FootBalance has signed a partnership agreement with the Finnish Basketball Association, which makes FootBalance an official partner of Finnish National Basketball Team, “Susijengi”. Professional basketball players have been using custom footbeds for years, and with this agreement the National Association shows its support for the use of custom footbeds in professional basketball.
Basketball´s popularity among Finnish sport enthusiasts has significantly increased after the team´s success in the European Championships in 2013 and after it received a Wild Card for the 2014 FIBA World Cup. More than 7,000 fans will travel to Bilbao, Spain to show their support for the team.
To celebrate this partnership, FootBalance has released “Susijengi” designed footbeds that are sold only in Finland. By buying a pair of these exclusive footbeds, fans can support the National Team and Association.
FootBalance has a long history in cooperating with court sport professionals in its efforts to bring to the market a special footbed for high impact athletes. One of the key figures in this product development has been former NBA player and current National Team player, Hanno Möttölä. The aim has been to prolong the careers and reduce stress injuries for both professional athletes and recreational players.
Vesa Kuparinen, Susijengi´s physiotherapist since 2011, has been molding footbeds for athletes for almost 10 years and says, “Basketball players spend the better part of the day on their feet, both in court and outside. It is evident that even a small support in the shoe in the form of a custom footbed improves performance and prevents injuries.”
“The most significant benefit of the custom footbeds is that the pressure is divided evenly to the entire foot, reducing abrasion and possible strain-derived pain. Lower limb malpositions cause posture problems that also affect knees, hip area and lower back,” says Kuparinen.
FootBalance Susijengi collection consists of two different models: Susijengi Game, which is 100% custom molded in retailer according to a foot analysis, and Susijengi QuickFit, which can be bought off the shelf and customized at home.
The strength of FootBalance lies in its roots. Dozens of doctors and physiotherapists took part in its product development and the concept was tested with more than 3,000 patients, from everyday individuals to elite athletes, prior to entry into the market.
