FAQs & Successes

FAQs & Successes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Formthotics?

Formthotics™ are a revolutionary prefabricated custom fit foot orthotic. They are used for the treatment of lower limb injuries as well as for injury prevention, enhanced performance and improved comfort. Formthotics™ are a customised by thermoforming (heat moulding) to the patient’s foot and shoe and fully adjustable by additional posting and grinding.

Research and studies indicate that most people can benefit from the use of custom orthotics in their footwear. Some references if you wish to follow up this topic include:

  • Comparative trial of the foot pressure patterns between corrective orthotics, Formthotics, bone spur pads and flat insole in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis” by Chia, Suresh, Kuah, Ong, Phua and Seah 2009
  • The Effectiveness of a Sports Orthotic by Fitzgerald, 1995 - 96
  • Can custom-made biomechanics shoe orthoses prevent problems in the back and lower extremities? A randomized, controlled intervention trial of 146 Military Conscripts” by Larsen, Weidech & Leboeuf-Yde, 2001.
  • Do foot orthoses change lower limb muscle activity in flat arched feet towards a pattern observed in “normal arched” feet?” by Murley, Landorf & Menz, 2010
  • Effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis – a randomized trial’ by Landorf, Keenan & Herbert 2006.

Do they come in different sizes?

Yes Formthotics™ come in size XXS (previously called Kids) through to XXL. They also come in various shapes, arch profiles and foam hardness. See our size chart that is found in each of the product detail pages to find your size.

How long will a set of Formthotics last?

Formthotics™ will normally outlast the pair of shoes in which they are fitted. Even with heavy use most people should get a minimum of 12 months life from a pair of Formthotics™.

Formthotics™ have a 30 day warranty.

Can Formthotics be cleaned?

Yes you can. Simply wash them in cold or warm water with a little detergent and rinse with water. Dry them with a towel and replace them in your shoes. The Formax™ foam is waterproof and does not absorb sweat, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi which causes foot odour and may lead to infection or athlete’s foot (tinea). Formthotics™ have added protection of an antimicrobial product called Ultra-Fresh™

Who designs and makes Formthotics?

Formthotics™ were invented by Dr Charlie Baycroft (previously Medical Director of Foot Science International) in conjunction with help and expert advice from podiatrists, sports medicine specialists and physiotherapists.

They have been manufactured in Christchurch New Zealand by Foot Science International for over 30 years.

What are Formthotics made from?

They are made from the unique, proprietary PE Foam called Formax™, a type of chemically cross-linked closed cell Polyethylene foam. This foam is very different from EVA that most other foam insoles are made from. Formax™ is completely thermoformable (heat mouldable), which means they can change shapeat relatively low temperatures. Its closed cell structure means it is completely waterproof and doesn't absorb bacteria or germs.

Formthotics™ are antimicrobial. This is due to the nature of the closed cell foam as no contaminants are absorbed and also due to the added antimicrobial agent, Ultra-Fresh™, which prevents growth of bacteria and fungi. Independent laboratory tests show that Formax™ foam has a 100% surface inhibition of A.niger and S.aureus.

Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Formthotics?

Formthotics™ are a revolutionary prefabricated custom fit foot orthotic. They are used for the treatment of lower limb injuries as well as for injury prevention, enhanced performance and improved comfort. Formthotics™ are a customised by thermoforming (heat moulding) to the patient’s foot and shoe and fully adjustable by additional posting and grinding.

Research and studies indicate that most people can benefit from the use of custom orthotics in their footwear. Some references if you wish to follow up this topic include:

  • Comparative trial of the foot pressure patterns between corrective orthotics, Formthotics, bone spur pads and flat insole in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis” by Chia, Suresh, Kuah, Ong, Phua and Seah 2009
  • The Effectiveness of a Sports Orthotic by Fitzgerald, 1995 - 96
  • Can custom-made biomechanics shoe orthoses prevent problems in the back and lower extremities? A randomized, controlled intervention trial of 146 Military Conscripts” by Larsen, Weidech & Leboeuf-Yde, 2001.
  • Do foot orthoses change lower limb muscle activity in flat arched feet towards a pattern observed in “normal arched” feet?” by Murley, Landorf & Menz, 2010
  • Effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis – a randomized trial’ by Landorf, Keenan & Herbert 2006.

