Why Do Our Feet Have Arches?

The arch on the right is in Bagdad. It was built in 2000 B.C. (4,010 years ago!) and is the oldest known arch in existence. However, the ancient Romans were the first to use arches in a variety of structures like aqueducts and buildings.

Architects know "that by using the arch configuration, significant spans can be achieved. This is because compressive forces hold it all together in a state of equilibrium". (Wikepedia/Arch)
Arches like the one in Bagdad or the Roman aqueducts have stood for centuries due to the incredible strength characteristics that arches provide regardless of the material used. The strength of the material is tripled when formed into the shape of an arch.
The body has many arches for the same reasons (strength and durability): The spinal column is made up of arches. the skull is curved in an arch and of course the foot has several arches.

In architecture and in the body if the shape of the arch is compromised the arch strength is compromised. If this happens in the body, the body will bend and shift in unnatural and painful ways.
Unlike many over the counter orthotic insoles, Pedag has many orthotics that have a semi-rigid longitudinal arch support and have a metatarsal arch pad because Pedag wants to add to the strength of your natural arches. A cushioning insole might feel nice but it does not provide the foot with the extra strength it needs to fight the affects of gravity, weight and the erosions of time.
For orthotics that provide your feet with the strength they need to support your body in the correct alignment (of feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and neck) look to these Pedag insoles:

Holiday, Master, Pro-Active XCO, Solar Plus, Vitality, Viva

Sweaty Feet

Unless you are an athlete who has run a great race or a Swede in a sauna, being sweaty is not something most people enjoy. Being seen sweating (when you are not Swedish) provides clues to others that you are not the cool, confident character you want them to see since sweating is associated with being nervous, frightened or guilty of something.
But the physiological fact is that people sweat for a good reason. Sweating and shivering (thermo regulators) are the two main ways our bodies regulate our temperatures. If you are running a race (either for a prize or to catch your next meal) you sweat so your body keeps cool enough so you can continue to run without overheating.
Some parts of the body sweat more than others. Palms of the hands and soles of the feet have the largest number of sweat glands in the body. In fact, normal feet produce a shot glass full of sweat (about 1/2 cup) per day. Some people suffer from an inherited (genetic) condition known as Hyperhidrosis or sweating far in excess of the body's temperature regulatation needs. Plantar Hydrohidrosis is the term for feet that sewat excessively.

Whether you sweat normally or abnormally the confines of the shoe are ideal condions for problems to occur as a result of trapped moisture, warmth and humidity. These conditons inside the shoe create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus to grow. Bacteria and fungus cause odor in the shoe, destroy the interior of the shoe and can also promote and aggravate foot conditions like athletes foot.
In an effort to improve the environment inside many hiking boots and expensive dress boots, manufacturer’s use expensive, high tech linings made of air permeable membranes which allows air to circulate but prevents water from the outside from penetrating. This is the same material used to waterproof jackets so that they repel water but at the same time keep air circulating and your body heat from building up. Hikers know that the clothing worn under the jacket is equally important since clothes and jacket must work together to keep air circulating and wick away moisture from the body.
The same thing is equally true of your shoes and boots. The socks you choose and the insoles, orthotics and inserts you select, will enhance or ruin the cooling, moisture wicking effect of wearing shoes with leather linings, or canvas or cotton textile or a high tech membranes.
To prevent moisture from staying trapped inside your shoes, Pedag uses natural materials like vegetable tanned leather, cotton, wool, sisal and jute which allow the foot and shoe to "breathe". Pedag insoles will absorb the moisture from your sweat glands and keep that moisture away from your feet. All you need to do at the end of the day is allow the insoles to air dry and they are ready to go again.
In addition to the use of natural materials on the surface of Pedag insoles, Pedag also uses natural materials to add extra odor prevention. Natural active carbon filters used in many of our insoles to prevent odor build up (Viva, Master, Leather, Stop Odeur and Siesta). Recently, Pedag incorporated silver, which is a natural antibacterial agent, into several insoles. “Nano particle" sized silver ions are woven into the cotton of the Vitality and Deo-Fresh insoles providing permanent antibacterial properties. These two items are so comfortable and hygienic that they are ideal for when you do not want to wear any socks at all! Finally, some Pedag insoles and orthotics are even hand washable: Deo-Fresh, Vitality, Pro-Active XCO, Soft, Ultra Heel, Summer and Arctic Blue. To further enhance air circulation Pedag perforates some insoles: Soft, Aloe Vera, Alaska and Summer.
So you see, with every item Pedag makes, we think about your foot’s structure but also your over all comfort and well being.

www.pedagusa.com