FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If your question is not answered below, please feel free to contact us.
Who is Flexyfoot for?
Flexyfoot is designed to help people of all ages and levels of fitness: sports people, the elderly, children and people with a disability, for both temporary and permanent requirements.
How does Flexyfoot work?
Flexyfoot uses suspension technology to provide improved grip and shock absorbency. When the user leans on their aid, the small bellows pivot to maximise surface area contact of the foot with the ground. This dramatically improves friction and reduces slippage. At the same time the air in the bellows is progressively pressurised to absorb impact and shock that would otherwise be transferred to the user. The ‘foot’ can rotate 360 degrees independently of the collar, enabling the user to twist and turn with minimal stress applied to the upper limb.
Do health professionals know about Flexyfoot?
Flexyfoot was launched at the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Physiotherapy Conference 2011 in Brisbane, where delegates quickly understood the product and warmly welcomed this innovation. Flexyfoot is being progressively introduced to physiotherapists, occupational therapists and orthopaedic surgeons, as it offers benefits for both the health professional and the user. In addition to increased comfort with walking, fewer slips and falls will optimise recovery times and improve patient satisfaction.
Where can I purchase Flexyfoot?
You can purchase Flexyfoot products on this website, via the Purchase page.
A growing number of physiotherapy and allied health clinics, as well pharmacies and mobility aid specialists around Australia also stock Flexyfoot.
We would be happy to help you locate the one nearest to you. Our stockists page on this web site is a good place to start.
Are your payment facilities secure?
Yes. We use PayPal who process millions of payments every day, for every type of business: securely and quickly.
I don’t want to buy online, is there anywhere else I can go?
You can call us on (03) 9702 0110 to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Flexyfoot is also available at selected clinics, retailers, chemists and mobility shops.
Is Flexyfoot listed on the DVA and TAC schedules?
Flexyfoot has now gained DVA RAP schedule listing under item number AP13. Talk to your Physio or OT today about your eligibility to receive assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs to put a spring back in your step! We expect to be listed on the TAC schedule inteh near future also.
Has Flexyfoot been tested?
Flexyfoot was developed over three years in the UK, trialled with a leading orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapy department and tested exhaustively to surpass standards. Flexyfoot is CE certified and conforms to current ISO standards for mobility aids. Please refer to the Flexyfoot specifications page on the Flexyfoot.com website for more details.
Is Flexyfoot expensive?
Flexyfoot is more expensive than conventional ferrules, but provides many additional benefits and can last much longer (depending on the user and the conditions). Additionally, the ‘feet’ are replaceable, and easily changed. Nothing else on the market today offers the same combination of advantages.
Will Flexyfoot fit my walking aid?
Flexyfoot comes in four different diameters to fit most walking aids. Please note that Flexyfoot is taller than a standard ferrule so it’s important to adjust the length of your aid to compensate.
What size do I need?
Flexyfoot comes in 16mm, 19mm, 22mm or 25mm collar sizes. To work out the collar size of your stick, measure the internal diameter of your current ferrule or the actual diameter of your stick. If in doubt, our packaging has a handy measuring feature to check the diameter of your aid.
Although you will need to measure each walking aid, in general:
- 19 mm is suitable for most walking sticks, including adjustable and folding walking sticks.
- 22 mm is suitable for most adjustable crutches.
- 25 mm is suitable for most walking frames and shower chairs.
- 16 mm is suitable for most canes and small diameter walking sticks.
How easy is Flexyfoot to fit?
Flexyfoot is very easy to fit and has been designed to be used by those with weaker hands and wrists. Simply push the collar of the Flexyfoot ferrule onto the bottom of your aid. If you apply a little bit of water to the stick, you’ll find the rubber collar slides on much easier. Then give it a tap on the floor to make sure the end of the stick has reached the bottom of the collar. For more details on fitting and replacing, please visit the How to Use page.
What if I can’t manage to fit it myself?
If you’re having problems with fitting your Flexyfoot or if you have a wooden stick which requires cutting down, we recommend asking a family member to help or call in at your local DIY store or building suppliers.
How long will Flexyfoot last?
Testing demonstrated that Flexyfoot was still serviceable at 100,000 cycles (about 100 km of heavy walking) whilst the standard ferrule was unacceptably worn down at 50,000 cycles. Remember to check for wear and tear as Flexyfoot will need replacing if the tread is worn down to the wear markers or if the bellows are damaged and the air is no longer sealed inside. We recommend that you change the foot every 4-6 months. Heavy users might need to change the bellows more regularly.
Does Flexyfoot come with a guarantee?
The Flexyfoot collar is guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for 12 months. The foot is a replaceable part and should be replaced when worn down.
Can I try out Flexyfoot before I buy one?
Many of the listed retailers, specialist mobility stores and physiotherapist across Australia carry a sample Flexyfoot fitted to a walking aid to enable trial. Trying Flexyfoot out is an excellent way to see and feel the difference that it makes.
Can I recycle Flexyfoot?
Yes, Flexyfoot is made from high performance polymers and can be recycled along with mixed plastics.
Flexyfoot has become shorter over time, is this a problem?
Over time, the height of the bellows may reduce by as much as 6 mm. This is completely normal and does not affect its safety.
Why does my Flexyfoot appear to have some imperfections on the tread?
The imperfections on the feet arise in the moulding process. The UK manufacturer uses quite a complex process of moulding the TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) base onto the hollow bellows, with a great functional result but small variations in appearance. These imperfections are superficial marks only and do not affect the performance, wear or endurance of your Flexyfoot unit.
If I have any problems with ordering and delivery, who can I contact?
Please contact us and we will be glad to help.