MEMBERSPOTLIGHT
“What has been the single
most influential innovation in
footwear during your career?”
Without hesitation Bob
replied, 'Lynco OTC orthotics!'”
Mr. Schwartz states that the biggest differences
in the contemporary pedorthic landscape,
compared to his earlier years in the profession
was that, “There was a small selection of
footwear styles that satisfied pedorthic needs.
Very few extra-wide styles; none in athletic.
Today, doctor referrals are still a small percentage
of our business. It is much easier to get existing
customers to refer than medical professionals.”
He reminds new Pedorthists to, “Remember that
every customer (person) benefits when you use
your pedorthic skills to help them. They become
better customers, more loyal, and refer others.”
We had to ask the question, “What has been
the single most influential innovation in footwear
during your career?” Without hesitation Bob
replied, “Lynco OTC orthotics! Starting in the
early 1980s Lynco orthotics provided solutions
for 80% of the foot disorders we see.” Adding
that, “The 1990s brought a combination of
casual lifestyle attire at work, the Euro comfort
revolution, and the dotcom bubble. There was
more money in people’s pockets than they had
before. Brands like Mephisto, Ecco, Durea
and others became popular among New York
consumers. We were able to satisfy a much larger
audience than shopped with us until then with
a large selection of stylish high-grade comfort
footwear. The third important innovation was
the OTC rocker sole shoe. The first was “Earth”
and “Famolare” footwear brands. While Earth
offered a negative heel rocker, Famolare offered
a wave bottom that had a nest positive heel
pitch more in keeping with what women found
more comfortable. Then came Rockport with
its “Rocsport” “Vibram” rocker platform. MBT
reinvented the rocker as a fitness shoe that many
embraced. The last few years we have discovered
great European brands that offer quality, beauty
and value. The most important innovation is
being adaptable to (and embracing) change, the
only thing that remains constant.”
In 1987, Mr. Schwartz received the “Seymour
Lefton Award” from the Pedorthic Footcare
Association, PFA’s most prestigious honor, for
his advancement of the pedorthic profession.
In discussing the early days of the PFA Bob
described that, “PFA was around for a decade
or so before I came into the business. It was
small, under 100 members, mainly grassroots.
Current Pedorthics January/February 2016
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