EVA foam sheets are used in far more than insoles and padding. They are lightweight, easy to cut, available in different densities, and suitable for medical, footwear, sport, creative, workshop and everyday practical jobs. This guide breaks down 100 real-world uses and explains each one in plain English.
Orthotics
Welcome to the Orthotics section of Algeos’ Company News. This dedicated space offers insights into the evolving world of orthotic therapy, highlighting innovations, clinical perspectives, and practical applications relevant to both healthcare professionals and the general public.
Here, you’ll find articles that delve into the latest advancements in orthotic solutions, from cutting-edge materials to patient-centred care strategies. Whether you’re a podiatrist, physiotherapist, orthotist, or someone interested in foot health, this section provides valuable information to support your practice or personal knowledge.
Explore our collection to stay informed about the trends and developments shaping the field of orthotics.
Latest News
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13 April 2026
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12 April 2026
Contact adhesive is a strong, flexible, and durable glue used in footwear repairs, upholstery, construction, and DIY projects. While it's excellent for bonding materials like rubber, leather, wood, and plastic, removing it can be a challenge. The right removal method depends on the surface you’re working with, as some materials require gentler approaches to avoid damage.
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2 April 2026
This guide explores 101 practical uses for hook & loop tape - from everyday storage and school resources to healthcare, travel, vehicles and specialist applications.
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31 March 2026
A reclosable fastening system made from two surfaces - one covered in tiny hooks and the other in soft loops. When pressed together the hooks catch the loops to create a secure but adjustable closure that can be opened and reused repeatedly.
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15 March 2026
This mini-guide explores the key properties of our foams - including density, thermoforming ability and ease of shaping - as well as its many practical uses.
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3 March 2026
Foot drop can change how safely you walk, especially when toe clearance is reduced in swing phase. This guide reviews five top braces and AFOs available from Algeos and explains how to match device choice to gait goals, footwear and clinical risk.
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1 February 2026
This exercise is designed to strengthen the small muscles in the foot, helping alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Regularly incorporating this into your routine can improve foot strength and flexibility.
The video below illustrates the exercise perfectly from NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
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25 January 2026
Orthotics are a crucial part of healthcare. They offer support and correction to various parts of the body. But what exactly are orthotics? Orthotics are devices designed to aid the function of a limb or the torso. They can alleviate pain, improve mobility and prevent physical abnormalities.
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19 December 2025
This guide uses Algeos’ product/technical data plus widely cited external references to summarise the main plastics Algeos offers, explain their mechanical and workshop properties (rigidity, flexibility, weight, durability, mouldability and cost) and give clear selection recommendations.
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10 November 2025
This UK guide explains how knee supports work - then maps common conditions to specific brace types - with comparison tables of leading options available from Algeos
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4 November 2025
In independent testing and decades of field use, PORON has ranked among the best for shock attenuation and long-term resilience, particularly in sensitive applications.
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4 November 2025
Glass and carbon composites have moved from specialist labs into everyday orthotic and prosthetic practice. The attraction is simple - high strength and stiffness at very low weight with the ability to tailor behaviour by changing weave, lay-up, and resin. This guide summarises what the materials are, why they matter clinically, and how to use them well from design through to follow up.
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15 October 2025
3D printed orthotics have entered mainstream podiatric practice faster than almost any previous technology. Many clinics are now asking the same question: are they genuinely worth the extra upfront cost? This guide analyses clinical impact, workflow efficiency and true return on investment to help podiatrists decide with confidence.
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18 September 2025
3D-printed foot orthotics have become one of the most exciting shifts in modern podiatry, yet the technology still carries an annoying cloud of myths, half-truths and outdated assumptions.Â
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3 September 2025
EVA foam sheets are the quiet superstar of DIY, crafts, footwear repairs, home fitness and even marine projects. They’re light, durable, water-resistant, and easy to shape - making them perfect for anyone from weekend makers to seasoned hobbyists.Â
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28 August 2025
A healthy gait is a fine balance between motion and control. It involves the complex interaction of joints, muscles, and loading forces from the heel strike through to toe-off. For many people, this balance can be disrupted by biomechanical inefficiencies such as excessive pressure or excessive loads of pronation and supination forces. -
3 August 2025
French chalk looks humble yet it earns a place in clinics, workshops, and studios. Used well it is a clean, non-abrasive way to mark, separate, dry, and lubricate surfaces with minimal fuss.