Do they come in different sizes?

Yes Formthotics™ come in size XXS (previously called Kids) through to XXL. They also come in various shapes, arch profiles and foam hardness. See our size chart that is found in each of the product detail pages to find your size.

How long will a set of Formthotics last?

Formthotics™ will normally outlast the pair of shoes in which they are fitted. Even with heavy use most people should get a minimum of 12 months life from a pair of Formthotics™.

Formthotics™ have a 30 day warranty.

Can Formthotics be cleaned?

Yes you can. Simply wash them in cold or warm water with a little detergent and rinse with water. Dry them with a towel and replace them in your shoes. The Formax™ foam is waterproof and does not absorb sweat, preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi which causes foot odour and may lead to infection or athlete’s foot (tinea). Formthotics™ have added protection of an antimicrobial product called Ultra-Fresh™

Who designs and makes Formthotics?

Formthotics™ were invented by Dr Charlie Baycroft (previously Medical Director of Foot Science International) in conjunction with help and expert advice from podiatrists, sports medicine specialists and physiotherapists.

They have been manufactured in Christchurch New Zealand by Foot Science International for over 30 years.

What are Formthotics made from?

They are made from the unique, proprietary PE Foam called Formax™, a type of chemically cross-linked closed cell Polyethylene foam. This foam is very different from EVA that most other foam insoles are made from. Formax™ is completely thermoformable (heat mouldable), which means they can change shapeat relatively low temperatures. Its closed cell structure means it is completely waterproof and doesn't absorb bacteria or germs.

Formthotics™ are antimicrobial. This is due to the nature of the closed cell foam as no contaminants are absorbed and also due to the added antimicrobial agent, Ultra-Fresh™, which prevents growth of bacteria and fungi. Independent laboratory tests show that Formax™ foam has a 100% surface inhibition of A.niger and S.aureus.

Success Stories

Wearing Formthotics gives great relief to my feet at work

SARAH THARP
Zoo Keeper, St. Louis Zoo, Missouri

Sarah Tharp from St. Louis, Missouri, USA contacted us to let us know her success wearing Formthotics in her shoes especially in her line of work being on her feet all day. Sarah was prescribed a pair of Formthotics from a Podiatrist while traveling in Australia and absolutely loves them.

Read more >

Sarah is a zoo keeper at the St. Louis Zoo, a beautiful and massive zoo with over 90 acres of parkland. It is recognised for its animal management of over 18,000 animals from 655 different species. The zoo also has extensive research, conservation, and education programs that Sarah helps contribute to in her position.

The nature of Sarah’s work means she is exposed to varying surfaces and conditions, particularly within the animal habitats. “Formthotics are not only comfy, but durable and waterproof.” She is especially impressed how long they last. “I’m on my feet all day, hiking at least 12km and I need all the cushion and support I can get. I can’t find any other insoles that even come close to Formthotics!”

It is great to have a comfortable solution to working on hard surfaces for long hours. Formthotics helps reduce the stress on feet, ankles, knees, and also back pressures. For an individual working long hours caring for many exotic animals, Formthotics are a great help!

Ultra-cyclist Dad, high school teacher and Formthotics wearer reaches podium in Race Across America!

PETER SANDHOLT
High school teacher, Horsens, Denmark

Peter Sandholt has come third in the Race Across America 2015! The event, described as 'the world's toughest endurance bicycle race', covers 4800kms coast-to-coast across the United States of America. We managed to cycle Peter in for a quick interview.

Read more >

Tell us about your background and how it has led you to being an ultra-cyclist?
I’ve always been doing a lot of sport. I’m extremely competitive, so after a soccer injury I ended up cycling. The races kept getting longer and longer, and I discovered the longer the races were, the better I was.

I have been cycling for 10-12 years at a competitive level. A couple of years ago I decided to try out my fascination for ultra-cycling. I like ultra-cycling for many reasons. You need to be strong physically and mentally, and then there´s the whole adventure aspect. I like the fact that you very often ride under new conditions with constantly new demands.

What did Race Across America 2015 involve?

