[ Somnio Design Philosophy ]

Product design
Biomechanically based

Our shoes were designed in the lab and on the road with the idea that we can improve individual's biomechanics through adjustability of key components of the shoe.

Medically proven

Through testing and refining our designs at the BCSM over the last 3 years we have achieved results in the lab which are repeatable and which can treat and reduce the risk of certain injuries.

Functional design

Our design philosophy is that function always comes first , there is no compromise in this principle. We are not about color palettes and gimmicky technology. Biomechanics and the ability to adjust a product to meet the individuals specific needs is common in other industries.

[ Different Shoe Parts ]

Our shoe design components and relevance to injury management:
Varus WedgeVarus Wedges (Extrinsic)

* Provides correction of subtalar joint alignment (direct pronation control).
* Full foot varus wedges are utilized to provide better functional alignment control throughout stance phase (forefoot control is particularly needed during mid-to-late stance).

Foot Beds (Intrinsic)

* Provides improved alignment control by more adequately supporting the arch structures (aids in "intrinsic control" of subtalar joint alignment.

* Increased comfort (allows for accommodation to both the high and low ends of the arch height spectrum).

Durometer (cushioning) inserts at 1st MTP jt. and postero-lateral heel

* Adds cushioning for those with shock absorption problems.

* Decrease the "timing" of pronation through use of softer durometer heel insert (avoid the catapult effect).

* Accomodates for different weight categories and injury needs.

* Customizes the intangible "feel" of the shoe for greater comfort across a spectrum of users.

Last shape and medial mid-sole durometer options

* Accommodates to foot shape for increased comfort and control.

* Cushioning options allow improved control of stability.

* Contributes to the "feel" of the shoe.

[ BioMechanics ]

While each individual will have unique characteristics that contribute to their running mechanics, proper support of foot structures and attenuation of loading force mechanics are key to injury management and performance enhancement.

Somnio's design philosophy is to customize the shoe to meet the alignment needs of the individual.

Relevance of Somnio Design Characteristics

The approach of Somnio's design is embedded in the concept of alignment control and force distribution. To achieve this level of customization, Somnio utilizes a "direct" vs. "indirect" approach.

Old convention achieves alignment control (in this case pronation control) through firmer medial mid-sole materials to "block" motion from happening ("indirect"). It does not address the actual alignment of the foot/ankle itself.

When the same durometer (cushioning) is used across all weight categories, it can create a stiff/unnatural feeling for some runners.

Somnio's "direct" approach toward alignment control incorporates both the extrinsic and intrinsic design concepts utilized in orthotic prescription. Extrinsic posting in an orthotic changes the angulation of the foot/ankle while Intrinsic posting supports the structural alignment of the foot and can be made to improve the foot/ankle alignment.

Last shape and medial mid-sole durometer options are offered as the three Somnio models upon which further customization occurs. Somnio uses the different last/durometer options to accommodate for foot shape and weight categories.

Somnio achieves improved force distribution through improved alignment and customization of the cushioning inserts at the postero-lateral heel and across the metatarsal-phalangeal joints (balls of the feet). The intangible "feel" of a shoe is a very personal experience and can be customized within a Somnio shoe via the cushioning inserts. Old convention relies on numerous shoe models that try to predict the various combinations of firmness/softness that runners will like.

[ Benefit of Being Aligned ]

What Causes Injury?

The primary causes of running injuries are faulty alignment and the way in which force is applied to that alignment. This ultimately results in excessive load on joint and soft-tissue structures. The influences on alignment and loading characteristics include:

* Physical limitations

* Structure malalignment

* Joint limitations/muscular inflexibility

* Weakness

* Limited dynamic control (poor control of strength)

* Running technique

* Training program design

* Shoe design

Evaluation of running technique across a broad spectrum of athletes has revealed typical patterns of movement associated with the various types of running injuries and limited performance. These patterns cause alignments and loading characteristics that are predictable and thus allow for the development of predictable strategies to improve the gait pattern.

Before and After Somnio

The most common pattern of faulty gait involves excessive STJ pronation with genu valgus/femoral internal rotation and accounts for many of the most common running injuries:

* img-benefitIllio-Tibial Band Syndrome

* Patello-femoral Chondromalacia

* Hip Pain (side, post-lat, front)

* Low Back Pain

* Plantar Fasciitis

* "Shin Splints"

* Anterior Tibialis Tendinopathy

* Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy

* Tibial Periostitis/Stress Fracture

* Compartment Syndrome

* Morton's Neuroma

* Sesmoiditis

* Bunion

* Achilles Tendinopathy

* Metatarsal Stress Fx

* Haglund's Deformity

Correction of the faulty gait patterns involves attention to both the active and passive components influencing the alignment.

* Active influences are addressed medically and include attention to physical limitations, running technique, and training program design.

* Passive influences have historically been addressed through shoe design and/or medical prescription of an orthotic device. Unfortunately, shoe design has not addressed alignment control through direct support of the foot into a more optimal mechanical alignment.

Contact Information

For Appointment Call: +44 (0) 141 221 3322 (Gordon Street)
+44 (0) 141 333 0030 (Sauchiehall Street)
Location: 23/25 Gordon St, Glasgow, G1 3PW
80-82 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G2 3DF