Like the Flex and Mid-Flex, the Ultra is named for its flexibility; it is “Ultra-rigid.” This support is similar to the Miracle, but is manufactured with a super-rigid, reinforced compound by a German-based company. The Ultra features a lower inner longitudinal arch, which is perfect for feet with lower and more flexible arches. A lower metatarsal rise also accommodates the uniquely structured foot, and all of the arches on the Ultra are contoured with the medium- to flat arch in mind.
Flexibility: Rigid
The Ultra provides the sturdiest support possible in a Maintainer. It can withstand long hours of standing on very hard surfaces, and maintain the alignment of even the highest, most flexible arches. Though most customers with low- to average arches may find the Ultra too stiff, many customers wear it in all of their favorite shoes!
What’s in an Ultra?
Metatarsal Rise
The “toes” end of the Ultra features a small lump. This is called the “metatarsal rise,” and it is designed to help take pressure off the ball of the foot and the toes every time the foot takes a step.
What Does It Do, And How Can It Help?
By properly supporting the metatarsal arch, the metatarsal rise lifts up the bones in the ball of the foot, preventing them from hitting the ground too hard every time the foot pushes off for a step. This means that the metatarsal rise in the Ultra can help reduce pain caused by corns, calluses, and excess pressure on the ball of the foot. The Ultra is perfect for supporting a high arch and taking pressure off the toes in dress shoes.
The metatarsal rise on the Ultra is slightly lower than the same feature in our other Maintainers. It is designed to provide support to the forefoot, preventing the ball of the foot from hitting the ground too hard, and distributing pressure away from the toes. Though some athletes use the Ultra even during high-impact sports, a foot of average arch height and flexibility may find it too rigid to serve as a comfortable performance enhancer.
The metatarsal rise on the Ultra helps to support the ligaments and tendons in the forefoot, as the entire foot works while walking or standing. The Ultra’s metatarsal rise helps to maintain the forefoot in the ideal pressure-distribution pattern, by properly dispersing body weight through the foot with each step. The Ultra can ensure that the pressure of body weight is properly dispersed through the entire foot during each step, and while standing on hard surfaces.
Heel Platform
The heel end of the Ultra is a “heel platform;” a tapered end that fits the shape of the heel, yet does not cup the fatty pad of the heel to align each step. The heel platform helps to support the transverse arch, while allowing enough freedom for the heel to roll and twist naturally during leisure activities.
What Does It Do, And How Can It Help?
The heel platform on the Ultra supports the Transverse arch, which is located in front of the heel. This arch includes a sensitive spot where the very important Plantar Fascia ligament connects to the heel bone. By supporting the transverse arch, the Ultra can help protect the heel against inflammation of the Plantar Fascia ligament.
Though it supports the heel during gait, the Ultra’s heel platform is primarily designed to maintain the foot in the ideal position, for proper distribution of body weight during gait. The Ultra is so rigid that it should only be used during sports by those with very high arches or very flexible feet.
The lower profile of the heel platform allows the Ultra to fit comfortably in open-heeled dress shoes, with the aid of some Good Feet Velcro attached to the bottom of the support.
Inner And Outer Longitudinal Arch Support
The Ultra also features support for the inner and outer arches of the feet. These are designed to stabilize the foot during gait, to help prevent it rolling inward or outward with each step. As the most rigid Maintainer available, the Ultra helps to properly distribute the weight of the body through the foot with each step, and prevent excessive splaying or rolling.
What Does It Do, And How Does It Help?
By supporting all four arches of the foot, the Ultra helps to properly distribute pressure through the entire foot, thereby preventing any one part of the foot from taking on too much pressure. This can help alleviate pain in areas of the foot that are straining under too much stress.
The Ultra’s inner and outer longitudinal arches stabilize the foot during gait, helping to prevent pronation and supination (rolling inward or outward). By stabilizing the foot, the Ultra helps to promote proper gait, thereby reducing excess stress in the ankles, knees and hips. The Ultra’s rigid flexibility level makes it the ideal Maintainer in a complete arch support system for those with moderate to severe motion control needs and higher or more flexible arches.
As part of a complete Good Feet Arch Support System, the Ultra is ideal for:
- Walking
Weightlifting
Standing all day
Working (boots, shoes, etc.)
Leisure, casual and dress shoes
