Our Story

Where It All Began

It all started with a simple observation in the sand. Our feet were never meant to cope with the hard, flat, and unforgiving surfaces that define modern life. In the 1970s, in New Zealand—a country known for adventure and innovation—two pioneers came together to solve a problem that affects us all: how to restore the natural movement and support our feet were designed for.

The Beginnings of Formthotics

Dr. Charlie Baycroft, a sports medicine specialist, realized that replicating the soft support of sand could help people suffering from foot pain, injuries, and discomfort. At the same time, professional skier, boot-fitter, and now Director of Foot Science International (the parent company of Formthotics), David Boyd, was exploring how custom orthotics could improve his skiing performance. Through research, he developed early prototypes using thermoplastic foam that could mold to the foot. A chance encounter between Dr. Baycroft and David Boyd sparked a 30-year partnership, resulting in the first version of Formthotics—custom orthotics designed to restore natural foot function and keep people active.

Innovating for Better Movement and Health

Today, we carry forward their legacy by constantly innovating and improving our products to meet the diverse needs of both patients and athletes. From clinical applications to sports performance, the passion for improving lives remains the driving force behind everything we do.

"We exist to make a difference, helping prevent and treat injuries while improving lives by keeping people healthy, active, and mobile."

This purpose is at the heart of everything we do —whether through supporting clinicians in treating foot conditions or helping athletes achieve peak performance. Our custom orthotics are designed to empower people to move freely, comfortably, and confidently every day. This commitment has opened up new opportunities, enabling our business to grow while increasing our positive impact on the planet and people. It drives us to constantly innovate, striving to create the highest quality products.

"The desire to develop and improve products to keep people active and mobile is one of the few things that hasn’t changed over the years." --- David Boyd, Founder of Formthotics

The Problems We Solve

Our modern world presents challenges that our bodies weren’t built to handle. Hard surfaces, poor footwear, and repetitive stress can lead to chronic pain and injuries. We aim to solve these problems by:

• Providing Custom Support: Formthotics orthotics create a perfect connection between the foot, shoe, and ground—offering personalised comfort and injury prevention.

• Enhancing Performance: Athletes and active individuals benefit from increased stability, reduced fatigue, and better alignment.

• Enabling Rapid Recovery: Clinicians trust Formthotics to provide quick, modifiable solutions that speed up recovery for patients with foot, knee, or lower limb pain.

• Sustaining a Healthy Planet: By transitioning to plant-based materials, we reduce our environmental footprint while continuing to innovate.

We are working toward a bold vision:

“To be recognised as the world’s most effective and sustainable orthotic by 2030.”

As we push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, we invite you to be part of our journey. Together, we can create a world where everyone moves freely and confidently, supported by products that care for both people and the planet.