ARCHIES FIT

Fitting in terms of Width

In terms of width, Archies Thongs are designed to be a reasonably narrow fitting thong. The outside edge of the foot hangs over the edge to some extent in most people, so please do not be concerned if this is the case for you, as this is the normal fit for Archies Thongs (as per the below image). It is important to note, that while the foot overhangs to some extent in most people, it is quite rare that we cannot fit Archies Thongs to someone’s feet, no matter how wide or narrow they are. Even in the case that you have a bunion that overhangs, this is ok, the most important thing is that the thong is comfortable and the orthotic sits in the correct position on the foot.

Please see the image below of completely acceptable overhang.

Fitting in terms of length

In terms of length, the thongs were designed with a reasonably ‘snug / tight’ fit in mind. If you go too big in terms of length, the orthotic does not sit in the correct position on the foot. It is important to note, that it is not a concern if some of the back edge of the heel hangs over the edge of the thong (as per the below image).

Of course, if your heel is completely over the edge of the heel cup and squashing down on the rim of the thong, then that is different, however, some heel overhang is ok. Again, the most important thing is that the thong is comfortable and the orthotic sits in the correct position on the foot.

Please see the image below of acceptable overhang:	Please see the image below of too much overhang:

Archies have a tighter strap

In relation to the strap tightness:

Archies Thongs have been designed with a tighter strap than normal thongs. The good news is, while a tight strap is essential for normal foot function, it is very, very easy to instantly fix this problem by stretching the strap and toe pole to reach your desired level of tightness!

However, before you do consider doing that, I strongly suggest that you read the below information.

If you are at all interested, here is some background information on why we have a tighter strap:

Archies Thongs have been designed with a tighter strap than normal thongs, this is because in thongs with a loose strap, the toes claw down in an attempt to keep the thongs on the feet.

Normally when you walk your toes are supposed to point/bend upwards. When the toes point/bend upwards, this activates the arch of the foot which helps provide protection and support to the vital structures of the feet.

When the toes claw down such as when trying to keep the thongs on the feet, the arch does not activate correctly which means that you do not get the protective support from the arch of the foot like you are supposed to. This can leave the foot tired and achy, vulnerable to stress and potential injury.

The tighter strap in Archies Thongs allows you to walk more naturally.

It is important to know, that if the strap feels a little too tight at first, do not worry, the strap is very elastic, within a few days of wear, the strap will gradually stretch and mould to the shape of your feet.

However, if the strap continues to feel too tight, it is very easy to stretch the strap and the toe pole to decrease tightness.

How to stretch the strap on Archies:

1. To stretch the strap, simply hold the strap between your fingers and in small little increments stretch each section of the strap where it feels too tight. You can do the same for the toe pole if this feels too tight.

2. Continue to do this, trying the thong on and off, stretching the strap and toe pole until it has reached your desired level of tightness.

3. It is important to note, that while the straps are very elastic, once stretched, the strap will not return to its original tightness, so please be careful not to overdo the stretching!