Footwear and floors

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hi all,
i am about to embark on a new venture as an associate in private practice. the clinic is moving and as such there is scope for updating and implimenting our own ideas of what a clinic should look like and what other services could be display/offered. i therefore, have two questions.

1. are there any guidelines/advice regarding the type of flooring that is (a) the ideal and (b) what cost effective options (considering the limited budjet the owners will no doubt have) are available. i did wonder whether a 'normal' bathroom type vinyl fitted with sealed joins would be acceptable as a cheap option.

2. my other query is the dreaded 'where to find goodlooking/good wearing footwear'. i have been trawling the internet for some time trying to find a good source of footwear for my younger patients (generally these are 20-50 yrs old). these patients tend to be in need of good footwear but a reluctant to go into hotter/cosy feet/echo and similar. we were considering stocking a limited amount within the new clinic but would only be happy to stock footwear that is different from the normal high street stores and of course meet the needs of our patients

...any advice/opinions would be appreciated

thanks
poppet

 

Regarding the footwear, depending where you are in the world?
It's a useless to recommend a brand that is here in Australia if you are not.

Try your local Pedorthist Assoc. and talk to a local Pedorthist in your country for some references as to supply or brand that they might stock or suggest to you.

 

hi, thanks for the responses so far. if it helps, i am in the south of england (UK!!!).
poppet

 

In Oz there are liability issues if using anything less than R10 rated flooring.....it's to do with antislip etc.....do your homework, out here you could lose your shirt with the first accident.
regards Phill

 

thanks for that Phill...yes i had looked into the R10 flooring...will bear that in mind as keeping my 'shirt' will be a bonus!oh dear...not that i intend to create accidents by the way
poppet

 

I also advise exercising great caution in regards to traditional brands that market models for the demographic you listed. Clarks is a great example. Their shoes used to be universally well conceived and constructed. Now, many are so deconstructed they hardly merit any recommendation. In addition to the suggestions made above, it will be well worth your investment in time to attend the UK's or Europe's semi-annual shoe trade expos. That will afford you the opportunity to both personally examine shoe brands/models and speak directly with product managers.

 

A brand that is starting to gain popularity in Manhattan in Arche Shoes (Fr) ( http://www.arche-shoes.com/ ). They are much more expensive than more traditional shoes here in the US. I don't know if they would be as expensive in the UK since they are made in France. Most of my patients who refuse to get into more traditional shoes tend to like them.

Shibu

 

Dr. Shibu, I agree that Arche Shoes are well made and functionally credible, but we're talking about a market audience starting in their 20's. In most (if not all) markets, getting that consumer to spend more than $50 for a pair of shoes is a challenge. Research through WSA reveals that younger women in industrial nations tend to buy multiple pairs, with a top end purchase averaging $80. There are brands that offer a reasonable compromise in appeasing Gen Y style preferences while still providing a modicum of appropriate support, and all are distributed in the UK:

Keen - Although not the brand it was when Mark Keen and Angel Martinez were still there, they still make a number of models worthy of recommendation. Beware the newer, cheaper models that replace a sturdy TPU shank with a flimsy TPU version.

Merrell - The reason this brand has grown its market share by leaps and bounds is by making styles that appeal specifically to the demographic this post intended. Caution again needs to be maintained, as they make styles that have almost identical graphics but without any appropriate midsole support mechanisms.

Kumfs - This is a no compromise brand. They offer materials and construction similar to what the premium European brands provide; however, their pricing is far more attractive. They also provide a wide selection of last shapes and widths, plus consistently are supportive of the podiatric community.

Naot - This brand has always been about making quality, supportive footwear; however, their styles were not always appealing across a broad spectrum. Having increased their style and last collection, they are finding a greater audience for comfortable business styles.

On a side note, Privo! is growing in popularity with 20-40 year old women. I highly recommend denouncing it to your patients. Although owned by the same people who produce Clarks, and typically very cute in their designs, every one of their styles lack any kind of support integrity.

 

hi all,

sorry for the delayed response. thank you all for your replies. i will look into this more and look at those sites that were mentioned.

poppet