Altimus, the boot fitting specialists, have been fitting and customising footwear for almost 20 years. We pride ourselves in providing solutions to all types of foot problems.

We have invested in the latest diagnostic equipment, which helps our qualified staff to make bio-mechanical assessments; these help determine the most appropriate type of footwear to wear. Sometimes the foot conditions we encounter are so poor that standard shoes aren't sufficient. When this happens we have the tools in-house to fabricate customised orthotics.

Foot Biomechanics
Our ability to walk upright has developed through the evolution of complex systems. If undue pressures are applied to any of these systems our bodies will adapt by transferring load to other parts of our skeleton. This results in back, knee or foot pain. Bio-mechanical analysis gives us insight in to the bio-dynamic of the body.

There are several foot categories which determine your gait (walking style) and hence the type of footwear that is recommended. The three main types are supination, neutral and overpronation. Your gait is directly related to your kinetic chain function.

There are several signs that would alert us to a kinetic chain dysfunction. They include:

Abnormally distributed forces within the gait cycle
Impact injuries at feet, knees ankles and back.
Complaints of shin splints or Achilles tendon problem.
High foot rigidity with little movement.
Excessively high or low arches
Knock knee appearance.
Excessive pressure on big toe leading to bunions.

Altimus Boot fitters are trained to identify underlying bio-mechanical issues, this gives them the ability to recommend shoes and boots, which will best fit with your type of foot. If additional correction is required, an appointment can be made to see one of our specialists who are trained in the production of inserts and orthotics, which can improve the kinetic chain function.

Step Up To Better Posture
Since gait affects both your upper and lower legs, your hips and spine, it makes sense that dysfunctional feet need the whole of the kinetic chain to be strengthened.

Exercise to strengthen and lengthen leg muscles play an important part in the recovery phase. We find balancing exercises are an excellent way to achieve this. To help this part of the process, we now stock MBT (www.swissmasai.co.uk) shoes. They create instability when walking forcing the body to adopt a less stressful posture. These shoes aren't suitable for everyone, but when used in conjunction with orthotics, they can make a huge improvement.

The most common complaint that hikers come to us with is “My knees are killing me�

Many customers believe that this is due to getting older and must be tolerated, they are unaware that with modern diagnostic and knee realignment techniques they could extend their trekking by many more years.

Many hikers who suffer from knee or foot problems, believe that new boots are the answer and come to us with the latest 'best boot guide'. We often have to explain to them that what is a good pair of boots for their friends are not necessarily the best for them.

Bad Technique
Painful knees may occur some time after a long hike. Overextension, rapid or repeated flexion (especially when going downhill) are major causes. Stomping feet down hard transfers impact pressure to the knee, which can result in irritation and inflammation of the joint surface, resulting in bursitis. Badly worn or inappropriate footwear also contributes to painful knees.

Simple steps may help:

Taking smaller steps.
Reduce the mileage.
Reduce the weight carried.
Maintain a healthy body mass index.
Step down from styles. (Don't jump.)

Additional Foot Problems
A problem with your knee often indicates bio-mechanical dysfunction. For example an excessively high arch or even collapsed arch can cause your tibia to rotate which in turn causes crucial ligaments around the knee to overextend which causes knee pain and often times lower back pain.

Step into Altimus for a better posture.

For more information, download this printable PDF or call us on
0118 958 22 11