Top Covers for Plastic Orthotics

Naugahyde Top Covers - Naugahyde top covers come standard on most of our plastic orthotic types. They have a simulated leather appearance and wear well even with perspiration problems. The standard color for a particular orthotic can be substituted for any of our other colors, if desired. As shown at right, the naugahyde colors are brown, blue, gray, and beige.

Cushion Naugahyde Tops - When a very durable cushion top cover is needed, a 1/16” or 1/8” sponge layer can be added underneath the naugahyde. In the heel, this 1/16” or 1/8” combination can be added with or without a heel pocket for heel spur syndrome.

Leather Top Covers - Our deluxe leather top comes in a royal blue and is a very durable upholstery leather material. Natural leather, due to its breathability and low skin sensitivity, is an excellent top cover. However, don't use the leather top if the patient has a perspiration problem. In that case, naugahyde tops are the best.

No Top Covers - For severe perspiration conditions or in an environment where the orthotics are getting wet constantly, the top covers should be left off and intrinsic forefoot and heel posts should be used. This obviously depends on the condition you are treating. As always, give Dr. John Bergmann a call with any questions.

Additional Top Covers — Foams and Cloth

Additional top covers are available for plastic orthotics. They come in many different colors of foam, cushion vinyl, and cloth tops. They can be substituted for the standard naugahyde top covers that come with the orthotics. Their uses vary according to the condition being treated and the tolerability of the patient.

Top Covers for Leather Orthotics

The standard leather top cover, due to its tolerability, breathability, and low skin sensitivity, is the best all-around top cover for most patients. Additional top covers are as follows:

 Naugahyde (vinyl) top cover can be used when patients have perspiration conditions or where the patient has leather dye allergies.

 Blue Deluxe leather tops can be used for extra eye appeal. They are durable and have less leather dyes than the standard leather top cover.

 1/8” and 1/16” Black or Blue cushion cloth tops can be used for additional cushioning for fat pad atrophy or hypersensitivity.

 1/8” and 1/4” Plastazote top covers are applied over the standard leather top. This top is ideal when the patient can't tolerate the orthotic surface, as it will disperse the pressures evenly.

Foam Top Covers

These are high-density EVA foams that come in 1/8” thickness. The material will reduce sliding of the foot on the orthotic surface. It gives cushion while taking a slight memory set.

Red and Blue Foam Tops - These have aeration holes in the material. Athletes who are in sports such as soccer, football, basketball, and skating like this material, as they feel they do not move around on the orthotic in the shoe, giving them quicker response when they change directions.

Plastazote Foam Tops - This foam material is available in 1/8” and 1/4” thicknesses and is excellent for dispersion of pressure. It is often used for diabetics on soft orthotics such as our Diabetic Orthotic. It may also be used as a top cover for patients who can't tolerate the hard surface of plastic orthotics. Great for hypersensitive feet and feet with fat pad atrophy.

Cushion Cloth Tops - They come in blue and black 1/8” and 1/16” thicknesses. These new generation materials will give cushion for shock absorption and toleration. They also don't give that bunched up sock feeling and the cloth top will not delaminate as easily as some of the older generation materials. For patients who need shock absorption, such as runners or those who are always on hard surfaces, this is an excellent addition to the orthotics.

Bottom Covers for Plastic Orthotics

Additional bottom covers can be used for specific conditions and sports for extra cushion, to reduce orthotic wear, and to reduce slippage.

Black Tread Material - This is used for basketball orthotics for durability and to reduce slippage in the shoe. It is 1/32” thick.

Foam Bottoms - This material comes in 1/8” thickness and will increase shock absorption, reduce slippage, and can be easily sanded for adjustment.

Suede Bottom Cover - The material will decrease wear of the orthotic and reduce slippage of the orthotic in the shoe. It can also be used on forefoot extensions to reduce breakage of the extension at the distal aspect of the plastic shell.

Bottom Covers for Leather Orthotics

Suede bottom covers come standard on all leather orthotics. They are durable, reduce slippage of the orthotic in the shoe, and give the orthotics a professional look. If you like to modify or add your own orthotic corrections before dispensing them, we can send the pre-glued covers to you. Be sure to check off this choice on the Rx-blank. EVA foams are also used as the fill-in material and bottom covers on some orthotics. They are durable, provide cushioning, and can be sanded to adjust orthotic thickness and balance wedging.