  • two years of preparation

  • almost $100,000 budget

  • a 20-25 training scheme per week

  • hundreds of hours seeking sponsors and doing logistics

  • several training camps abroad

  • training at night in order to fit in the training

  • a seven person crew

  • 4.800kms of riding, 52,000 height meters

How have Formthotics helped you?
When I did my first ultra-cycling event in Slovenia in May 2014, I had huge pains under my front of my feet. It was a burning sensation. I checked the market and the Formthotics insoles seemed what I needed, so I got in contact with SportsPharma in Vejle, Denmark. They immediately were extremely friendly and helpful. I visited them, had the insoles made, and I tested them in Race Around Ireland. After that, Formthotics proved to be the product I had needed. I no longer had the pain under my feet.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Yes. I would like to thank my family and friends, and especially my wife, Elna. It has been tough at times through the last couple of years training for the race, and she has been outstanding. And of course I would like to thank my sponsors and my crew. It has been a privilege to represent and work with them.

What challenges you most in cycling?
In daily life, it’s combining the many hours of training with a family life (I am married with three children age 8, 6 and 4). In races, it’s the sleep deprivation. I always get sleepy before my legs get tired.

What are your biggest cycling achievements?

  • Race Across America 2015 – 3rd place

  • Race Around Ireland 2014, European Championship – 4th place

  • Race Around Slovenia 2014 – 13th place

  • Melfar 24 hour – 1st place with 775 km (at the time it was a new Danish record, it was beaten in February by 2kms)

What are your biggest personal achievements related to cycling?
Besides 3rd place in Race Across America it must be cycling the last 1,100kms in Race Around Ireland with a Shermers Neck (when cyclists who ride unusually long distances suddenly have trouble holding their neck up).

What was the best advice you would give about injury prevention?
Ride with the feet horizontally, ride with relatively loose shoes, make sure to pull as much as you push the pedals, have a bike fit to see, if there are any anatomical abnormalities, and of course make sure to wear some proper insoles. I recommend Formthotics.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I have several goals:

  • to be the first Dane to ride more than 800kms in 24 hours

  • to get under 9 days in Race Across America

  • to win Transcontinental Europe

Do you have any advice for others who want to start cycling?
Enjoy. You are working with the greatest instrument, and you will get to see places and meet people you wouldn´t have dreamed of.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
No matter what, always be true to yourself.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
Quitting is not an option.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The future challenges and experiences.

Who was your role model growing up?
Two: My dad, and my best friend, Johnny. Johnny has also been with me all the way through the last years of ultra-cycling.

Running injury free and a little more ambitious (and see what he wears!)

JEREMY DUGGAN
Physiotherapist and runner, Australia

An active life no longer in pain

Stress fractures, shin splints, knee pain and hamstring strains. All injuries I have encountered in the past, but not the present. As an amateur athlete growing up through the 'olden days' (circa 1990s)...

Read more >

there were copious amounts of stress put on my joints as I worked my way up the fitness ladder – from a child playing rounder’s to a 20-something year old in the division hockey finals.

These days, I like to keep my sport to the pavement and enjoy a long run, followed by a cycle, and maybe finish off with another run.

Understanding orthotics

As a physiotherapist, I recognise the importance of symmetry and keeping your joints and muscles in check. Your body is a complex system, responsible for making you move. I've enjoyed assessing, diagnosing and treating people who have come in with all sorts of injuries, a lot related to biomechanical asymmetry, weakness and lack of flexibility.

The feet form the foundation for the body. They contain 52 bones (not including the sesamoids), 66 joints and plenty of ligaments. No wonder it is important to support this area which takes us around 10,000 steps per day before it gets an overnight rest.

The kinetic chain is an integral part of the human body and shows that fixing one source of problems can effect another part of the body. This is exactly what Formthotics are about, supporting your foundation to lessen the impact of forces through the kinetic chain.

Helping patients (and myself) reach goals

Another part of my profession is to set goals with clients. I can't stress the importance of this. After all, ‘setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible’ – Tony Robbins. I do this on a daily basis with my patients, and also for myself.

Several years ago I set myself the goal of running my first marathon. I was given an excellent opportunity to run the London Marathon for my chosen charity, The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Fortunately, I was pointed in the direction of Foot Science International and met European Sales Manager, Tim Hiscock. I was then given the golden snitch in the form of my own custom fitted Formthotics.

