Segment 2, June 17th, 2023

What’s the difference in a podiatrist & a pedorthist?  It’s a question that many of us don’t know the answer.  However, this segment helps clear this up as Kev Martin from Adrenaline Sports Marketing, rejoins the Carolina Outdoors.

A podiatrist is a doctor that specializes in treating foot and ankle issues and problems.  Pedorthist are trained specialists that creates or modifies shoes, socks, and orthotics that aid in recovery from foot issues and problems.  Currently, Martin has worked in the footwear industry for the past thirty years.  He spent time as a certified pedorthist & continues his career representing, counseling & advising in the category.

He talks about the fashion, function, support, & protection that makes up the industry.  But what are people looking for?  Martin says that they are looking for the ability to be more connected with lateral movement & the 100 moving parts within the foot (28 bones, 30 joints, & muscle ligaments, & tendons that make up the foot).

So is fitting a science & art.  Kev Martin aptly answers this question.  Recognizing the measuring of foot & the feel of the shoe are what happens between a “sit & fit” store like Jesse Brown’s.  Don’t buy footwear by the numbers.  Respect what your feet feel because from the foundation of the shoe affects your ankles, knees, hips, & back.  We learn about the bones in the foot (there isn’t one called the arch bone) & what happens with plantar fascia.

Kev speaks to the recognition of getting back to basics.  One of the largest outsole manufacturers in the world, Vibram, has a brand called Five Fingers that brings footwear back to minimalism.  It garners more connectivity & strengthens the muscles & tendons in the foot.  It and another Vibram brand, Furoshiki, have had success in minimalistic footwear.

Thank you to Kev Martin from Adrenaline Sports Marketing for joining us on the Carolina Outdoors.