Sales@irishfit.eu

Tel: 01-2846107
087-2268911

Customer Testimony:
I received your package this morning, all is in order including the extra goodies you threw in. Many thanks, and I must congratulate you on the fantastic service. Being in the retail business myself, I know how important going the extra mile can be. I will definitely shop with you again and will also recommend you to friends and family.
Andrew

Somnio Custom Fit Running Shoes

Mens & Womens running shoes that are custom fitted for each individual

Please call us to make an appointment for a custom fitting: 01-2846107

PRODUCT DESIGN

Biomechanically based
Our shoes were designed in the lab and on the road with the idea that we can improve individual’s biomechanics through adjustability of key components of the shoe.

Medically proven
Through testing and refining our designs at the BCSM over the last 3 years we have achieved results in the lab which are repeatable and which can treat and reduce the risk of certain injuries.

Functional design
Our design philosophy is that function always comes first , there is no compromise in this principle. We are not about color palettes and gimmicky technology.

Different Shoe Parts
Our shoe design components and relevance to injury management:

Varus Wedges (Extrinsic)

• Provides correction of subtalar joint alignment (direct pronation control).
• Full foot varus wedges are utilized to provide better functional alignment control throughout stance phase         (forefoot control is particularly needed during mid-to-late stance).

Foot Beds (Intrinsic)

• Provides improved alignment control by more adequately supporting the arch structures (aids in “intrinsic  control” of subtalar joint alignment.
• Increased comfort (allows for accommodation to both the high and low ends of the arch height spectrum).

Durometer (cushioning) inserts at 1st MTP jt. and postero-lateral heel

• Adds cushioning for those with shock absorption problems.
• Decrease the “timing” of pronation through use of softer durometer heel insert (avoid the catapult effect).
• Accomodates for different weight categories and injury needs.
• Customizes the intangible “feel” of the shoe for greater comfort across a spectrum of users.

Last shape and medial mid-sole durometer options

• Accommodates to foot shape for increased comfort and control.
• Cushioning options allow improved control of stability.
• Contributes to the “feel” of the shoe.

Biomechanics

While each individual will have unique characteristics that contribute to their running mechanics, proper support of foot structures and attenuation of loading force mechanics are key to injury management and performance enhancement.
Somnio’s design philosophy is to customize the shoe to meet the alignment needs of the individual.

Relevance of Somnio Design Characteristics
The approach of Somnio’s design is embedded in the concept of alignment control and force distribution.  To achieve this level of customization, Somnio utilizes a “direct” vs. “indirect” approach.  Old convention achieves alignment control (in this case pronation control) through firmer medial mid-sole materials to “block” motion from happening (“indirect”).  It does not address the actual alignment of the foot/ankle itself.  When the same durometer (cushioning) is used across all weight categories, it can create a stiff/unnatural feeling for some runners.  Somnio’s “direct” approach toward alignment control incorporates both the extrinsic and intrinsic design concepts utilized in orthotic prescription.  Extrinsic posting in an orthotic changes the angulation of the foot/ankle while Intrinsic posting supports the structural alignment of the foot and can be made to improve the foot/ankle alignment.
Last shape and medial mid-sole durometer options are offered as the three Somnio models upon which further customization occurs.  Somnio uses the different last/durometer options to accommodate for foot shape and weight categories.
Somnio achieves improved force distribution through improved alignment and customization of the cushioning inserts at the postero-lateral heel and across the metatarsal-phalangeal joints (balls of the feet).  The intangible “feel” of a shoe is a very personal experience and can be customized within a Somnio shoe via the cushioning inserts.  Old convention relies on numerous shoe models that try to predict the various combinations of firmness/softness that runners will like.

Benefit of Being Aligned 

What Causes Injury?
The primary causes of running injuries are faulty alignment and the way in which force is applied to that alignment.  This ultimately results in excessive load on joint and soft-tissue structures.

