Built to Last

Real Stories of Long-Term Use and Proven Durability

When you're dealing with a chronic condition like drop foot, you need equipment that lasts. FootScientific products are built for daily use, year after year. Here's what real customers report about long-term durability.

Elevate Drop Foot Brace: Years of Daily Use

2+ Years Daily Wear

Dave Schriber

"My mother in law is experiencing drop foot for the first time, I gave her one of my braces to try. She never knew I had a brace on my foot for the last 2 years since we've been fiddling with the back boa. She thought my nerve repaired itself and I was back to normal."
- Dave Schriber
35 Years Post-Injury

Harvey: Now Running Again

"It's been 35 years since my auto accident...drop foot is no longer a problem. I am now able to run on the treadmill for 60 minutes."
- Harvey, Amazon Verified Purchase
1 Year at 290 lbs

Kirt Breaux: Active Lifestyle

Kirt put his brace through serious stress. At 290 pounds and recovering from a motor vehicle accident, he needed something that could keep up with his active recovery:

"After I went thru (broke) 3 previous braces recommended by my doctor, I decided to give Elevate a go. It has changed everything for me. At 290lbs, I can jog/walk a 16 minute mile with the aid of the Elevate Drop Foot Brace. I am ordering my second brace today. The first brace had held up for a solid year with my active lifestyle."
- Kirt Breaux
2+ Years

Rose Trettenero's Husband: Most Comfortable Option

Rose's husband has tried multiple drop foot solutions over the years. The Elevate has been his go-to for over two years:

"I am always looking at new devices using the internet for my husband's foot drop. He first started off with an uncomfortable AFO prescribed by his doctor, then I found the X-Strap (which a guy in New York invented but was not as stable), and for about 2 years he has been wearing the most comfortable—the Elevate."
- Rose Trettenero, Lake Tahoe, CA
7 Years

Amazon Customer: Fourth Brace

One customer has been using the Elevate since their stroke seven years ago. They've purchased four braces over that time:

"I had a stroke seven years ago. My first AFO was miserable as it fit inside the shoe and cost $1000 dollars. This is my fourth one of these. Very dependable and can be worn with any shoe."
- Amazon Verified Purchase, April 2024

Why the Elevate Outlasts Competitors

Competitor Comparison: John Chaber's Experience

John Chaber has tested virtually every drop foot brace on the market. His experience highlights the durability difference:

"I have pretty much tried all types of products for foot drop. I have used custom molded AFOs, EZ stride carbon fiber AFO, Noodle AFO. I have also used braces that do not go in shoes. The Ossur Foot up brace worked good for a few weeks, but the elastic band wore out after about two weeks. The Dorsi-Strap brace I wore for a while but after a while the laces would wear and break. The benefit to your brace over Dictus is that your brace is more durable, you don't have to change rubber bands and you are able to adjust the desired level of lift for your foot."
- John Chaber, Florida

Built for Durability: Design Features

  • BOA Dial System: The most reliable, strong, and reputable dial closure system on the market. Used in professional athletic footwear.
  • Spectra Cord: High-strength lace designed for months of wear. Often never needs replacement over years of use.
  • Hypalon Straps: Waterproof synthetic rubber material that maintains flexibility and strength over time.
  • Stainless Steel Anchors: Corrosion-resistant hooks that secure to shoe eyelets without degrading.
  • External Design: Nothing inside the shoe means no wear from foot pressure or shoe friction.

Arches Orthotics: Cork Amalgam Longevity

Arches Orthotics use a cork amalgam base that maintains corrective properties far longer than foam alternatives:

Product Type Typical Lifespan Approximate Cost
Arches Orthotics (cork-based) 12-18 months with daily use $48-$78
Foam drugstore insoles 4-8 weeks before significant compression ~$20
Custom orthotics 18-24 months $300-700 (5-10x more)

Why Cork Outlasts Foam

EVA foam compresses quickly under load, losing correction within weeks. Cork maintains its structure and provides consistent support regardless of body weight.

Dr. Faux notes: "For patients over 200 lbs, I almost exclusively recommend cork-based orthotics. Pure foam simply can't maintain corrective properties under that load."

Cost Per Wear: The Real Value

Elevate Drop Foot Brace

$179
$7.50-$15/month
Based on 1-2+ years of daily use
(real customer experiences)
Compare to custom AFOs at $1,000+ that patients often don't wear due to discomfort.

Arches Orthotics

$48-$78
$3-6/month
Based on 12-18 months of daily use
Less than replacing $20 drugstore insoles every 6 weeks.

Planning Ahead: Backup Braces

Many long-term users purchase backup braces to ensure they're never without support:

"This product is everything it claims to be. It's so light I forget I am wearing it! It's easy to use and adjust; it can be worn with shoes, sneakers, sandals, and the construction is top quality. I will be buying another brace just to have as a backup."
- Stephen Swartz, Boca Raton, FL
"I assume this brace will last a few years."
- Lori Crocker, Florida

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Common Questions

Real customers report 1-7 years of daily use. Dave Schriber has worn his daily for over 2 years. Kirt Breaux got a full year at 290 lbs with an active lifestyle. One Amazon customer has been using the Elevate since their stroke 7 years ago and is now on their fourth brace.

Arches cork-based orthotics typically last 12-18 months with daily use. This compares favorably to foam drugstore insoles (4-8 weeks) and custom orthotics (18-24 months but at 5-10x the cost).

The Elevate uses BOA dial technology (the most reliable closure system on the market), Spectra cord that often never needs replacement, Hypalon waterproof straps, and stainless steel anchors. The external design also means no wear from foot pressure or shoe friction.

Many long-term users purchase backup braces to ensure they are never without support. As customer Stephen Swartz notes: "I will be buying another brace just to have as a backup."

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