Success with Formthotics

The marathon was a success. This fuelled the fire to continue to be active, and since then I have completed 15 fair distance races, including the 'world’s longest obstacle race', a race under the midnight sun in Iceland, a half marathon dressed as a crayfish in England, and I beat a steam train in a race just a few weeks ago in Australia. I also conquered the highest mountain in each of Scotland, England and Wales over a five day period.

I am still going strong today and managing to surpass my 10,000 steps a day very easily without a problem, this gives me the confidence to continue to use Formthotics and recommend them to my patients.

Formthotics amaze keen cyclist

IAN CRAVEN
Cyclist, New Zeland

30+ years cycling

‘I love to ride my mountain bike. It’s that simple,’ says Ian Craven, an avid cyclist from New Zealand. Ian has been riding a mountain bike since he received a new Jamis Dakar as a gift in 1985.

He has ridden both full suspension bikes and geared bikes, but these days loves his superlight and fast single-speed.

Read more >

‘I ride with my daughter and with our friends. We ride the local Dunedin trails and also at Naseby about 10 times a year. Recently we rode the trails in the Craigieburn Valley ski area of Arthurs Pass. It is wonderful riding high up in the alpine setting.’

Formthotics for mountain biking:

  • Astonishing results
    ‘In single-speed mountain biking there are three gears. Sitting, standing and walking. Your feet and legs get a lot of work. I have fantastic shoes but even with them my knees used to get sore. I tried a number of insoles but none helped enough and most broke down quickly. I heard about Formthotics from my physiotherapist. I fitted them easily in my bike shoes and the result was astonishing.’
  • Connection to the bike with the whole foot
    ‘I feel I have much better balance and agility because I am connected to my bike with my whole foot.’
  • No knee soreness or leg tiredness even during endurance events
    ‘Importantly I have had no knee soreness or leg tiredness even in the biggest events. The miracle isn’t that I managed to ride for the whole 12 hours and cover 156 km (4th in the Naseby 12Hr Single Speed Category). The miracle is that my knees and ankles were fine during the event and after. I certainly did a lot of training and made sure the bike was well set up, but I am 58, and have knocked at least one of my one knees around badly over the years. The Formthotics were amazing. Truly amazing.’
  • Durable
    ‘There is no sign of wear or compression in the Formthotics and I have covered many kilometres of not just riding – but walking, climbing, in mud, through rivers and at times track building in my shoes.’
  • Recommendation
    ‘I wish I had got onto Formthotics earlier. I have bought a pair for my daughter and she has immediately noticed that her inner knees do not hurt after big rides. A great product.’

Goal setting

Each year Ian sets himself challenges. ‘Last year I rode the Otago Mountain Bike Champs where I got third in the single-speed event, and in November I was 10th out of 90 rides in the New Zealand Single-Speed Champs. There are no age sections!’‘I am much better at longer events so I’ve set my goal of completing the 3000km Tour Aotearoa next year.’

Scott Molina - triathlon legend shares 3 tips to help minimise injury risk for a long endurance sport career

SCOTT MOLINA
World class triathlete, New Zealand

Scott Molina is a world class triathlete legend who started competing professionally in the early 1980s and still actively competes in endurance races today – recently running the 90km Comrades Marathon in South Africa in June 2014.

Read more >

He was born in California and has lived in New Zealand since 1994. Scott shares few words on his early days, his relationship with Formthotics, and words of wisdom on how you too can succeed in the sporting world.

A sporting legend is born

Scott ‘The Terminator’ Molina chose to step away from college to become a self-confessed ‘triathlete junkie’ in the 1980’s when he fell in love with the sport. Two years later he went professional.

In his professional career, from 1982 to 1995 Scott competed in over 270 races and pounded the pavement, grass, water and anything else that got in his way (within reason!), towards countless titles – gaining over 100+ wins, including Hawaii Ironman World Champion in 1988.

Formthotics for 20+ years

Scott has worn Formthotics since 1989. He says: “They’re light, flexible and allow my lower legs to work as they should.”

Scott explains why: “I’ve always been a big pronator. I have quite a large roll from the outside of my foot inwards, so trying to limit the amount of damage that can be caused by running 80-100km a week, week after week, is important.”