The influences on alignment and loading characteristics include:

• Physical limitations
•  Structure malalignment
•  Joint limitations/muscular inflexibility
•  Weakness
•  Limited dynamic control (poor control of strength)
• Running technique
• Training program design
• Shoe design

Evaluation of running technique across a broad spectrum of athletes has revealed typical patterns of movement associated with the various types of running injuries and limited performance.  These patterns cause alignments and loading characteristics that are predictable and thus allow for the development of predictable strategies to improve the gait pattern.

The most common pattern of faulty gait involves excessive STJ pronation with genu valgus/femoral internal rotation and accounts for many of the most common running injuries.

• Illio-Tibial Band Syndrome
• Patello-femoral Chondromalacia
• Hip Pain (side, post-lat, front)
• Low Back Pain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• “Shin Splints”
• Anterior Tibialis Tendinopathy
• Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy
• Tibial Periostitis/Stress Fracture
• Compartment Syndrome
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Sesmoiditis
• Bunion
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Metatarsal Stress Fx
• Haglund’s Deformity

Correction of the faulty gait patterns involves attention to both the active and passive components influencing the alignment.

• Active influences are addressed medically and include attention to physical limitations, running technique, and training program design.
• Passive influences have historically been addressed through shoe design and/or medical prescription of an orthotic device.  Unfortunately,  shoe design has not addressed alignment control through direct support of the foot into a more optimal mechanical alignment.

Finding the Perfect Fit 
Beyond shoe size and pronation: How to truly customize a shoe.

The Line Up Measuring Device is our patented fitting tool. 

The biomechanic design is a result of our partnership with the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine. The runner stands barefoot upon the Line-Up, and you use the adjustable slides to easily determine:

• which footbed fits the runner’s arch
• which cushion is appropriate for their weight and running surface
• which Varus Wedge inserts best align the foot and lower leg

Step 1: Line-Up Device

Standing barefoot alignment assessment:

• The shoe fitter measures Arch height (Low, Normal, High)
• Measuring the amount of Pronation (Neutral, Mild, Moderate, Significant) Supinators should be placed in the Runaissance model to encourage any pronation possible
• Cushioning select based on body weight

The runner does a single leg squat on the Line Up Measuring Device

• Fitter adjusts leveling of your feet on Line Up Device
• Fitter finds your level of pronation to reach alignment (neutral-mild, moderate, significant pronation)
• Runner places heel against heel cup in most comfortable fit, This allows the inherent tibial torsion of the lower leg (degree varies between people) to place the foot naturally vs. forcing the foot straight forward and imposing an internal rotation of the knee/femur.
• Fitter lines up laser on middle of patella
• You, the runner, perform a single leg squat (1/3 knee bend) while person looks straight forward so as not to influence alignment results.
• You perform a few repetitions of the squat so the fitter can assess typical running patterns.

Step 2: Adjust Varus

The fitter will adjust the Varus using our patented Line-Up device.

The fitter will adjust the balance of the Line Up Device to optimize the alignment of the laser tracking on your patella.

Step 3: Use Arch Ball

In this step the fitter will select your ideal arch height based on:

• Archometer
• General visual assessment of arch height (Low, Normal, High).
• Historical tolerance of arch support (this is determined during your initial questioning).
• Right and left can be different.

Step 4: Select Components

The fitter will use the Durometer Gauge, your general weight and the Varus setting to select your correct inserts.
Durometer will initially be based on body weight or injury needs and then be adjusted to accommodate for the intangible “feel” that you are seeking.

• Firmer durometer in the forefoot can assist in pronation control.
• Individuals that “catapult” from outer heel to excessive pronation may benefit from 45-55 durometer in the heel to slow the speed of transition.

Step 5: Shoe Trial

Place the Functionally Engineered Adaptable Tricomponent [FEAT] System into the shoe.

The fitter will use their skills to make specific adjustments to get the best shoe fit. Making any necessary adjustments based on how the shoe actually fits and feels.

• Modifications:
• The shoe fitter’s first priority is addressing any alignment needs with appropriate canting changes.
• They will modify durometer of inserts to provide a good balance between comfort/feel and injury needs.
• Arch Height: This is typically a straight forward decision.

Please call us to make an appointment for a custom fitting: 01-2846107