Sports Media Report
VKTRY GEAR, the fast growing, industry leader in Performance Insoles, today shared that The Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Laboratory at Harvard’s Massachusetts General Hospital recently completed a 12-month long, IRB-approved, randomized control trial of VKTRY Performance Insoles used in the treatment of 1st Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthritis. This degenerative condition affects millions of people, most commonly in those over the age of 50.
A spokeperson involved with the Harvard Mass General PhD-led study stated: “The VKTRY carbon fiber insoles proved to be a demonstrably better solution for patients than the traditional use of a rigid Morton’s extension insole. Patients reported a significant improvement in comfort and pain management with the VKTRY Insoles. Additionally, patient compliance after 12 weeks was 100% with VKTRY compared to only 50% with Morton’s.”
The baseplate for a VKTRY Insole is made from multiple layers of carbon fiber and customized for a person’s body weight which provides the optimal “spring force”. The product is more rigid at the midfoot and more flexible at the MTP joint in order to provide comfort, support, shock absorption and propulsion.
“Because of the patented design, VKTRY Insoles can be helpful in treating conditions like osteoarthritis and turf toe which can be seriously debilitating,” said Matt Arciuolo, Certified Pedorthist and founder of VKTRY Gear. “Many athletes and sports medicine experts like the team at Harvard Mass General are discovering that VKs can provide both performance benefits and injury protection so that they may be able to avoid serious injuries in the first place.”
VKTRY Insoles are currently being used by athletes and Athletic Trainers at over 300 pro and college teams for both performance and injury protection. “VKTRY Insoles were a key part of my return from a turf toe injury during my rookie season. I feel the added protection and power it gives me every time I step on the field,” said Antonio Gibson, star running back for the Washington Football Team.
“By supporting the 1st metatarsal phalangeal joint, VKTRY Insoles limit the range of motion in the joint, resulting in pain relief,” stated Dr James Creps, PT, DScPT, OCS, CMPT with the Boston Red Sox. “Also, these patients often lose the ability to push off effectively and the propulsive benefits that VKs provide can help these patients resume a normal pain free life.”
Made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber, VKTRY Insoles store and return energy to the athlete. They also provide a “spring-like” effect to improve shock absorption and reduce the load and stress on the athlete’s body. In independent performance testing, athletes wearing VKs increased their broad jump by an average of +4.0”, their vert by +1.6” and improved their 40 times by 0.12 seconds.
Because all athletes are not alike, VKs are customized based on the size of the athlete and the sport or activity. VKTRY Insoles are available in five different levels of flexibility to optimize performance, protection and comfort. Athletes at more than 300 professional and college teams wear VKTRY Insoles for training and competition. A recent study of 263 NCAA athletes showed 41% less foot injuries and 22% less lower leg injuries when athletes use VKs.
During the 2020 NFL season, a record number of over 200 NFL players, from 29 of 32 clubs, wore VKTRY’S carbon fiber insoles, a 300% increase from 2019. Some of the brightest young stars and respected veterans in the NFL, including Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb, LV Raiders RB Josh Jacobs, Washington RB Antonio Gibson, Buffalo Bills RB Devin Singletary, SF 49ers WR “Deebo” Samuel, Seattle Seahawks WR DK Metcalf, NY Jets Williams, Buffalo Bills CB Josh Norman, Chicago Bears WR Anthony Miller, LA Chargers OT Brian Bulaga, Denver Broncos TE Noah Fant, New York Giants TE Evan Engram, Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson, Pittsburgh Steelers LB Devin Bush and many more are now part of the VKTRY using team. Players from every Power Five Conference used VKs for the first time during their Pro Days, with a record 74 2021 NFL Draftees.
VKTRY Insoles were originally invented for the US Olympic Bobsled Team to improve athletic explosiveness. In 2010, these carbon fiber insoles helped Team USA win gold in the 4-man bobsled – first time in 62 years. Now, more and more people are discovering the benefits of energy return, improved stability and the shock absorption that VKs provide.
