John Cain

In 2011 John Cain retired from his role as Head Stevedore at Victoria Wharf in Plymouth. After 40 years working outdoors in a physically demanding job, he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife Sue, enjoying the good times ahead, including plenty of walking.



Fast forward to 2016 and John started to experience serious footpain, which his doctor diagnosed as arthritis in the balls of his feet. “She said it was not something that would get better, so I tried to put up with it,” said John.


The pain got worse until he reached the point where his doctor recommended a series of painful cortisone injections to ease things. The thought of injections in to sensitive areas of his feet was less than appealing, but was the lesser of two evils so he agreed and waited for his appointment date to be set.


Just before Christmas in 2018, Sue got a call from John who was walking their dog, Sam. “He was at the end of Mountbatten pier,” said Sue, “and the pain had got so bad he couldn’t walk home. I had to go and collect him in the car, and that’s when I remembered seeing Foot Solutions shop on Royal Parade.”


They made an appointment for a free foot assessment between Christmas and New Year, and after carrying out a range of examinations Foot Solutions’ advisor Lauren recommended John should try an over the counter insert with a pair of Brooks trainers for walking, and ordered a specifically designed custom orthotic.

“The improvement in just one day was wonderful,” said John. “The pain immediately reduced and after a couple of days I called my doctor, who agreed that there was no point having the cortisone if the insert and trainers were working so well.” When the custom orthotic arrived, it was another level of improvement altogether. “It’s changed my life around,” said John. “Walks with Sue and Sam are now a pleasure again.

You can’t get rid of arthritis but my Brooks trainers and custom insert from Foot Solutions have made such a difference to us.


“I couldn’t find shoes that were comfortable and I was always in pain with my feet,” said Marguerite. “I needed a wide fitting because of the bunions, but this inevitably meant that the shoes were sloppy on my feet and led to more problems.”


The former HR specialist from Devonport sought help from her GP on a number of occasions, but was advised that the problem could only be solved with surgery. “I was also told that until the pain became unbearable it would not warrant surgery. I couldn’t afford to go privately so I just had to put up with the pain,” she said.

By chance she saw a repeat of the TV programme Dragon’s Den which featured an item about a shoe business which promised relief for people with problems similar to Marguerite.


“I was in Plymouth city centre the very next day and I saw Foot Solutions and realised they offered exactly what had been described in the Dragon’s Den programme.”


Marguerite walked into the Royal Parade store – and acknowledges that it was the most important step in her life.


The experienced team at Foot Solutions carried out a series of tests and analysis and identified the full extent of Marguerite’s challenge.


Foot Solutions supplied insoles to provide arch support which are suitable to wear with high heels, slippers and other types of her shoes.


“I can’t believe what a difference the special insoles have made. I didn’t realise how severe the pain had become – until it had gone!I can now walk tall and enjoy mylife without pain and discomfort,”said Marguerite.

Marguerite – who sings in the choir at Plymouth Cathedral – has also received an unexpected bonus because of Foot Solutions. “My posture was poor due to my fallen arches which restricted my lung capacity and in turn affected my singing. Now I can sing without having to take so many breaths,” said Marguerite.

Steve Morgan

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.

Colin Haylock MBE

March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”

Heather Paine

March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”