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Dr Comfort Shoes

Discussion in 'General Issues and Discussion Forum' started by DSP, Jul 20, 2009.

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  1. DSP

    DSP Active Member


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    Hi everyone,

    Does anybody have any opinions about the Dr Comfort shoe range?

    I am thinking of introducing them into my practice but wanted to know if they were wroth pursuing.

    Any thoughts would be appreciated...

    Regards,

    Daniel
     
  2. Paul Bowles

    Paul Bowles Well-Known Member

    Hi Daniel,

    We have had them in our practice since they launched in Australia - Patients have had nothing but good things to say about them...I know PORTAL Education have a trade section for Dr Comfort including the Australian Range and videos which include the features of the shoes and how to fit and measure a patient for a pair. Might be worth a look. http://www.portaleducation.com.au/tradedisplay.asp?id=3

    We have also recently started selling the Dr Comfort socks at our practice and they are really starting to take off.

    I know when our practice manager first came to me with the idea I didn't immediately take to it (I am a Podiatrist not a shoe salesman!) However I must say it has opened my eyes to exactly how many people are not satisfied with the footwear currently commercially available to them.

    We don't really sell Dr Comfort, they sell themselves. I just advise the patient if they would be suitable.

    Hope this helps.
     
  3. blinda

    blinda MVP

  4. Boots n all

    Boots n all Well-Known Member

    We first got them in late September 2008, the price made it the most expensive product in store, apart from our custom made, but the response has been very good, once they buy one they come back for a second, one for best and one for everyday wear.

    They were quite a hit at the APMGFA Symposium '08, you might like to come and see them again at http://www.apmgfa.org.au/Forms/Brochure Sydney PS09.pdf

    The shoes are easy to modify and bond well to EVA's, they are not just for Diabetics, the light weight has made them very good for those that are stroke survivors, the least weight possible and we can quickly modify the toe of the sole for the slide through.

    Some styles better then others as you would expect and due to how well it has sold we actually carry stock of about 6 or 7 styles

    You know what, the more l think about it, dont stock them, just send them to me:D:drinks

    But then again, if you want it here are Matts contact details
    Matt Barkley

    Practitioner Support Manager

    Vasyli Medical/Dr.Comfort Australia

    P: 0415 773 119

    E: mbarkley@vasyli.com
     
    Last edited: Jul 21, 2009
  5. Two Shoes

    Two Shoes Member

    Hi DSP

    I may be able to offer an independent view.

    We have had the Dr Comfort shoes for about eight months and they have sold well.

    Some advantages:
    Some models are very light, as suggested above. Elderly women love them because they are so light and comfortable. This is a big selling point!

    The range is improving in variety and looks.

    Quick turnaround to delivery at our clinic in rural NSW

    Ongoing support from the Dr Comfort rep;

    Some problems:
    Variety of shoes available still needs to expand

    The shoes do not suit everyone. Some deformities cannot be accommodated with these shoes

    The insoles supplied bottom-out. This may be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your view.

    Overall I would say the shoes offer an alternative that is not easily available within common retail shoe stores. They specialise in extra width and toe box depth.

    The Dr Comfort shoes have been good for our practice and are worthwhile.

    Hope this helps.
     
  6. DSP

    DSP Active Member

    I would like to thank everyone who has commented so far.

    It has been a great help!

    Thanks,

    Daniel
     
  7. Joe

    Joe Member

    Paul,

    Do you consider yourself a sock salesman? And if your not a shoe salesman, how can you advise a diabetic pt. if the shoe would be suitable for them or not? Why not refer to a local certified pedorthist who has more time, and is trained in proper shoe fitting. Could make your life alot easier.



    Joe Eads, C-Ped
    USA
     
  8. Aileen

    Aileen Welcome New Poster

    Hi
    We have stocked Dr Comfort shoes since December 2008 and have had very good feedback from all our customers, with many customers coming back to order different styles and colors.

    The only complaint has been with the Betsy Black ladies shoe, which had inadequate velcro on the strap to stay in place. We have sent all these faulty shoes back and they have now rectified the problem (which was a manufacturing fault).

    The staff at Vasyli, who are our suppliers of Dr Comfort shoes, are very pleasant and helpful and we would recommend them to anyone.

    Has anyone tried the socks?

    Aileen
     
  9. Boots n all

    Boots n all Well-Known Member

    l am wearing them as we speak...type.

    The problem with the Betsy has only proven to be a fault with a few (of our stock) we found away around the problem, we just attached the buckle that was on the strap to the shoe, making it a buckle up not velcro for one client and the other client we attached a wider velcro strap, but that was only two of about ten we sold.
     
  10. Paul Bowles

    Paul Bowles Well-Known Member

    Absolutely not - we provide peripherals at almost cost price to our patients and see it more as a service to them rather than a money making excercise. I don't really need to "sell" anything, I just identify and treat pathology.

    The same reason why my local "shoe salesman" shouldn't be advising my diabetic patients (or any patient for that matter) about pathology of their feet. Leave it to the professionals.

    Agreed - the closest pedorthist I know of near me is almost 60 minutes away (not including the public hospital which has a waiting list longer than my left leg). Any person I am uncomfortable providing advise to regarding footwear gets a referral.
     
  11. Boots n all

    Boots n all Well-Known Member


    Now Paul, if you keep behaving like that you will never get that porcher.
     
  12. Paul Bowles

    Paul Bowles Well-Known Member

    Agreed - I am resound to the fact that I will be driving a trusty family sedan for the rest of my life!

    :)
     
  13. hollywest

    hollywest Member

    Hi ,

    Our practice has stocked Dr comfort shoes since November 2008 and have been selling well. All current patients that have been wearing them are very happy with the comfort and shoe durability. It seems that they just need to expand some more of the range. I think might also help.

    cheers.
     
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