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27 July 2025
We will cover the major types of leather, their properties, benefits and drawbacks, and best use cases. We’ll also provide practical, step-by-step advice on working with each type – including tips on cutting, skiving, shaping, stitching, glueing, finishing and caring for leather.
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31 May 2025
Foam materials play a critical role in the performance, comfort, and effectiveness of orthotic and prosthetic devices. The right foam can make the difference between a device that supports healing and mobility, and one that causes discomfort, skin irritation or mechanical failure.
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29 May 2025
Contracture management is all about treating and preventing the tightening or shortening of muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues that limit joint movement. These restrictions, known as contractures, can develop over time due to immobility, neurological conditions, or prolonged incorrect positioning - making everyday tasks like walking or dressing difficult or painful.
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30 April 2025
Plastazote is a closed-cell, crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) foam widely used in engineering, medical devices, orthotics and protective packaging. Chemically, it is produced from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) that is crosslinked with high-energy irradiation and inert nitrogen gas.
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16 April 2025
The orthotics industry is at a turning point, driven by rapid advancements in biomechanics, digital fabrication, and data-driven technologies. Traditionally, orthotic devices are crafted through manual methods, often requiring multiple iterations before achieving an optimal fit. Today, 3D printing, pressure mapping, and customisable materials are revolutionising the industry by improving precision, reducing production time, and enhancing patient outcomes.Â
The global orthotics market is expanding rapidly, driven by an ageing population, an increase in musculoskeletal disorders, and a growing focus on preventative healthcare and personalised medicine. Â
The growing market for 3D-printed orthosesÂ
According to industry reports, the global orthotic devices market was valued at ÂŁ3.9 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030. Meanwhile, the market for 3D-printed orthoses is seeing even greater expansion, forecasted to reach ÂŁ460 million by 2030, with a CAGR
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1 April 2025
Orthotic components are essential in addressing a range of foot-related issues. Whether you're a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or simply someone seeking relief from foot pain, these additions allow for targeted support, realignment, and cushioning.
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15 March 2025
EVA foam – short for Ethylene Vinyl Acetate – is a soft, flexible, and durable material that’s widely used in healthcare, orthotics, sports, education, and beyond. Known for its shock-absorbing and cushioning qualities, EVA foam strikes a balance between firmness and comfort. -
18 February 2025
In clinical orthotics, orthotic insoles are a frontline tool for treating foot dysfunction, redistributing pressure and improving overall biomechanics. The success of these insoles depends not just on clinical assessment and design, but also on material selection. One material consistently chosen by podiatrists, orthotists and orthotic technicians is EVA foam. Here's why. -
11 February 2025
Neoprene is a versatile material that has found its way into many aspects of our lives. From the wetsuits worn by divers to the protective gear used in various sports, its presence is undeniable. But what exactly is neoprene?
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2 February 2025
Polypropylene is a material that's all around us, yet often goes unnoticed. It's a type of plastic that's integral to many of the products we use daily. But what exactly is polypropylene?
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7 January 2025
When it comes to footwear comfort, not all cushioning is created equal. Whether you're designing for athletes, work boots, lifestyle shoes or aftermarket insoles the materials you choose can make or break the user experience. That’s where PORON Vive Energy Activated Cushioning comes into play - a high-performance solution that offers an ideal balance between shock absorption and energy return.
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5 January 2025
Copolymer polypropylene is a versatile and durable plastic material. It's a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide range of applications. This material is created by polymerizing propylene with ethylene or butene monomers. The result is a material that's more flexible and tougher than homopolymer polypropylene.