Lifelong commitment to triathlon

From 1995, while still competing in events, Scott became a coach. He lists his top three tips for upcoming triathletes to minimise injury risk and help improve performance:

1. Ensure structure and technique is correct

Get analysed by a professional to make sure your body is performing how it is designed and getting the professional guidance required. From early on, Scott knew that taking care of his lower limbs was essential for his success, physical longevity and overall wellbeing.

2. Recognise the huge volume of exercise required to complete a race

The volume of exercise to compete and succeed at such a level comes with astronomical amounts of training. On average Scott would annually cycle 25-35,000km and run 4-5,000km, with swimming averaging at 25km a week.

3. Get the right orthotic support from the start

With high levels of training and stress particularly on the lower body, the structure of an orthotic can help prevent the development of chronic injuries.

A physical guy for life

With numerous goals in place and races in the pipeline, Scott shares – “10 years from now I’ll definitely be taking part in events, finding challenges, I’m a physical guy and I enjoy physical challenge.”

Wearing Formthotics gives great relief to my feet at work

SARAH THARP
Zoo Keeper, St. Louis Zoo, Missouri

Sarah Tharp from St. Louis, Missouri, USA contacted us to let us know her success wearing Formthotics in her shoes especially in her line of work being on her feet all day. Sarah was prescribed a pair of Formthotics from a Podiatrist while traveling in Australia and absolutely loves them.

Read more >

Sarah is a zoo keeper at the St. Louis Zoo, a beautiful and massive zoo with over 90 acres of parkland. It is recognised for its animal management of over 18,000 animals from 655 different species. The zoo also has extensive research, conservation, and education programs that Sarah helps contribute to in her position.

The nature of Sarah’s work means she is exposed to varying surfaces and conditions, particularly within the animal habitats. “Formthotics are not only comfy, but durable and waterproof.” She is especially impressed how long they last. “I’m on my feet all day, hiking at least 12km and I need all the cushion and support I can get. I can’t find any other insoles that even come close to Formthotics!”

It is great to have a comfortable solution to working on hard surfaces for long hours. Formthotics helps reduce the stress on feet, ankles, knees, and also back pressures. For an individual working long hours caring for many exotic animals, Formthotics are a great help!

Ultra-cyclist Dad, high school teacher and Formthotics wearer reaches podium in Race Across America!

PETER SANDHOLT
High school teacher, Horsens, Denmark

Peter Sandholt has come third in the Race Across America 2015! The event, described as 'the world's toughest endurance bicycle race', covers 4800kms coast-to-coast across the United States of America. We managed to cycle Peter in for a quick interview.

Read more >

Tell us about your background and how it has led you to being an ultra-cyclist?
I’ve always been doing a lot of sport. I’m extremely competitive, so after a soccer injury I ended up cycling. The races kept getting longer and longer, and I discovered the longer the races were, the better I was.

I have been cycling for 10-12 years at a competitive level. A couple of years ago I decided to try out my fascination for ultra-cycling. I like ultra-cycling for many reasons. You need to be strong physically and mentally, and then there´s the whole adventure aspect. I like the fact that you very often ride under new conditions with constantly new demands.

What did Race Across America 2015 involve?

  • two years of preparation

  • almost $100,000 budget

  • a 20-25 training scheme per week

  • hundreds of hours seeking sponsors and doing logistics

  • several training camps abroad

  • training at night in order to fit in the training

  • a seven person crew

  • 4.800kms of riding, 52,000 height meters

How have Formthotics helped you?
When I did my first ultra-cycling event in Slovenia in May 2014, I had huge pains under my front of my feet. It was a burning sensation. I checked the market and the Formthotics insoles seemed what I needed, so I got in contact with SportsPharma in Vejle, Denmark. They immediately were extremely friendly and helpful. I visited them, had the insoles made, and I tested them in Race Around Ireland. After that, Formthotics proved to be the product I had needed. I no longer had the pain under my feet.

Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Yes. I would like to thank my family and friends, and especially my wife, Elna. It has been tough at times through the last couple of years training for the race, and she has been outstanding. And of course I would like to thank my sponsors and my crew. It has been a privilege to represent and work with them.

What challenges you most in cycling?
In daily life, it’s combining the many hours of training with a family life (I am married with three children age 8, 6 and 4). In races, it’s the sleep deprivation. I always get sleepy before my legs get tired.

