Emma Powell Physiotherapist
It's very easy to recommend Archies to all business owners - they just walk off the shelf!
Size, Fit & Level of Arch Support
Please see the below information about how to get the correct Size, Fit and Level of Arch Support when you are ordering, showing and fitting Archies thongs for your customer.
Size Guide
Archies Flip flops are unisex flip-flops, we do not have a separate size system for men and women, however, our sizing follow's men's sizing.
Archies Flip flops sizing runs very true to your normal US running shoe size, so we suggest to select that for your size.
If you are often different sizes in different brands, or if you have any doubts as to which size to choose and or you simply want to confirm your size selection, then we suggest to measure your foot length using the instructions below and check the recommended corresponding size via the Archies Flip flops size conversion chart.
Please click here for instructions on the best method to accurately measure your foot length
Women’s Size Conversion Chart
Using your normal ladies running shoe size, simply use the size conversion chart to help you choose your Archies Flip flops unisex size. If you do not own a pair of running shoes, just select your most common ladies shoe size.
For women, as the sizing follows men's sizing, your Archies Thongs size will always be one size less than your normal ladies running shoe size (as the sizes are in men’s sizes).
For example; if you are normally a Women’s Size 9 US in running shoes, then the corresponding size in Archies Thongs would be an Archies Thongs 8 (US).
Please note: Even though the sizes are unisex, the sizes that are marked on the bottom of the flip flops are men’s sizes. E.g – If you order a Unisex Size US Men’s 7 / (US Women’s 8), the flip flop you will receive will be marked with the men’s sizes (US 7 UK 6 EURO 40), however, it will be the exact equivalent of the women’s size (US 8 UK 5.5 EURO 39).
Any questions about sizing? We would love to help! Please click here to contact our customer service team.
Men's Size Conversion Chart
Using your normal men’s running shoe size, simply use the size conversion chart to help choose your Archies Flip flops unisex size. If you do not own a pair of running shoes, just select your most common men’s shoe size.
Please note: Even though the sizes are unisex, the sizes that are marked on the bottom of Archies Flip flops are men’s sizes. E.g – If you order a Unisex Size US Men’s 10 (US Women’s 11), the flip flop you will receive will be marked with the men’s sizes (US 10 UK 9 EURO 45).
Any questions about sizing? We would love to help! Please click here to contact our customer service team.
Fitting
Fitting in terms of width:
In terms of width, Archies Thongs are a reasonably narrow fitting thong. The outside edge of the foot hangs over the edge to some extent in most people, so please educate your customer not to be concerned if this is the case for them, as this is the normal fit for Archies Thongs! It is important to note, that while the foot overhangs to some extent in most people, it is quite rare that we cannot fit Archies Thongs to someone’s feet, no matter how wide or narrow they are. Even in the case that the customer has a bunion that overhangs, this is ok, the most important thing is that the thong is comfortable and the orthotic sits in the correct position on the foot.
Please see photo below for example of completely acceptable overhang.
Please click here to watch our quick fitting instructions video.
Fitting in terms of length:
In terms of length, a ‘snug / tight’ fit where you see less thong is best. Many people are used to wearing thongs that in Archies opinion, are far too big for them. If the customer goes too big in terms of thong length, the orthotic does not sit in the correct position on the foot. It is important to note, that it is NOT a concern if some of the heel hangs over the edge of the thong. Of course, if the customers heel is completely over the edge of the heel cup and squashing down on the rim of the thong, then that is different, however, some heel overhang is ok. Again, the most important thing is that the thong is comfortable and the orthotic sits in the correct position on the foot.
| Please see the images below of an example of acceptable overhang: | Too Much overhang: |
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Please click here to watch our fitting instructions video.
Archies have a tighter strap:
Archies Arch Support Thongs have been designed with a tighter strap than normal thongs. This is because in thongs with a loose strap, the toes claw down in an attempt to keep the thongs on the feet. Normally when you walk your toes are supposed to point / bend upwards. When the toes point / bend upwards, this activates the arch of the foot which helps provide protection and support to the vital structures of the feet. When the toes claw down such as when trying to keep the thongs on the feet, the arch does not activate correctly which means that you do not get the protective support from the arch of the foot. This can leave the foot tired and achy, vulnerable to stress and potential injury. The tighter strap found in Archies Arch Support Thongs may help to reduce toe clawing which may enable the customer to walk more naturally.
It is important to let the customer know that if the strap feels a little too tight at first, not to worry, the strap is very elastic, within a few days of wear, the strap will gradually stretch and mould to the shape of your feet.
However, if the strap feels too tight it is very easy for you to stretch the strap and the toe pole until it reaches the customers desired level of tightness.
In fact, when we sell Archies, it is common that we will stretch up to 50% of the straps for the customer which gives them a strap that is fully customised to their foot shape. Customers love this, as they feel they are getting a tailored service!
How do I stretch the strap?
Click here to watch our quick video on how to very easily stretch the thong strap!
Step 1: Ask your patient / customer where the strap feel too tight.
Step 2: Before stretching the strap, always inspect on the underside of the strap for a material joining line. Occasionally, a joining line in the material will be present and is indicated by a faint line through the underside of the strap. While under normal circumstances the strap is very strong, if you stretch the strap directly on a joining line, it can break with little force, so never stretch the strap directly on a joining line! Please note, there is always a moulding joining line on the outside of the strap, it is always in exactly the same spot on the strap and is present on every single thong, this is not a material joining line and is not a ‘weak spot’ like the material joining line.
