Like Viagra for your shoes

Dear Editor:

Gearing up for summer is always a pleasure following such a spectacular winter. A diverse array of sports dominates the summer play list: golf, tennis, cycling, hiking, running. Did you know that both professional and recreational athletes from around the world congregate in our valley to avail themselves of the best training opportunities and services? Wimbledon champions, Olympic gold medalists, world-class triathletes and every level of recreational enthusiast — you name it, they know where to find the best, and it’s right here in the Roaring Fork Valley.

These extreme athletes and a host of Hollywood’s finest, as well as the crème de la crème of the international business community, find that the need to support their sports habits begins and ends with proper support underfoot. I’m speaking, of course, of orthotics, the custom-made balance and comfort additive applicable to any sport shoe. Orthotics can improve your game, enhance your performance and assist in injury rehab. It’s like Viagra in your shoes.

For 30 years the custom orthotic market has been dominated by a local business servicing the Roaring Fork Valley. The Thotic Shop in Aspen Sports started building orthotics for the Aspen Orthopaedic Associates back in the 1980s, under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Oden, and has been improving the game stance of athletes and residents ever since. Improving the balance quality of the athletic skeleton to perform at its most-efficient level begins with proper support and appropriate choice of shoe. Even Aspen’s political biggies are invested in Thotics; ask the mayor!

So as we gear up for our summer of fun, fitness and music, don’t you miss the support you applied to your ski boots all winter? Summer sports demand a dynamic orthotic to accommodate the shock loads and agility requirements in a dynamic sports environment. Less expensive than a couple of tanks of gas, better mileage then an SUV, not nearly as tedious as the endless political rhetoric and much more productive.

It’s time to reload your orthotic support for your summer sport.

Jack Rafferty
Snowmass Village