A Challenge for Pedorthists
Pedorthists often face the challenge of recommending shoes that strike the right balance between medical functionality and stylish design. Many brands focus on one at the expense of the other, leaving specialists to compromise. Recognizing this gap, Maratown has developed a unique line of shoes in collaboration with pedorthists, integrating their feedback to create footwear that is both medically beneficial and visually appealing. Maratown shoes are not designed for fashion but as prescriptions for maximum comfort and elegance. The secret lies in the sole—a carefully crafted combination of materials and structure—and the design’s commitment to comfort, stability, and adjustability.
The Maratown Advantage: Medical Features Tailored to Comfort
1. Fitting: Preserving Comfort Through Adaptability
While fitting is not Maratown’s “secret sauce,” it remains the cornerstone of comfort. To ensure a perfect fit, Maratown shoes feature:
• Two Widths: Accommodates a wide range of foot shapes, with extra room in the wider width.
• Adjustable Volume: A 3mm volume adjuster in the shoe box allows wearers to fine-tune the fit if the length is correct but the shoe feels loose.
• Removable Insole: The insole can be replaced with custom orthotics or thinner insoles, creating additional space without sacrificing length.
2. The Sole: A Technical Marvel
The sole is where Maratown truly stands out, engineered to provide unparalleled support and cushioning:
• Thick, Soft EVA Sole:
○ Maximizes cushioning to reduce foot pressure.
○ Despite its size, the sole is lightweight and flexible, offering comfort without compromising mobility.
• Wide Base for Stability:
○ Prevents ankle twisting and controls pronation angles.
○ Includes a stiffer EVA at the heel base for added support and stability.
• Structured Design:
○ The sole’s harder material at the heel acts like a shank in traditional shoes, preventing excessive twisting and ensuring stability.
○ The sidewalls (welt) of the sole extend 6mm around the upper, stabilizing the foot within the shoe.
○ A reinforced counterfort at the rear with an extended side helps support and align the foot with the knees and hips.
• Supportive Shape and Drop:
○ Relieves pressure from plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and forefoot discomfort by evenly distributing weight.
○ The top rocker and flat bottom design facilitate a smooth roll-out, mimicking natural movement.
○ Flexibility at the metatarsal area enhances mobility, creating a natural stride.
• Durable Outsole:
○ A 3mm layer of durable material ensures longevity.
3. The Upper: Comfort Meets Practicality
While the sole drives Maratown’s performance, the upper complements it with thoughtful details:
• Derby Design:
○ Allows for greater adjustability to fit various foot shapes.
○ Avoids long quarters that could create pressure points over the metatarsal area.
• Minimal Stitching:
○ Reduces the risk of irritation, making the shoes suitable for diabetics and those with sensitive feet.
○ The bunion area is free of stitches, allowing the soft leather to stretch and adapt comfortably.
• Premium Leather Construction:
○ Soft and breathable leather for the upper and lining ensures adaptability and durability.
○ Gentle on the skin and promotes airflow, maintaining a healthy foot environment.
• Padded Collar and Gusseted Tongue: ○ Provides additional comfort without compromising the shoe’s clean, professional aesthetic.
Made in Portugal: Quality and Ethics
Maratown shoes are manufactured in Portugal under modern working conditions, adhering to high standards of hygiene and material quality. This ensures not only exceptional footwear but also ethical production practices.
A Prescription for Comfort and Elegance
In conclusion, Maratown shoes represent a paradigm shift in pedorthic footwear, offering a harmonious blend of medical benefits and refined design. With their thick, stable soles and thoughtfully crafted uppers, they provide relief, support, and comfort for a wide range of foot conditions. These shoes are not merely an accessory but a tool—a carefully designed prescription for both comfort and style.
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Imagine standing at the starting line of a half marathon, surrounded by athletes in high-tech running gear, their feet clad in the latest performance sneakers. Now, picture someone next to you wearing classic leather dress shoes. Sounds unbelievable? It has happened—more than once.
As the founder of Maratown, I have spent years exploring the intersection of footwear innovation and comfort. One of the most polarizing debates in the shoe industry revolves around cushioning—whether it's a necessary advancement or an unnecessary barrier between our feet and the ground.
When it comes to running shoes, brands like Hoka, Adidas, and Nike have earned their reputations for comfort and performance. Their shoes are often designed with cutting-edge technology to provide maximum support, cushioning, and a responsive feel that’s unmatched in the athletic shoe industry. But despite their success in producing highly comfortable footwear for runners, none of these giants have ventured into creating shoes that combine the same level of comfort with a more refined, dressy aesthetic for professional environments.
