American-made and fitted to you in person, never off a shelf. Here is how the three ranges differ, and where most people start.
The three ranges sit on a scale from firm and corrective through to thin and flexible. Most people are fitted with one as their main pair, and plenty end up with a second for different shoes.
Our most supportive range, and the one proven over more than 35 years of fittings. The Trainer encourages the foot into a natural, neutral position while standing and walking, with support that is firm but still flexible.
An extraordinarily thin support offering light support and a significantly narrower profile. Built for hard to fit cases such as women's narrow shoes or open sandals, with a gentle metatarsal rise and virtually no break-in period for most wearers.
Ultra-thin and super-flexible supports across three options on the flexibility scale. If you find typical arch supports intrusive in your shoe, or you want to look after your feet before serious pain arrives, this is the range for that.
Pain in your knees, hips or back often traces back to how your feet are loading. That is why the corrective range covers so much of this table: fix the foundation and the rest tends to follow.
| Symptom | Usual starting point | Also worth fitting | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plantar fasciitis | Trainer | Maintainer for dress shoes | Firm correction takes the pull off the heel and the tissue running under the arch. |
| Flat feet | Trainer | Maintainer as a second pair | A collapsed arch needs holding back into position, not just cushioning under it. |
| Knee pain | Trainer | Maintainer for lighter days | Aligning the 26 bones and 4 arches of the foot lets the knee sit more naturally. |
| Hip pain | Trainer | Maintainer for lighter days | Relieves the constant imbalance running from foot to back that loads one hip harder. |
| Back pain | Trainer | Maintainer for dress shoes | Even weight distribution across both feet reduces the pressure carried by the spine. |
| General foot pain | Trainer or Maintainer | Relaxer for leisure shoes | Depends on how severe it is and what you are on your feet in all day. |
| No pain yet, prevention | Relaxer | Maintainer if you want more support | Looking after your arches early is far easier than correcting them later. |
This table is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Your actual fitting is decided in store after a free imprint analysis of both feet, because two people with the same symptom often need different support.
| Trainer | Maintainer | Relaxer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship product | The Trainer | Maintainer | Relaxer range |
| Firmness | Firmest, still flexible | Light support | Most flexible |
| Profile | Full arch support | Extraordinarily thin, narrow | Ultra-thin |
| Break-in | Yes, built up over days | Virtually none for most | Minimal |
| Best in | Work, recreational and leisure shoes | Narrow shoes, open sandals | Leisure shoes and sandals |
| Main job | Correcting position | Maintaining, easing in | Comfort and prevention |
| Warranty | Lifetime on every range. Free re-checks and adjustments for as long as you own them. | ||
Arch supports only work when they match your feet, so every range is fitted and adjusted in store. Your first fitting and imprint analysis cost nothing.
Yes, and a lot of customers do. A common setup is a Trainer for work shoes and a Maintainer for narrow or dress shoes, so you are supported in whatever you put on that morning. Adding a Maintainer also makes breaking in a Trainer more comfortable.
That is decided at your fitting rather than online. We map both feet with a free imprint analysis, talk through your symptoms and the shoes you actually wear, then fit from 18 styles and 250 sizes. The table above shows where people with each symptom usually begin.
You build up gradually. Wear them 30 to 60 minutes on the first day, then add up to 30 minutes each day until you are comfortable wearing them for at least 8 hours. Pairing them with a Maintainer during that period makes the process easier.
Between the three ranges we can fit most footwear, including work boots, trainers, dress shoes, leisure shoes and open sandals. The Trainer moves easily between shoes, and the Maintainer is built specifically for narrow shoes and sandals. Bring the shoes you wear most and we will test them on the day.
Every range carries a lifetime warranty. Re-checks and adjustments are free with no time limit, so you can come back whenever something needs tweaking. If a support ever needs replacing through wear, our store team will talk you through your replacement options.
No. Arch supports only do their job when they are matched and adjusted to your specific feet, which needs to happen in person. Both Texas stores take walk-ins, and your first fitting and imprint analysis are free with no obligation to buy.
Free imprint analysis, free fitting, and a test walk before you decide anything. Walk in or book ahead, whichever suits you.