What are your biggest cycling achievements?

  • Race Across America 2015 – 3rd place

  • Race Around Ireland 2014, European Championship – 4th place

  • Race Around Slovenia 2014 – 13th place

  • Melfar 24 hour – 1st place with 775 km (at the time it was a new Danish record, it was beaten in February by 2kms)

What are your biggest personal achievements related to cycling?
Besides 3rd place in Race Across America it must be cycling the last 1,100kms in Race Around Ireland with a Shermers Neck (when cyclists who ride unusually long distances suddenly have trouble holding their neck up).

What was the best advice you would give about injury prevention?
Ride with the feet horizontally, ride with relatively loose shoes, make sure to pull as much as you push the pedals, have a bike fit to see, if there are any anatomical abnormalities, and of course make sure to wear some proper insoles. I recommend Formthotics.

What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I have several goals:

  • to be the first Dane to ride more than 800kms in 24 hours

  • to get under 9 days in Race Across America

  • to win Transcontinental Europe

Do you have any advice for others who want to start cycling?
Enjoy. You are working with the greatest instrument, and you will get to see places and meet people you wouldn´t have dreamed of.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
No matter what, always be true to yourself.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
Quitting is not an option.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The future challenges and experiences.

Who was your role model growing up?
Two: My dad, and my best friend, Johnny. Johnny has also been with me all the way through the last years of ultra-cycling.

Running injury free and a little more ambitious (and see what he wears!)

JEREMY DUGGAN
Physiotherapist and runner, Australia

An active life no longer in pain

Stress fractures, shin splints, knee pain and hamstring strains. All injuries I have encountered in the past, but not the present. As an amateur athlete growing up through the 'olden days' (circa 1990s)...

Read more >

there were copious amounts of stress put on my joints as I worked my way up the fitness ladder – from a child playing rounder’s to a 20-something year old in the division hockey finals.

These days, I like to keep my sport to the pavement and enjoy a long run, followed by a cycle, and maybe finish off with another run.

Understanding orthotics

As a physiotherapist, I recognise the importance of symmetry and keeping your joints and muscles in check. Your body is a complex system, responsible for making you move. I've enjoyed assessing, diagnosing and treating people who have come in with all sorts of injuries, a lot related to biomechanical asymmetry, weakness and lack of flexibility.

The feet form the foundation for the body. They contain 52 bones (not including the sesamoids), 66 joints and plenty of ligaments. No wonder it is important to support this area which takes us around 10,000 steps per day before it gets an overnight rest.

The kinetic chain is an integral part of the human body and shows that fixing one source of problems can effect another part of the body. This is exactly what Formthotics are about, supporting your foundation to lessen the impact of forces through the kinetic chain.

Helping patients (and myself) reach goals

Another part of my profession is to set goals with clients. I can't stress the importance of this. After all, ‘setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible’ – Tony Robbins. I do this on a daily basis with my patients, and also for myself.

Several years ago I set myself the goal of running my first marathon. I was given an excellent opportunity to run the London Marathon for my chosen charity, The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Fortunately, I was pointed in the direction of Foot Science International and met European Sales Manager, Tim Hiscock. I was then given the golden snitch in the form of my own custom fitted Formthotics.

Success with Formthotics

The marathon was a success. This fuelled the fire to continue to be active, and since then I have completed 15 fair distance races, including the 'world’s longest obstacle race', a race under the midnight sun in Iceland, a half marathon dressed as a crayfish in England, and I beat a steam train in a race just a few weeks ago in Australia. I also conquered the highest mountain in each of Scotland, England and Wales over a five day period.

I am still going strong today and managing to surpass my 10,000 steps a day very easily without a problem, this gives me the confidence to continue to use Formthotics and recommend them to my patients.

Formthotics amaze keen cyclist

IAN CRAVEN
Cyclist, New Zeland

30+ years cycling

‘I love to ride my mountain bike. It’s that simple,’ says Ian Craven, an avid cyclist from New Zealand. Ian has been riding a mountain bike since he received a new Jamis Dakar as a gift in 1985.

He has ridden both full suspension bikes and geared bikes, but these days loves his superlight and fast single-speed.

