If the product is repaired or replaced, remember that it should be fitted and adjusted again to be appropriate for the person.
Footwear with damage
Damaged footwear needs to be checked by the provider.
Let the person know who they can contact if their footwear is damaged.
Common types of damage
The most common damage that can be repaired are:
- A damaged insole
- Velcro on strap no longer sticking
- Tear to strap
- Tear on upper material
- Damaged sole.
How to repair
Repairs must be completed by a trained professional. You should not be required to repair therapeutic footwear.
The process of repairing will depend on the local services available.
Simple repairs, such as a new adjustable strap, can be done by a local shoe maker or shoe repair service.
Replacing therapeutic footwear
Replace and fit the footwear again if:
- It does not fit
- Shoes are damaged and unable to be repaired.
Question
Remember Josephina?
Josephina has been wearing her therapeutic footwear open toe sandals for 12 months. They now appear to have some damage.
The adjustable straps have torn and do not function well.
What should Josephina do?
If you selected a and b, you are correct.
It is best to repair features when possible, to ensure best fit, protection and support.
c is incorrect.
If these are Josephina’s only shoes, she should have them urgently repaired, but keep wearing them.
If Josephina has other shoes to wear, she should not wear the damaged shoes. The adjustable strap plays an important role in fitting. If broken, it may lead to poor fit and cause a foot wound.