Frequently Asked Questions
Biopods Sneaker FAQs
What are the differences between the Classic, Urban Flex, and Urban Sneaker models?
Every Biopods Sneaker features a unique, patented Biopods’ outer and midsole design with patented removable Stimsoles insoles inside. All three models are designed to feel roomy, airy, and flexible, maximizing the effectiveness of Stimsoles technology that promotes Right Movement and optimal foot health.
Classic- Full tongue with lacing for maximum adjustability over the arch area.
Urban Flex- Slip-on design with patented adjustable lacing over the arch area.
Urban- Sleek slip-on design.
What is the difference between Standard and Customized Sneakers?
All Biopods Sneakers are constructed to three main specs: Length, Width, and Volume. They can be ordered two ways:
Standard – made to established US shoe sizes on the Regular width platform. Best for those who easily fit into conventional shoe sizes.
Custom – made to the individual’s foot length measurements (longer of two feet unless difference is significant), width measurements, arch height, and volume measurements. Best for those who have trouble finding shoes that fit.
IMPORTANT: Measure your feet barefoot or with socks, depending on how you intend to wear your sneakers. If you decide to wear socks, thin socks are best and bamboo material is ideal.
What do the Size Codes mean?
Your Biopods sneaker measurements generate a size and width/volume code that is used to manufacture the sneakers.
Choose Standard sneakers if your feet typically fit regular footwear in standard size ranges.
Choose Customized sneaker if your feet are outside typical footwear size, width, or volume norms.
Biopods sneakers are Unisex in US / EU size ranges
Widths: N (Narrow), R (Regular), W (Wide)
Five Volumes per Width: N1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 / R1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 / W1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3
Example size code produced from standardized or customized measurements: L7-R2 (US Ladies 7 – Regular 1)
How do the Stimulus Adjusters™ work?
The Stimulus Adjusters™ provide the means to increase the intensity of Pod stimulus beneath the arch area in two 1 millimeter increments. For those with flat feet, the Stimulus Adjusters™ are particularly useful because this foot type requires a higher degree of stimulus for adequate muscle activation. For most individuals, the sneakers' default stimulus is more than adequate but the Stimulus Adjusters™ provide two additional options.
Are Biopods sneakers zero drop?
The heel areas of the Biopods sneakers are a mere one millimeter higher than the forefoot area.
Can I wear the Biopods sneakers throughout the 120 day Guarantee period?
YES. You have 120 days from the date of receipt to wear them and experience the unique comfort and performance Biopods sneakers offer.
How do I clean the Biopods sneakers?
Biopods sneakers can be hand washed in soapy water - or - in a washing machine on the gentle cycle with cold water. AIR DRY ONLY.
Are Customized Biopods sneakers covered under Health Insurance?
If the insurance plan provides for customized shoes and they are provided by a healthcare professional, the Biopods sneakers may qualify, however, the conditions of eligibility vary widely with each plan. This is something the individual must clarify with their particular insurance provider in advance.
Biopods® Original and Next Generation Stimsoles® Insole FAQs
What are Original Biopods Insoles?
The original All Purpose (daily wear) and Performance (active wear) models were the first iteration of Biopods’ Pod design platform. Three Pod intensities were available per model (VRT100, 200, and 300) all as full length with embedded trim lines for cutting down to 3/4 length if needed. The insole top sheets do not cover the gel Pods so the Pods can be sticky with certain socks. To remedy that, we recommend a sprinkling of foot powder or cornstarch. They are hand washable – air dry only.
What are the original Biopods All Purpose and Performance Insoles made of?
Insole bodies: proprietary EVA foam (antifungal and antibacterial)
Pods: proprietary TPE (thermoplastic elastomer with antifungal and antibacterial properties)
Top sheets: premium synthetic antifungal and antibacterial fabrics
What are Next Generation Stimsoles Insoles?
Biopods Stimsoles Insoles are available in separate 3/4 and full length versions. As the Original insoles did before them, the Next Generation Stimsoles insoles represent a new direction in the treatment of foot-related pathologies. Their design is based on modern physiological rehabilitation principles, going well beyond conventional insoles and orthotics that support and cushion, to activate your body’s innate intelligence—the natural protective reflexes that keep you balanced and resistant to injury.
Physically, Biopods insoles are distinguished by their unique Variable Reflex Technology (VRT) Pods. Each Pod is positioned in the center of a flexible insole body to deliver direct stimulus to the arch apex of the foot. Biopods® are designed to be used like regular insoles within a wide range of footwear.
