Vancouver company rescues feet with cool, customized high tech insoles

2016 is here, which means it’s time to kick that New Year’s resolution plan into action!

Okay, is anyone else tired just thinking about getting off the couch and back into real life?

So many of us Vancouverites are on our feet throughout the day, and we can all relate to the feeling of foot fatigue – where the recovery strategy usually involves retreating to the couch and throwing on Netflix. That aching in your heel, ball, or arch will really cramp your style when it comes to pounding the SeaWall pavement or putting in an eight-hour shift on your feet. The good news is, a local Vancouver company is working hard to add active years back into our lives, starting with those fatigued feet.

Image: Wiiv

Wiivv Wearables Inc. is a local Vancouver bionics company started by two young co-founders (who were just named Top 30 Under 30 in Forbes) that is creating custom-fit, 3D printed insoles that make shoes more comfortable, boost athletic performance, and allow you to keep going. The business wants to get off on a running start with their Kickstarter campaign.

Setting out to change the game when it comes to insoles and orthotics, Wiivv has worked with biomechanical experts in sports medicine, orthotics and pedorthics to maximize comfort, promote alignment, and solve common foot pain. Wiivv’s first insoles, BASE, are made to fit to each foot and follow your natural arch for a customized foundation that can reduce foot fatigue caused by improper arch support.

Image: Wiiv

The coolest thing about Wiivv’s BASE insoles is that you can customize them from the comfort of your own couch using your iOS device. The Wiivv application allows you to capture your feet with 5 easy pictures, and design your Wiivvs your way.

We all take up to 2,000 steps per day but for those of us who work on our feet, these numbers are even higher; nurses will take around 7,888 steps during an average eight-hour shift, and don’t even get us started on servers –  many can take up to 10,332 steps during a typical six-hour shift. That’s a lot of pressure on your feet to live up to your daily life.

Wiivv worked with 100 early adopters from first responders, filmmakers, weekend warriors, hospitality workers and other industrial athletes who are known to spend long, gruelling hours on their feet. They’ve tried and tested Wiivv’s BASE insole for you and here’s what some had to say:

I’m an ultra marathon runner and I’ve had plantar fasciitis for 8 years. The best thing about my Wiivvs is that I no longer feel my feet when I run – which, when you’re running 100km, is a very rare thing!. – Linda Wong, Ultra Marathon Runner

As an avid hiker and active Vancouverite, Wiivv insoles let me walk and enjoy the great outdoors for longer. As a designer I also appreciate the great design of the Wiivv insoles. – Jesse Basran, Architect

I’m a registered nurse, and I’m on my feet for 12 hours. I’m currently training for my first half-marathon and I absolutely love the support my Wiivvs give me. I can’t wait to log more hours with them. – Krista J, Registered Nurse

Vancouver startup Wiivv has reached their goal but they still need your help.

Follow Wiivv on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – and #keepgoing!

Take a look at the inner workings of Wiivv at:

[vimeo id=”146685877″]