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2 January 2025
The field of orthotics and prosthetics is constantly evolving. New materials and technologies are continually being explored to improve patient comfort and mobility.
One such material is copolyester. This thermoplastic polymer is gaining traction in the industry due to its unique properties.
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11 September 2024
Being diagnosed with drop foot can be overwhelming, but understanding the condition and its management options can make a significant difference in improving your quality of life. Drop foot, also known as foot drop, is a condition that causes difficulty in lifting the front part of the foot, often leading to an altered gait.
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17 May 2024
Did you know that research published in British Medical Journal found that foot pain affects over 200 million people worldwide? Your footwear choices matter more than you think.Â
Foot support is the assistance that is provided to the feet to maintain their natural structure, alignment, and functionality. Correct foot support can reduce the risk of overstraining muscles, tendons, and ligaments by keeping your joints aligned and moving properly.
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12 April 2024
While there are many off-the-shelf orthotics, these insoles may not marry up to the needs of the patient when presented straight out of the box, which means that modifications may be necessary to support the foot and help alleviate issues. -
23 August 2023
Chronic back pain is surprisingly common, with up to 23% of the world's population living with it currently. Did you know, however, that your foot health and poisitioning may be responsible? Read our latest blog to find out more...Â
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1 August 2023
In principle, the use of custom-made foot orthotics allows clinicians to provide a more accurate device to better treat patients, however this depends on the materials and methods used, as well as cost and manufacturing time. Staff shortages within O&P roles, as well as funding cuts, means that orthotists and workshop managers need to use the most cost and time effective materials and methods to best serve their patients.
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14 March 2023
According to NHS data, there are an estimated two million orthotic patients treated at one time in England alone. From diabetes to post op trauma, orthotic services provide health benefits for a wide range of conditions in a variety of settings.Â
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1 September 2022
Orient the brace on the ankle. Place the Boa center to your foot or shoe. Wrap brace around ankle to test for fit. Trim the brace if desired (not required). Place the Boa center to your foot or shoe. Place the left side first against your leg, then follow with right to secure hook and loop.Â
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1 August 2022
Introducing the VXC3DP Filament Cube from Voxelcare, a modular FDM unit containing a 3D printer that can operate as a single-unit system or combined with multiple VXC3DP Cubes to increase production output. -
1 May 2022
Algeos have once again committed to sponsoring the BAPO technician of the year award, we feel it is important to award colleagues in the O&P community that go the extra mile, and to let the industry know about the superb technicians we have and how much of an impact they have on their patients’ lives every single day.Â
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16 December 2020
Algeos are pleased to announce the winners of the BAPO Technician of the Year. We had over 20 nominations this year and again was a difficult decision. Congratulations to our winners who contributed so much to the O&P Industry, their colleagues and of course the end user patients.
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13 December 2018
Voxelcare, a well-known and much respected software and hardware engineering company, announce a new partnership with Algeos, one of the UK’s largest distributors in the orthopaedic, orthotic and prosthetic markets.
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21 March 2018
This National competition recognises Technicians that improve the quality of patients lives. Algeos was delighted to sponsor the BAPO Technician of the year award which recognises the unsung heroes of orthotics and prosthetics for the hard work and devotion over the previous 12 months.
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23 March 2015
Pioneering 3D technology that can print a pair of insoles in an hour will be unveiled at the BAPO (The British Association of Prosthetists & Orthotists) conference in Manchester today (March 20th). The revolutionary new technology allows custom-made and more supportive insoles to be created six times faster than anything else on the market.
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11 June 2013
This year’s event was held in Sheffield on Saturday 1st June. It was a glorious day which set the tone for a most enjoyable day. This was the 12th annual tournament held in conjunction with www.orthotictechnicians.com and and we raised £130.00 for our chosen charity this year, Meningitis UK. -
20 October 2001
Algeos in association with Orthotictechnicians.com are pleased to announce Leeds as the venue for this year's football tournament.