What are the Next Generation Stimsoles Insoles made of?
Insole bodies: high density proprietary polyurethane foam with antifungal and antibacterial properties
Pods: proprietary TPE (thermoplastic elastomer with antifungal and antibacterial properties)
Top sheets: premium synthetic antifungal and antibacterial fabrics
What is the difference between the Original All Purpose and Performance and the Next Generation Biopods Insoles?
Original Stimsoles All Purpose and Performance insoles (discontinued but still available in limited sizes) each feature three Pod intensities: VRT100, 200, or 300. (VRT stands for Variable Reflex Technologies.) Their springy gel Pods do not have a top sheet covering and they are all full length with trim lines to enable the wearer to cut them down to 3/4 length. The All Purpose model features a uniformly thin insole body for daily wear and the Performance features thin slightly higher density material at the heel and forefoot for more active wear. There is no difference in insole body depth between the two models.
TIP: A little foot powder or cornstarch on the Pods will eliminate any stickiness.
Next Generation Stimsoles® insoles are available in separate full (VRT200) and 3/4 (VRT100) lengths with top sheets that cover the springy gel Pods for smoother wear. Since the VRT200 has proved to be the most universally comfortable and effective stimulus level, it has been standardized for the full length Next Generation insoles going forward. However, the 3/4 length Next Generation insoles use the slightly less intense VRT100 because the lack of material in the forefoot creates enough drop to approximate the stimulus provided by the VRT200.
When should I choose full length or 3/4 length?
For shoes that DO NOT have removable insoles (dress and some casual shoes and boots): use the 3/4 length insoles.
For shoes that DO have removable insoles (athletic shoes, sport footwear, and work shoes and boots): use the full length Insoles.
Biopods Stimsoles Insoles work best on a flat, neutral platform that leaves as much space over the foot as possible in the shoe. For your convenience, they are available as a combination 2-pack that includes one 3/4 and one full length pair.
What characteristics of footwear work best with Biopods insoles?
Seek footwear with the following characteristics:
Adjustability over the arch or some “give” (stretchiness) in the shoe's upper material.
Deep toe box that enables the toes to rise naturally with little or no resistance.
Low, rounded heel that allows the feet to roll gently from heel strike through toe-off in gait.
What to avoid:
Rigid, restrictive upper materials that inhibit natural foot flexion.
Hard edged heels and rigid soles that can accelerate forefoot impact with every step, which causes micro-tears in the forefoot's soft tissue, and exacerbating existing issues.
Heels over one inch in height that shift body weight to the forefoot area, causing the feet, legs, hips and back to compensate unnaturally.
Over tightened laces or straps.
Results You Can Expect
How long does it take for Biopods to work?
Many factors determine how quickly you realize the benefits from Biopods® sneakers and insoles. Your foot type, historical footwear worn, problem history, activities, and age all factor into how your body will respond.
The good news is that virtually everyone can regain healthy protective reflex function, often much more quickly than you’d expect.
As with any muscle training, you’ll experience a phase of soft tissue adjustment that may continue for 6-8 weeks as your protective reflexes retrain to work more efficiently and your musculoskeletal system realigns. During this period, it is normal to experience intermittent twinges or tightness in some areas as your body adjusts and, if there is any pre-existing scar tissue or fibrosis, you may experience some soreness in those areas. Biopods® does not treat already damaged tissue, such as scar tissue or fibrosis that has been caused by trauma or historical or degenerative stresses that arose from poor foot mechanics. If required, damaged tissues can be treated by a health care professional with complementary “mobilization” therapies such as, but not limited to, ultrsound, deep tissue massage, A.R.T. (Active Release Technique), and Graston Technique.
Visit our What to Expect Insole page, or What to Expect Footwear page to get more detailed information.
What are some of the conditions that can be improved by Biopods?
By retraining your protective reflexes, Biopods helps your body adapt to healthier function, relieving the painful symptoms of many conditions—from Achilles tendonitis to shin splints.
For details about the many conditions that can be improved by BioPods, visit Conditions.
Should I wear Biopods® every day?
To train and maintain healthy foot, leg, and back function, Biopods® footwear and insoles should be worn as consistently as possible.
It is widely recognized that long-term cushioning and support are not advised for any part of the body, yet these features are not only designed into contemporary footwear, but also continue to underpin conventional insole and orthotic product design. As you stand, walk, or run, the materials and design of enclosed footwear insulate the feet from sensory input that the brain requires for adequate anticipation of each new step. Until now there has been no alternative option.
