Product FAQs
About Footwear
How can I protect my leather and suede shoes from water?
Some of our shoes at Aetrex are water resistant, but we still recommend spraying your shoes to ensure protection during all weather.
We suggest purchasing a waterproofing spray that is made for leather and suede shoes and follow the directions given on the bottle. Always test the product first, on a small unseen area of the shoe and allowing it to dry completely, before applying it to the entire sho
How do I know my correct shoe size or width?
Whenever possible, we recommend you visit your local walking or running footwear store for a proper fitting. For the most accurate measurement visit a store that has an Aetrex scanner for a free digital scan of your feet. For a list of retailers with an Aetrex Foot Scanner click here.
If you are unable to receive a foot scan, we recommend purchasing your normal shoe size. At Aetrex, our shoes run true to size and are constructed to accommodate all widths in mind. You can refer to our Size Guide for additional help.
Is there a break-in period for the shoes?
Many of our customers will find that Aetrex shoes are comfortable right out of the box, others may have a slightly different first experience. The information below will vary depending on the person and foot.
In order to achieve superior comfort in our shoes, we recommend wearing the shoes for a couple hours a day, for one week, to allow your foot to adjust to the new support that Aetrex shoes provides. You should find the product to be completely comfortable and support within a week or two.
What makes Aetrex shoes different from other brands?
Aetrex shoes have 3 key features:
- Orthotic Arch supports you by aligning at the optimal position to properly balance your foot. Aetrex footwear provides unmatched support and improves how your body functions from the ground up.
- Memory Foam Cushioning feels like you're in your favorite pair of sneakers! Aetrex footwear proudly features a thick layer of slow recovery memory foam that customizes to your particular feet, for the ultimate footwear experience.
- Anti-Microbial Technology is embedded in Aetrex footwear, it's easy to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your feet. Aegis helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi and helps keep your feet odor free.
How do I clean my shoes?
Athletic shoes can be cleaned by hand-washing them with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For best results, clean your shoes immediately after exposure to mud or dirt. Allow shoes to air-dry at room temperature. It is important that you do not machine-wash or machine-dry your sneakers.
For leather shoes, wipe shoes clean with a dry cloth. Apply a shoe cream to leather using circular strokes.
For nubuck or suede, brush gently with a soft suede brush to remove stains or marks. For stubborn stains use a suede eraser first, and then brush gently with a suede brush.
We recommend testing any cleaning products on a small, unseen area at first and allowing it to dry completely before cleaning the entire shoe. Please make sure that the products you are using are made for the specific material that your shoe is made of.
If there is an odor, pour a small amount of baking soda in your shoes at the end of your day to soak up the sweat and eliminate odor. Tap the powder out the next morning.
About Orthotics
If a customer has already removed the gel from their custom orthotics, can they reattach it?
Yes, as long as they have only recently peeled it off, they should be able to reattach the gel. However, if the adhesive has become covered with debris or other substances, it may no longer stick effectively.
How long should customers expect to wait for the delivery of 3D custom orthotics from the date of their purchase?
Customers should anticipate a delivery time of 4 to 6 weeks from the date of their purchase.
What is the break in period for orthotic?
Many of our customers will find that Aetrex orthotics are comfortable right out of the box, others may have a slightly different first experience. The information below will vary depending on the person and foot.
For our orthotics, we recommend allowing a week or two for your foot to adjust to your new insole. You can break in the orthotics by wearing them for a couple of hours a day for a week, to allow your feet to adjust to the new support that Aetrex orthotics provide. Within a week or two, you should find the orthotic to be completely comfortable and supportive.
Our arch support, memory foam, and other orthotic features are unlike any other in the marketplace and will need a little time for your feet to adjust.
How do I clean my orthotics?
For orthotics, Aetrex recommends spot cleaning with a clear mild soap and a damp cloth, then allow the product to air dry naturally. You should not submerge the product in water. It is not recommended to place the product in a washing or drying machine.
Which Aetrex Orthotic is right for me?
Aetrex carries various orthotics for customized comfort based off your foot and activity at an over the counter price. Each orthotic varies in arch type, metatarsal support and material.
To simplify the initial selecting process, Aetrex has an orthotic quiz to help select the right orthotic for you with 4 quick questions.
Take the orthotic quiz here
Aetrex is the global leader in foot scanning technology with thousands of scanners used around the globe. Our free scanning technology can also help select the right orthotic for you in 3 minutes.
Find a scanner nearby here
The differences between each item would be the arch types, posted or cupped and if you need neutral without a metatarsal pad or supported with a metatarsal pad.
The last two digits in the item number determine which insole is best for you.
“00” – NEUTRAL/CUPPED; Recommended for Medium/High Arch Feet
NEUTRAL: Without metatarsal support, for those not suffering from ball-of-foot discomfort.
