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Use StrideTek to Help Prevent Hiking Injuries!

Do you live or travel close to the trails? Are you considering hiking or are a seasoned pro? There is no doubt hiking provides so many benefits to the mind, body, and soul so of course it is an excellent and fun way to stay active.

Not only does hiking improve your bone density, cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness, but it also reduces risk to a host of issues including heart disease and high blood pressure. When you are hiking your mood and quality of sleep increases and your sense are awakened improving creativity. So how could this be bad for you? Hiking is a wonderful outdoor activity, but as with most sports there are risks, especially relating to injuries.

In order to start smart or keep going strong it is important to think about injury prevention. Let us start with the most common injuries:

• Blisters, cuts and scrapes

• Sore knees and hips

• Dehydration

Prevention of blisters has a lot to do with choosing the correct equipment. Choose the correct shoes and socks for your sport. Blisters are created by friction so choose moisture-wicking socks and make sure to break in your new shoes with shorter hikes at first. Also, consider packing moleskin in your pack so once you feel the familiar sting of a blister coming on, you can take a break and treat the area right away. For the inevitable cuts and scrapes, be sure to have a first aid kit stocked with bandages, antibiotic ointment, and other essential treatment items.

Prevention of joint soreness starts with preparation. Hikers need to condition their muscles for the uphill and downhill climbs. Stretching before and after every hike is a must! Keep the hardest working muscles in the best condition to be able to finish strong. Also be sure to slowly build mileage and length of time on the trail. It is important to go slow on the trail as a fall at fast speed can be much more detrimental than once at a steady walk.

Prevention of joint soreness also has a lot to do with choosing the correct equipment. Knees and hips are especially vulnerable joints causing overuse injuries especially when attempting steep inclines and declines. After choosing the correct shoes, choosing hiking poles and knees straps can definitely help, but also consider starting at the bottom with appropriate sports orthotics for your hiking boots. The patented technology of the StrideTek Crosstrainer orthotic insole is made to help you avoid pronation which causes numerous joint and muscle issues.

Prevention of dehydration is equally if not more important. Drink water in the days leading up to a hike and bring at least 2 to 4 quarts of water each day of your hike. Sports drinks and salty snacks are also helpful in replenishing lost electrolytes. Avoid direct sunlight and hiking during the hottest part of the day and take frequent breaks in the shade.

John Muir had it right when he said “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks”. Use these tips to stay safe on the trails to enjoy each and every step.  Find your stride!

StrideTek® Tactical Trainers

First responders and soldiers spend long hours on duty with most of that time on their feet.  The demands placed on the bodies of these men and women is rigorous and unforgiving. It's no surprise they often suffer from intense foot, leg, and back pain related to improper support in their boots and shoes. 

StrideTek's® Tactical Trainer orthotic insole is up to the challenge of relieving that pain.  StrideTek's patented technology allows users to experience the benefits and support of an orthotic with the comfort and convenience of an insole. StrideTek’s revolutionary design encourages proper biomechanics throughout the entire stride gait. The heel, arch and patented metatarsal riser work together as an integrated insole unit to provide maximum resistance against pronation (rotating inward), the major cause of lower extremity discomfort. 

StrideTek provides real comfort all day long and from the first day wearing our orthotic insoles.  Use our Tactical Trainer and leave your feet to us so you can focus more on what is important in your job.

StrideTek® Cross Trainer

The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, consisting of 26 bones connected by 33 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.  When the shoes you wear cannot offer the correct support for that intricate system, there can be considerable pain in the tendons and arch.  What happens next is that chain reaction of pain through the legs and back resulting in soft tissue and joint damage.  

StrideTek® has the answer.  Utilized by some of the world's most recognized athletes, our patented technology allows users to experience the benefits and support of an orthotic with the comfort and convenience of an insole. Our revolutionary design encourages proper biomechanics throughout the entire stride gait. The heel, arch and patented metatarsal riser work together as an integrated insole unit to provide maximum resistance against pronation (rotating inward), the major cause of lower extremity discomfort.

Your body is a complex system that will respond to proper care. Take the first step toward relieving pain and stress with our biomechanically designed orthotics, the StrideTek® Cross Trainer.  

Introducing the FlipThotic®

There was a time when flip flops were just shoes we wore to wash our cars or head to the pool.  These days, flip flops are everywhere in every color and style.  Flip flops are fun and fashionable, but are they good for your feet?

Unlike regular shoes, flip-flops aren't supposed to be good for walking extensively because they do not have any arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Wearers can suffer foot pain due to lack of arch support, tendinitis and even sprained ankles if they trip.  

Enter the FlipThotic^®,  a true breakthrough in footwear.  The FlipThotic^® has seamlessly integrated the always popular flip flop with StrideTek’s^® patented technology allowing users to enjoy all the benefits and support of an orthotic with the comfort and style of the classic flip flop. This revolutionary design encourages proper biomechanics throughout the entire stride gait. The heel, arch and patented metatarsal riser work together as an integrated footbed unit to provide maximum resistance against pronation (rotating inward), a major problem with traditional flip flops. 

What does this mean to you?  You finally have the ability to wear a flip flop sandal without all the pain!  Your foot is fully supported as if it were resting comfortably in a regular shoe.  Finally, a flip flop with sole....the FlipThotic^®!!

Stridetek Grand Opening!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the launch of StrideTek. Look around, ask questions and you will soon discover StrideTek is footgear worn by people who demand performance in their lifestyle. Once you try StrideTek’s patented footbeds, you’ll never wear anything else on your feet!

We would love to hear from you so you can share your StrideTek success story.  Thanks again from the entire StrideTek team and remember to chase down your dreams and “Find Your Stride”.