Step 3: To stretch the strap, simply hold the strap between your fingers and in small little increments stretch each section of the strap where it feels too tight. You can do the same for the toe pole if this feels too tight. Continue to do this, getting the customer to try the thong on and off, stretching the strap and toe pole until it has reached their desired level of tightness.
IMPORTANT! It is very important to note, that while the straps are very elastic, once stretched, the strap will not return to its original tightness, so please be careful not to overdo the stretching!
Level of Arch Support
At Archies Footwear we know that it is impossible to adequately cater for all feet with one arch profile, as a result, Archies Arch Support Thongs come in a Standard Arch Support (SAS) model and a High Arch Support (HAS) model. Having the two arch profiles allows us better cater for your customer’s arch type and support needs.
Most stockist primarily stock the HAS model and then filter the SAS model in on an as needed basis. Having some pairs of the SAS model on hand allows customers to see what they feel like and the customer can either purchase them then or their size (thong or foot length) and colour can be recorded for your practices / stores next order of Archies Thongs.
Which one is better, the High Arch or the Standard Arch?
One arch profile is not necessarily better than the other. Both arch profiles have substantial orthotic / arch support and a similar amount of support to that found in off the shelf orthotics. It’s just that the HAS model has increased support in comparison to the SAS model and one arch profile may be more suited to your customer’s foot type, their personal preference and what they are used to. E.g, If they are used to wearing orthotics or other supportive footwear.
So, how do you know which model is the right one for your customer?
This is very easy and is not a big decision! We find that approximately 70% of people prefer the HAS and 30% prefer the SAS, as such, we find it’s best to always offer the customer the HAS model to the customer first.
While the HAS is the most popular model, there are some instances where the HAS simply feels like there is too much support and may be uncomfortable for your customer. This is most commonly seen in people with flat feet or in people with a plantar flexed first ray (when the 1st metatarsal bone is angled down more than normal)
In the case where the HAS feels like there is too much the support, we strongly suggest to offer SAS model to your customer. The SAS perfectly fills the gap when the High Arch has too much support as it still offers the user a substantial level of support, however it is a little less aggressive that the HAS. It is very rare that when someone does not like the HAS model that the SAS model does not result in an instant improvement in comfort levels.
As the majority of customers prefer the HAS, most of our stockist predominately stock the HAS and have a handful of SAS on standby, or they order them in on an as needed basis.
When the customer is presented with these two options, the end result is an extremely high conversion rate on sales and very happy customers!
Educating your customers:
Most people put on Archies Thongs and they find them to be instantly and unbelievably comfortable! However, for some people, getting used to the support can take some time and in some occasions, they may even experience some soreness.
It is extremely important to educate your customers about this! We have lost count of how many customers have told us that when they first started wearing Archies Thongs that they got sore at first and were nearly going to throw them out, only to persevere with them and now those very same customer’s report that they barley take the thongs off their feet!
It’s important to let your customer know in the case that Archies Thongs are not instantly comfortable, not to worry, as after several days of wear, the thongs will gradually mould to the shape of their feet and will become much more comfortable.
However, it is equally important to let the customer know, that while a little initial discomfort is common at first, if they feel that the HAS model really feels like it has too much support or if it just does not feel right, that they should try the SAS model and to go with whichever feels the most comfortable.
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While it’s extremely important to ask your customers how the thongs feel, what’s even more important is to pay close attention to what your customer conveys through their body language. You should interpret any closed body language such as crossing or re-enforcing of the hands or arms as a sign that the customer may have some form of hidden apprehension, negative thoughts, feeling etc about what they are experiencing or what you are doing and saying. It’s your job to work out what that this hidden apprehension is and solve it for them. An uncomfortable arch profile is a common source of this apprehension. Often the customer verbally reports that the arch type that they have tried on feels ok, however, this is in-congruent with what their body language is saying. In this case, offering the other arch profile will very often see the customer adopt a more positive and open body language as if the current arch profile is not right for the customer, the majority of the time the other arch profile will almost always result in a dramatic improvement in comfort. |
Choosing the correct arch profile for your customer is very easy and is not a big decision! However, if you or the customer are unsure, you can use the basic guidelines below to help you make the right choice for the customer.
As already mentioned, starting with the High Arch Support Model is a good starting point, the Standard Arch support model can be introduced in the instance that the customer finds that the HAS has too much support.
If your customer is used to wearing orthotics or other supportive shoes and sandals, then it is likely that they will be more suited to the HAS model. If the customer is not used to wearing orthotics or supportive footwear, then the customers foot type has a large influence as to which model they will likely find comfortable.
If your customer has low arches / flat feet and they are not used to wearing orthotics, then they will likely prefer the SAS model, as the HAS model will likely feel that it has too much support.
If your customer has high or normal type arches, then they will be fine in either the HAS or SAS, it would just come down to personal preference of what they are used to and their support needs. In this case, it’s best to offer the HAS model and only offer the SAS if the customer conveys verbally or through their body language that the arch profile is not right for them or if them.
What to advise your customer if they are not sure which one to go with?
When a customer is indecisive about which model to go with, then you should assist them by being decisive! You are the health professional or expert in fitting footwear and the customer has come to you for advice, so be definitive in your final conclusion!
If the customer is unsure of which model to go with, then unless you a prescribing the thongs for a very specific reason, the best thing to do is encourage the customer to go with which ever model feels most comfortable!
If the High Arch Profile and the Standard Arch are equally comfortable, then go for the high. The low is more reserved for people when they feel that that the high has too much support.
Regardless of which model they choose, do not stress, it’s not a big decision! Both models have substantial orthotic / arch support and it is highly likely your customer will be happy with whatever they end up going with!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the fit and feel or other, please feel free to contact our customer service team at retailers@archiesfootwear.com.au.
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