CUPPED: Cushioned and stabilizes the rearfoot.
“05” CUPPED/SUPPORTED; Recommended for Medium/High Arch Feet with ball of foot pressure.
CUPPED: Cushioned and stabilizes the rearfoot.
SUPPORTED: Metatarsal support comforts ball-of-foot & redistributes weight from metatarsal area.
“20” NEUTRAL/POSTED; Recommended for Flat/Low Arch Feet
NEUTRAL: Without metatarsal support, for those not suffering from ball-of-foot discomfort.
POSTED: Controls over-pronation and balances the rearfoot.
“25” POSTED/SUPPORTED; Recommended for Flat/ Low Arch Feet with ball of foot pressure.
POSTED: Controls over-pronation and balances the rearfoot.
SUPPORTED: Metatarsal support comforts ball-of-foot & redistributes weight from metatarsal area.
How often should I replace my orthotics?
On average, we recommend our customers to change their orthotics every 6 to 9 months depending on how frequently they are being used. A great way to determine when to change your orthotics is when the support does not feel as strong as it used to.
Can I wear orthotics with my Aetrex footwear?
All of our shoes at Aetrex feature our Aetrex Orthotic System; memory foam to provide extra comfort, arch support to aid in alleviating pain and aligning the body, and an antimicrobial lining to ensure your feet are healthy and clean!
For more customized comfort and relief, we recommend purchasing orthotics from our different orthotics lines which can be found here. In order to achieve the ultimate amount of support and comfort, purchase your orthotics based on the activity and type of shoe that will be worn.
It is important to know that our sandals, wedges, and cork footwear do not have removable footbeds but do feature our Aetrex Orthotic System explained above.
What are the differences between the collection of orthotics?
Aetrex Speed is a great, lightweight orthotic for runners which offers a high energy return ExoFoam™ to run faster for that extra step.
Aetrex Train is our gym workout training orthotic which is very soft with great bounce back recovery foam.
Aetrex Compete is an all purpose sport shock absorption orthotic with CopperGuard® top cover.
Aetrex Active is a classic orthotic with a fabric top cover offering cushioning and pro shox absorption.
Aetrex Memory Foam has IQ150™ memory foam that customizes to the shape of the foot to help create a pressure free environment in shoes.
Aetrex Premium Memory Foam has 43% more memory foam in the forefoot for those experiencing foot discomfort or fatigue.
Aetrex Dress is a ¾ length insole offering forefoot freedom and fits in dress shoes with removable insoles. The dress orthotics are also great for narrow toe areas or for shoes without removable insoles.
Aetrex Fashion/In-Style is a lightweight orthotic with a cobra shape to fit inside shoes with little or no removable depth.
Aetrex Casual is an orthotic that is great for everyday casual shoes.
Aetrex Cleats is our collection engineered specifically to perform in cleated athletic footwear for sports such as soccer, football and baseball.
Aetrex Thinsoles is our thinnest orthotic without sacrificing comfort or support. They work best in footwear styles that offer little to no removable depth.
How do I know my orthotic size?
Aetrex orthotics are sold in whole sizes only and we recommend purchasing your normal shoe size for your orthotics.
If your shoe size is normally a half size, ex: women's 7.5 or men's 9.5, you should order half a size larger.
For the most accurate measurement visit a store that has an Aetrex Foot Scanner for a free digital scan of your feet. For a list of retailers with an scanner, click here.
Aetrex Technology
What is the Albert scanner?
Albert captures unmatched data and information about feet, enabling customers to make more educated buying decisions when it comes to footwear and orthotic purchases. Featuring 18 digital cameras, 960 infrared LEDs and receptors, and over 5,000 gold plated sensors. Albert offers the most sophisticated, interactive, in-store scanning experience to date.
The AlbertOS software presents a truly memorable user experience for our customers. The software has six primary sections, including Sols 3D, iStep Pressure, Data Card, Pronation Axis and more. The 3D digital analysis of the foot provided after the scan can be accessed from anywhere by registering at myFeet.com.
What is the Gateway Scanner?
The Gaitway captures more data under foot than any other scanner with over 5,000 gold plated barometric sensors. The scanner sets the industry standard by capturing gait pressure data at an unparalleled rate of 30 frames per second.
The Gaitway features the AlbertOS software and presents a truly memorable user experience for our customers. The software has six primary sections, including Sols 3D, iStep Pressure, Data Card, Pronation Axis and more. The 3D digital analysis of the foot provided after the scan can be accessed from anywhere by registering at myFeet.com.
What is an iStep?
Aetrex's iStep Wave is the most revolutionary digital foot analysis device ever created and iStep tests are recommended for all people who want to feel great on their feet. In less than 30 seconds the iStep will capture your foot type, pressure points, and shoe size and then help recommend the ideal footwear and orthotics for your individual needs.