NATIONAL INNOFINLAND PRIZE 2006
(INNOFINLAND statuette and honorary diploma)

FOOTBALANCE SYSTEM OY, HELSINKI

Footbalance product and service concept for custom-made insoles

Footbalance System Oy is an enterprise that represents Finnish health and technology knowledge. The company was established in 2003 by physiotherapist Erkki Hakkala with the aim to promote the consumer welfare by new innovations that increase the comfort of physical exercise. In cooperation with various experts in the health and physical exercise field Footbalance develops individually shaped insoles that support and correct the position of the foot and the stepping.

About 70 per cent of all people* suffer from wrong positions of the foot and the trouble caused by this in the feet, the knee, the hip, the lower back and the neck and shoulder region. For the treatment to succeed it is important to get the incorrect position corrected in good time. At a Footbalance service point the customer gets a cost free foot analysis, in which the possible wrong positions of the feet are surveyed. By means of the information brought by the analysis and the technique developed by Footbalance everyone gets quickly and conveniently individually shaped insoles that correct already existing wrong positions, prevent these and increase the comfort. The position and the function of the foot are pictured with the Footbalance analysis apparatus by a trained salesperson with expertise. The insoles get their exact individual form by being heated and by the use of forming cushions which are developed for the insoles manufacture. The foot analysis and the production of a pair of insoles take altogether 5 – 10 minutes.

Footbalance insoles fit all enclosed shoes and they are suitable for exercisers of different levels. Sports shoes require insoles of 3,5 mm, whereas walking shoes, skates and slalom and snowboard shoes need thinner 1,5 mm insoles. The right and effective function of the insole requires a foot anatomy that has developed on the level of an adult, why use of the insoles is recommended to everyone over 10 years of age.

The first Footbalance service points were opened in September 2006 in the Helsinki metropolitan area and in November service points were also opened in Oulu and Ylivieska. Cooperation with the Intersport chain makes it possible to build a large network. The Footbalance Medical chain is meant for experts in health care and it expands during 2007 within the physio- and foot therapy enterprises.

* Source: American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, American Podiatric Medical Association, Podiatry Insurance Company, The Social Insurance Institution of Finland publication AL:35 Helsinki 93: Tuki- ja liikuntaelinsairaudet Suomessa: Markku Heliövaara & al;

Contact details:

Footbalance System Oy
Hämeentie 153 B, FI-00560 Helsinki
Managing Director Erkki Hakkala
Tel. +358 (0)50 368 7713
erkki.hakkala@footbalance.com
www.footbalance.com