Did you know that 95% of professional athletes use custom or special orthotics (foot and shoe care products) to improve their performance? Orthotics can improve performance, balance, stability, endurance and posture as well as reduce the risk of injury. In addition, personalised custom orthotics and inserts designed for an individual's foot shape and activity can provide solutions for people with foot or related problems, reducing or eliminating foot pain and other associated symptoms such as knee and lower back pain.

Foot Solutions is a US health & wellness franchise that provides a scientific method of making people feel better when they stand on their feet all day, are involved with sports, have foot problems or just want to take care of themselves. This market includes almost everyone, but the focus is on attracting the customers that purchase 'off-the-wall' foot related retail products without proper advice, fitting or satisfaction.

In the US between 25%-30% of over 40s experience foot problems. "The market for a Foot Solutions business is extraordinary," reflects founder and CEO Raymond J. Margiano. "It is a business with little competition, few employees (two to start), reasonable hours and high margins. We enjoy strong customer retention and repeat business with minimal direct competitors. Foot Solutions is the leader in its industry segment with the most stores and industry leading services and products.

"Most importantly, Foot Solutions' service and products are something that people genuinely need - we can change people's lives by relieving foot discomfort that plagues so many people. Many customers notice a significant difference in their well being after just one day, and we get referrals from physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, massage therapists, sporting clubs and athletic coaches... as well as lots of satisfied customers."

Foot Solutions has expanded its programme to focus on those with the more active lifestyle of professional, amateur, and weekend athletes. Making use of modern foot-scanning computer technology and biomechanical balancing, Foot Solutions is equipped to provide analysis of foot problems and how they can be minimised with properly fitted shoes, before selecting the best support device for the customer. "By obtaining an extremely accurate impression of the foot, Foot Solutions creates an orthotic as comfortable as standing barefoot in wet sand...and unlike other orthotic systems, the unique Foot Solutions system allows us to design, modify, and address any specific needs of your particular condition," observes Margiano. "Our retail premises stock a complete retail wall of foot and shoe care products, with sales staff trained to assist customers in product selection, installation and fit. We offer a full line of comfort shoes for work, dress, or play as well as a stylish selection of orthopedic shoes for our customers with special needs. Our inventory is focused on key, fast moving sizes, while a central warehouse provides quick service for the hard-to-fit people."

Margiano has used his extensive international franchising experience, developed through expanding another retail concept into 34 countries worldwide, to put together a professional master franchise package. "This is an opportunity in the beginning of its business life cycle with tremendous growth potential," he reflects. "For master franchisees Foot Solutions represents a true win/win opportunity - we will tailor the concept for your country and your marketplace."

Foot Solutions is expanding rapidly across the US at a rate of between four and six new stores per month, more than doubling its domestic network last year to reach a current retail network of over 130 stores. Its North American presence has also expanded into Canada, where it has already established 13 since launching earlier this year. With a pilot store operating under a master franchisee in Malaysia and one set to open in Puerto Rico, Foot Solutions is engaging in new market penetration around the world, and is seeking individuals and companies worldwide who recognise the opportunity to develop a substantial business through improving the lives of their customers.