THE BREAK-IN GUIDE

The Break-in Guide

Build up gradually so your feet and body can adjust comfortably to Step Flex orthotics.

When starting a new exercise program, trying to do 100 push-ups on your first day would strain the muscles in your arms. You build up to 100 progressively over days or weeks. The same principle applies when you begin wearing Step Flex.

If you try to wear your new orthotics all day from the first day, you risk straining and bruising the muscles in your feet. Gradually increasing your wearing time gives them time to strengthen and adapt until they can comfortably support your weight throughout the day.

For some people, this takes only a week or two. For others, it can take up to three months. Most people take around three weeks.

Your fitter should have advised you which break-in path to follow. If you were fitted at a show, your footprint should have slow, medium or fast circled. This corresponds with the three paths on the break-in guide below.

Download the full break-in instructions (PDF)

Your break-in guide

Follow the path recommended by your fitter. The times below are a guide and can be adjusted if needed.

Slow path

Best suited to people with high arches, a history of heel pain, or those who need a gentler adjustment period.

Allow about 6 weeks before wearing them all day.

	Day 1	Day 3	Day 7	Day 10	Day 14	Day 21	Day 28	Day 35	Day 42
AM	5 mins	15 mins	1 hour	1½ hours	2 hours	3 hours	3½ hours	4 hours	All day
PM	5 mins	15 mins	1 hour	1½ hours	2 hours	3 hours	3½ hours	4 hours	All day

Medium path

The Medium Path suits most people.

Expect around 3 weeks before wearing them all day.

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 10	Day 14	Day 17
AM	15 mins	30 mins	45 mins	1 hour	1½ hours	2 hours	2½ hours	3½ hours	All day
PM	15 mins	30 mins	45 mins	1 hour	1½ hours	2 hours	2½ hours	3½ hours	All day

Fast path

Generally suited to younger, very flat feet that adjust more quickly.

You may be comfortably wearing them all day within 1–2 weeks.

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 10
AM	30 mins	1 hour	1½ hours	2 hours	2½ hours	3 hours	3½ hours	All day
PM	30 mins	1 hour	1½ hours	2 hours	2½ hours	3 hours	3½ hours	All day

A few important points to remember

Follow the timetable and increase gradually

Everyone adjusts at a different pace, so use the timetable as a guide, not a race to the finish. If the recommended time feels too much, take them out earlier. If they still feel comfortable, you can wear them a little longer — just increase gradually.

The “golf ball” sensation is normal

When you first wear Step Flex, you may notice firm pressure through the arch — sometimes described as feeling like you are standing on a golf ball. This is perfectly normal and should become less noticeable as your feet adjust.

Comfortable lace-up shoes are best

Comfortable lace-up shoes are best for the break-in period.