Read more >

‘I ride with my daughter and with our friends. We ride the local Dunedin trails and also at Naseby about 10 times a year. Recently we rode the trails in the Craigieburn Valley ski area of Arthurs Pass. It is wonderful riding high up in the alpine setting.’

Formthotics for mountain biking:

  • Astonishing results
    ‘In single-speed mountain biking there are three gears. Sitting, standing and walking. Your feet and legs get a lot of work. I have fantastic shoes but even with them my knees used to get sore. I tried a number of insoles but none helped enough and most broke down quickly. I heard about Formthotics from my physiotherapist. I fitted them easily in my bike shoes and the result was astonishing.’
  • Connection to the bike with the whole foot
    ‘I feel I have much better balance and agility because I am connected to my bike with my whole foot.’
  • No knee soreness or leg tiredness even during endurance events
    ‘Importantly I have had no knee soreness or leg tiredness even in the biggest events. The miracle isn’t that I managed to ride for the whole 12 hours and cover 156 km (4th in the Naseby 12Hr Single Speed Category). The miracle is that my knees and ankles were fine during the event and after. I certainly did a lot of training and made sure the bike was well set up, but I am 58, and have knocked at least one of my one knees around badly over the years. The Formthotics were amazing. Truly amazing.’
  • Durable
    ‘There is no sign of wear or compression in the Formthotics and I have covered many kilometres of not just riding – but walking, climbing, in mud, through rivers and at times track building in my shoes.’
  • Recommendation
    ‘I wish I had got onto Formthotics earlier. I have bought a pair for my daughter and she has immediately noticed that her inner knees do not hurt after big rides. A great product.’

Goal setting

Each year Ian sets himself challenges. ‘Last year I rode the Otago Mountain Bike Champs where I got third in the single-speed event, and in November I was 10th out of 90 rides in the New Zealand Single-Speed Champs. There are no age sections!’‘I am much better at longer events so I’ve set my goal of completing the 3000km Tour Aotearoa next year.’

Scott Molina - triathlon legend shares 3 tips to help minimise injury risk for a long endurance sport career

SCOTT MOLINA
World class triathlete, New Zealand

Scott Molina is a world class triathlete legend who started competing professionally in the early 1980s and still actively competes in endurance races today – recently running the 90km Comrades Marathon in South Africa in June 2014.

Read more >

He was born in California and has lived in New Zealand since 1994. Scott shares few words on his early days, his relationship with Formthotics, and words of wisdom on how you too can succeed in the sporting world.

A sporting legend is born

Scott ‘The Terminator’ Molina chose to step away from college to become a self-confessed ‘triathlete junkie’ in the 1980’s when he fell in love with the sport. Two years later he went professional.

In his professional career, from 1982 to 1995 Scott competed in over 270 races and pounded the pavement, grass, water and anything else that got in his way (within reason!), towards countless titles – gaining over 100+ wins, including Hawaii Ironman World Champion in 1988.

Formthotics for 20+ years

Scott has worn Formthotics since 1989. He says: “They’re light, flexible and allow my lower legs to work as they should.”

Scott explains why: “I’ve always been a big pronator. I have quite a large roll from the outside of my foot inwards, so trying to limit the amount of damage that can be caused by running 80-100km a week, week after week, is important.”

Lifelong commitment to triathlon

From 1995, while still competing in events, Scott became a coach. He lists his top three tips for upcoming triathletes to minimise injury risk and help improve performance:

1. Ensure structure and technique is correct

Get analysed by a professional to make sure your body is performing how it is designed and getting the professional guidance required. From early on, Scott knew that taking care of his lower limbs was essential for his success, physical longevity and overall wellbeing.

2. Recognise the huge volume of exercise required to complete a race

The volume of exercise to compete and succeed at such a level comes with astronomical amounts of training. On average Scott would annually cycle 25-35,000km and run 4-5,000km, with swimming averaging at 25km a week.

3. Get the right orthotic support from the start

With high levels of training and stress particularly on the lower body, the structure of an orthotic can help prevent the development of chronic injuries.

A physical guy for life

With numerous goals in place and races in the pipeline, Scott shares – “10 years from now I’ll definitely be taking part in events, finding challenges, I’m a physical guy and I enjoy physical challenge.”