time of purchase for a partial refund. A fitting/disposal service fee of €170.00 will be retained by us on all refunds. This covers costs associated with purchase of raw material product including shipping and handling, fitting, disposal of product (as it is a medical device it cannot be re-sold) and office processing related to the transaction.

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Under no circumstances will refunds will be issued on products returned after 4 months from the purchase date or without the documentation referred to above. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY. ANY EXPRESS WARRANTY BEYOND THAT SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL BE VALID ONLY IF GIVEN IN WRITING AT THE TIME OF THE SALE AND SIGNED BY AN OFFICER OF STEP FORWARD IRELAND. BUYER’S REMEDIES AS STATED HEREIN ARE BUYER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES, AND STEP FORWARD IRELAND IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHETHER ORDINARY, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL.

Thank you for viewing our web page

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We are happy 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 and is registered with the HPRA (formerly known as The Irish Medicines Board).
  • The Soft Step Foot Corrector is CE Approved and Marked accordingly.

  • 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 has been manufactured in the U.S. for over 46 years.
  • The Soft Step Foot Corrector is worn by thousands of people just like you.

… in some instances these are only the symptoms of bigger problems as hard surfaces, improper footwear, old age and gravity are the major factors that lead to structural malfunction of the musculoskeletal system.

Call today

Call today for an appointment to have your feet checked

Contact Now!

Your better health may be just “TWO FEET” away, so take

“A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION” with STEP FORWARD IRELAND

line_3 44A Cedarwood Park, Glasnevin, Dublin 11
Call today for an appointment to have your feet checked
086-8309392 or 086-8308757