I want to learn!

[james d]

I am very interested in learning the art of adding lifts to shoes and trainers. I have a 2.5cm leg length dicreptancy on the right leg. I've had many jobs done over the years. They vary in quality from technician to technician and even when you find a good technician they move stores! The main problem I get is with pitch and balance. Some technicians are very, very good. Some are less so. The NHS jobs are good but the process is so long-winded (and involves hospital visits/time off work) its a joke. It's got to the point where I want to do it myself.

 

I live in Birmingham and would be very grateful if any of you guys can give me some pointers?

 

I would like to know:

 

a) what tools I need? I've tried taking the sole of some old trainers with a stanley knife, carving knife and a black + decker workmate. The sole came off but was nowhere near as smooth as when I get it done professionally. I'm guessing that as well as the skill and experience I need a sander of some sort? I've tried one for wood but it would take years to grind down the sole. I'm also guessing foam for the lifts and glue.

 

is there a training course or anyone prepared to teach me?

 

Any help greatly appreciated!

 

James

[Gingerbas]

Hi James, I'm an orthotic technician and unfortunately for you and new technicians there is no course for this type of work. Hopefully one of the independent guys on here may take you on. You would need a finishing machine, metal last, glue, micro and various other items. If you were doing it for other people then it would worth getting kitted out. Just for you then it can be very expensive.

 

Hop my ramble helps.

[elfman]

hi james as you live in birminham then you are about 8o miles from me if you can get to my shop i will give you the training you require like gingerbass i have 20 years in the orthopeadic trade

[james d]

@gingerbas thanks for the feedback. I am thinking of doing it as a trade so it would be for other people aswell. yes there is more equipment than I first thought. Thanks

 

@elfman thanks for the feedback. That's a great offer, I'll message you to arrange. Thanks

[Gray]

 

@elfman thanks for the feedback. That's a great offer, I'll message you to arrange. Thanks

 

You won't go far wrong with elfman james,(missed out my punctuation then and almost felt a tune coming on

).... and you will enjoy it, don't let him ramble on about old stuff though...

[james d]

 

@elfman thanks for the feedback. That's a great offer, I'll message you to arrange. Thanks

 

You won't go far wrong with elfman james,(missed out my punctuation then and almost felt a tune coming on

).... and you will enjoy it, don't let him ramble on about old stuff though...

 

 

ok cool thanks gray!

[Durban]

Have a look at this site;

http://www.certifiedorthoticfitter.com/

 

should find what you need.

 

I have been looking for a British equivalent but have not found anything yet.

Wish the MSA would offer something useful, so the British shoe repairer industry could standardise orthopedic modifications.

[elfman]

how do you standardise something that is supposed to be individually talored to the wearer

[Hugh-Candoit (ENG)]

While you may be able to pick up tips for altering your shoes/boots, Trainers are far more complex due to the inticate sole and mid sole designs, plus there may be 4 different materials involved.

I worked with Addidas/Umbro/Nike on many of their developments and would sum up any alterations made by anyone not experienced in complex alterations on almost unknown materials as a no go area.

By all means have a go on normal footwear but leave trainers to Sports Wear Specialists unless you are just using them for walking in.

Forget about DIY, post them to Elfman or Gingerbas it's cheaper than buying equipment and ruining your shoes.