From Heavy Legs To ‘Walking On Air’

How Foot Solutions Helped Jorn Recover His Walking Mojo

Keen walker, Jorn Van Dort, has completed many impressive hikes including the famous 500 mile Camino de Santiago de Compostela and a 600 plus mile trek from his Netherlands home to Nice in the South of France.

As an accomplished walker, Jorn understood the importance of wearing high quality footwear with orthotic inserts in order to be able to comfortably complete such arduous journeys and had therefore invested in well-constructed walking boots and arch supports from a supplier in Holland.

In September 2024, Jorn moved to London to complete a master’s degree in classical piano playing at the prestigious Royal College of Music.

Walking still played an important role in Jorn’s life, as it provided a necessary release from the intensive pressures of his course. However, Jorn noticed that his orthotic inserts didn’t seem to be as effective as when he first bought them. He was aware of an increasing ‘heaviness’ and discomfort in his legs which affected his walking endurance.

Fortunately, a friend recommended Foot Solutions in Richmond.

Jorn takes up the story:

“The foot assessment process was much more detailed and thorough than my previous experience. As a pianist, I am very interested in the biomechanics of posture and how different parts of the body affect each other. The Foot Solutions team were very patient and explained how the feet, as the foundations of the body, can impact on other joints and muscle groups. I was very happy to purchase new pair of custom arch supports designed to suit the contours of my feet.”

Once Jorn’s custom arch supports had been produced, he returned to the store for a fitting. As Jorn explains:

“The custom inserts were adjusted to suit my walking boots, my daily shoes and a pair of 361 Futura trail shoes which I purchased from the store.”

Jorn is delighted with his acquisitions:

“I have experienced no pain or heaviness, and it genuinely feels like I’m walking on air.”

During summer 2025, Jorn successfully completed a three week walk, covering over 200 kilometres through the challenging peaks of the Trollheimen National Park in Norway.  It was a very tough environment with deep snow in many places, but Jorn was delighted with his Foot Solutions equipment:

“My legs felt good throughout the three weeks, despite the difficult terrain and conditions. I am absolutely delighted with the products, service and after-care service provided by the team at Foot Solutions and am very happy to recommend them.”

How Do Custom Arch Supports (aka Orthotics) Help Tired Legs?

Custom arch supports help to align the joints in the legs including feet, ankles, knees and hips. When these joints, particularly the feet, are properly aligned, the muscles in the legs become less stressed and this in turn reduces tiredness and aching. Arch supports also help reduce discomfort by improving stability and balance.

Foot Solutions Richmond offer a FREE foot assessment and gait analysis using hi tech scanning equipment.