Emma Powell Physiotherapist
It's very easy to recommend Archies to all business owners - they just walk off the shelf!
Size & Fit
Please see the below information about how to get the correct Size & Fit when you are ordering, showing and fitting Archies thongs for your customer.
Size Guide
Archies thongs are unisex thongs, we do not have a separate size system for men and women, however, our sizing follow's men's sizing.
Archies thongs sizing runs very true to your normal US running shoe size, so we suggest to select that for your size.
If you are often different sizes in different brands, or if you have any doubts as to which size to choose and or you simply want to confirm your size selection, then we suggest to measure your foot length using the instructions below and check the recommended corresponding size via the Archies thongs size conversion chart.
Adult Sizes:
Men's Size Guide
Women's Size Guide
Children's Sizes
Kids
Fitting
Fitting in terms of width:
In terms of width, Archies Thongs are a reasonably narrow fitting thong. The outside edge of the foot hangs over the edge to some extent in most people, so please educate your customer not to be concerned if this is the case for them, as this is the normal fit for Archies Thongs! 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 the customer has 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 photo below for example of completely acceptable overhang.
Fitting in terms of length:
In terms of length, a ‘snug / tight’ fit where you see less thong is best. Many people are used to wearing thongs that in Archies opinion, are far too big for them. If the customer goes too big in terms of thong 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 heel hangs over the edge of the thong. Of course, if the customers 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 images below of an example of acceptable overhang: | Too Much overhang: |
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Please click here to watch our fitting instructions video.
Archies have a tighter strap:
Archies Arch Support 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. This can leave the foot tired and achy, vulnerable to stress and potential injury. The tighter strap found in Archies Arch Support Thongs may help to reduce toe clawing which may enable the customer to walk more naturally.
It is important to let the customer know that if the strap feels a little too tight at first, not to 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 feels too tight it is very easy for you to stretch the strap and the toe pole until it reaches the customers desired level of tightness.
In fact, when we sell Archies, it is common that we will stretch up to 50% of the straps for the customer which gives them a strap that is fully customised to their foot shape. Customers love this, as they feel they are getting a tailored service!
How do I stretch the strap?
Click here to watch our quick video on how to very easily stretch the thong strap!
Step 1: Ask your patient / customer where the strap feel too tight.
Step 2: Before stretching the strap, always inspect on the underside of the strap for a material joining line. Occasionally, a joining line in the material will be present and is indicated by a faint line through the underside of the strap. While under normal circumstances the strap is very strong, if you stretch the strap directly on a joining line, it can break with little force, so never stretch the strap directly on a joining line! Please note, there is always a moulding joining line on the outside of the strap, it is always in exactly the same spot on the strap and is present on every single thong, this is not a material joining line and is not a ‘weak spot’ like the material joining line.
Step 3: 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. Continue to do this, getting the customer to try the thong on and off, stretching the strap and toe pole until it has reached their desired level of tightness.
IMPORTANT! It is very 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!
Educating your customers:
Most people put on Archies Thongs and they find them to be instantly and unbelievably comfortable! However, for some people, getting used to the support can take some time and in some occasions, they may even experience some soreness.
It is extremely important to educate your customers about this! We have lost count of how many customers have told us that when they first started wearing Archies Thongs that they got sore at first and were nearly going to throw them out, only to persevere with them and now those very same customer’s report that they barley take the thongs off their feet!
It’s important to let your customer know in the case that Archies Thongs are not instantly comfortable, not to worry, as after several days of wear, the thongs will gradually mould to the shape of their feet and will become much more comfortable.
However, it is equally important to let the customer know, that while a little initial discomfort is common at first.
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GOLD TIP |
While it’s extremely important to ask your customers how the thongs feel, what’s even more important is to pay close attention to what your customer conveys through their body language. You should interpret any closed body language such as crossing or re-enforcing of the hands or arms as a sign that the customer may have some form of hidden apprehension, negative thoughts, feeling etc about what they are experiencing or what you are doing and saying. It’s your job to work out what that this hidden apprehension is and solve it for them. |
Regardless of which model they choose, do not stress, it’s not a big decision! Both models have substantial orthotic / arch support and it is highly likely your customer will be happy with whatever they end up going with!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the fit and feel or other, please feel free to contact our customer service team at retailers@archiesfootwear.com.au.
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