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Receipt of the Shock Doctor
Ultra2 Footbeds:
I received the Shock Doctor Ultra2 footbeds in
good condition. They are as I expected given the information on the
manufacturer's website. In particular I can easily relate the footbed
function and plantar analysis as given on the website to the product. I
like the way Shock Doctor utilise different colours for the materials
(and/or features) of the footbed which clearly relate to the
information given on the website. As a result I am learning a lot
about footbeds! The footbeds shipped in their own display
packaging along with a brochure providing information on the range of
Shock Doctor footbeds.
The packaging of the footbeds, is in my view,
quite good. It highlights the various features of the footbed; the
construction features of the footbeds and most importantly, provides
clear instructions on trimming (read fitting) the footbeds should that
be necessary along with washing instructions. On the negative
side, no warranty or guarantee information is given, other than the
statement, "satisfaction guarantee."
The trimming instructions (read fitting
instructions) are thus:
Remove current insoles
from shoes and insert Shock Doctor footbeds. If trimming is required,
use current insoles as a guide and trim to match. If your shoes do not
have insoles, use trim lines on the bottom of the Shock Doctor footbeds
as a cutting guide. Trim the minimum amount possible and test in shoe
to ensure an accurate fit.
There are three trim lines moulded into the
Ultra2 footbeds at the toe end. At the peak of the footbed, a maximum
of 12 mm (0.47 in) could be trimmed off.
The washing instructions are straightforward and
clear in my view:
Hand wash in cool water
with mild detergent. Air dry.
First Impressions of the
Shock Doctor Ultra2 Footbeds:
Bright orange, component style of footbed,
thicker in the arch and toe area than footbeds previously owned. Also
the heel cup has greater depth than other footbeds owned. Returning to
my "component style" comment, the footbeds are described as having a
number of features, e.g., climate control, metatarsal dome etc.
These features or components of the footbed are distinguished by
different colour and textured materials in the footbeds.
Shock Doctor Ultra2 Footbed
Underside - Highlighting Feature Regions
Specifically these features of the Shock Doctor
Ultra2 are (quoted from the packaging and brochure):
Motion control with control bar (blue/gray
region in photo). The function of the control bar is to regulate medial deflection, increasing support,
stabilizing the foot and controlling pronation.
Climate Control (orange region in
photo): COMFORTEMP® materials are
used here to help maintain a
temperature balanced environment.
Metatarsal dome (red region in photo). Metatarsal dome fills the mid-foot cavity,
anchoring the foot comfortably.
Other features of the footbeds illustrated in the
top photo of the footbeds upper surface
are:
Moisture and friction control (holes in
the top cover where the label "C COMFORTTEMP" is on the upper surface).
AIR/FX®
advanced moisture management and friction reducing top cover improves
comfort and controls odor.
Adaptive arch which apparently adapts to the natural shape of [my] arch to support
[my] skeletal structure and [to] reduce foot and joint stress.
Shockdome technology which
is material designed to reduce foot fatigue and joint pain.
Heel cup which is deep to stabilise the
heel and help reduce bone spurs; and
Metatarsal dome filling the mid-foot
cavity. This is supposed to [anchor]
the foot comfortably while relaxing the mid-foot and toes. Helps
relieve Plantar Fasciitis pain.
Well, there seems to be a lot features, which
suggest that the Ultra2 should be comfortable and supportive. My
first impressions, having used them in my New Balance 805s for a week
are that they are comfortable and supportive. More to come on this in
my Field and Long-term reports.
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Concerns/Comments in
respect of the Shock Doctor Ultra2 Footbeds:
 At
this early stage I don't have specific concerns with the Shock Doctor
Ultra2 Footbeds, however, I do have a niggling doubt in respect of
removing the footbeds from one piece of footwear to another. The
footbeds are of a component structure which means sections or parts are
molded or glued to other parts. I find the footbeds are a firm
fit in my New Balance 805s which makes them a bit difficult to remove
for fitting into my Scarpa Mantas. I am concerned that I may overtime
start to pull the footbeds apart as I switch them between
footwear. I guess time will tell!
On the positive side the footbeds are comfortable
and appear to provide good support. More extensive testing will
determine the veracity of these early impressions.
When I first got the footbeds I thought their
thickness would make my feet sit a bit to high in my footwear.
This has proved to be not the case.
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Testing strategy:
In summary Shock Doctor make a number of claims
in respect of the Ultra2 which revolve around the concept of providing
good support and comfort, i.e., as outlined above in respect of the
various features. Past experience, particularly with my Scarpa
Mantas, has shown that I am subject to fatigue when using my footwear
without footbeds, i.e., as the footwear is sold. My testing will
focus on how effective the Ultra2s are at
providing comfort and support for me. I will test the footbeds in my
New Balance 805s during daily exercise walks and general usage. As well
I will subject the footbeds to testing in varying bushwalking
conditions, when worn in my Scarpa Manta boots.
As well as testing the extent of comfort and
support, durability will be evaluated along with extent of odour
retention and ease of cleaning.
My feet look forward to the next six months and
beyond with the Shock Doctor Ultra2 footbeds.
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