Combining today’s cutting edge design and manufacturing capabilities, Biopods® has found a way to re-introduce stimulus to the shod foot in line with the principles and fundamental laws of human physiology.
What if I experience pain when using Biopods?
When you first start using the Biopods Footwear and Insoles, two things happen:
During initial use, your body will experience a four to six week period of soft tissue adjustment. This is a time when the muscles of the feet retrain to function in a healthier manner.
As muscle function improves, mobility at the joints increases and the bones realign to more efficiently manage increased loads. You may experience transient “new” aches or pain in muscles and joints that shift from location to location, which is normal. However, if discomfort persists in any one area longer than two weeks, it may be from underlying scar tissue or fibrosis that is related to footwear use or prior injury.
In this way, Biopods footwear and insoles function as disgnostic tools that help your healthcare professional identify and address the underlying cause of your foot-related problem.
Effective rehabilitative treatments include, but are not limited to, Active Release Technique, ultrasound, and therapeutic massage.
Generally, Biopods should not be uncomfortable. However, some footwear and some foot types may not be compatible with Stimsoles:
Pain may be caused by footwear incompatibility. Visit our Biopods Shoe Guide to get more detailed information about selecting the healthiest footwear and footwear features that can cause pain.
Pain may be caused by foot type incompatibility. Some foot types may need a little pre-Stimsoles use mobilization therapy to address pre-exsitng scar/fibrotic tissue. A small percentage of people may not find Biopods suitable for them due to certain pre-existing conditions, such as fused joints in the feet. Visit our What to Expect Insole page, or What to Expect Footwear page to get more detailed information.
The Science of Biopods®
What causes most foot-related problems?
Nearly all conventional footwear interferes with healthy natural foot function to some degree—especially footwear that hampers your ability to raise your toes or that provides extra support and cushioning. Over time, your feet mal-adapt to chronic restrictiveness and lack of sensory stimulus and this maladaptation is the cause of most foot-related problems.
For more information visit the following pages:
- Common Foot Health Myths
- Are your shoes causing your foot, leg, hip, and back pain?
- Understanding Optimal Neuromuscular Mechanics
- Walking and running stressors can be good for you.
- Is footwear hindering your performance and increasing you risk of injury?
- What you do every day determines your body’s capabilities.
- Protective reflexes and innate body intelligence.
- Kinetic chain biomechanics determine how well we walk and run.
How do protective reflexes help prevent stress and strain on the feet, legs, hips, and lower back?
Protective reflexes are constantly working to protect the body from harm.
Protective reflexes—the unconscious activations of the neuromuscular system triggered by stimuli that is perceived as a threat to the body. These reflexes play an important role when we walk, run or engage in any strenuous activity. When the foot is on the ground, these reflexes respond to sensory information about terrain to trigger “protective” muscle activations through the other foot, leg and hip, preparing it for next step ground contact.
Biopods® are designed to encourage healthy protective reflex function and work in harmony with the natural dynamic movement of the feet. With the regular variable stimulus they provide, Biopods® footwear and insoles challenge natural protective reflex mechanisms and cause them to adapt toward healthier function. Even though the stimulus is received under the soles of the feet, it affects and improves reflex function throughout the feet, legs, hips, and back.
For more information relating to how protective reflexes are involved in our daily activities, visit the following pages:
- Protective reflexes and innate body intelligence.
- Understanding Optimal Neuromuscular Mechanics
- Walking and running stressors can be good for you.
- What you do every day determines your body’s capabilities.
- Kinetic chain biomechanics determine how well we walk and run.
- Are your shoes causing your foot, leg, hip, and back pain?
General Questions
Why does Biopods offer a 120 day money-back guarantee?
Biopods footwear and insole designs incorporate the latest developments in modern rehabilitative science to provide a Proper Technique environment for consistent and healthy mobility right from the ground up. We're so sure you'll benefit from this groundbreaking approach, we fully guarantee it.
Some individuals require more time as their body adjusts to this new platform while others feel the benefits right away. Our 120 day money-back guarantee gives everyone enough time to experience the difference Biopods makes in their comfort and performance, in their own time and at their own pace, RISK FREE.
What is the difference between Standard and Custom when selecting the Biopods sneakers?
Standard: This option is most suitable for individuals who have little trouble finding shoes that fit off the shelf and whose both feet are relatively the same size.
Custom: This option ensures the most accurate fit and is most suitable for individuals who have difficulty finding shoes that fit—especially those whose feet are different sizes. The Custom option requires that measurements are provided for both feet.
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