During his more than 35 years as an orthopedic surgeon in Grand Junction, David Mayer became concerned with a rise in adverse effects from a sedentary lifestyle. Realizing reduced circulation was part of the problem, he began work on an alternative to the hard-to-use circulatory devices he’d seen. Mayer discovered that pulsing footwear inserts could not only improve circulation but also help athletes recover faster and more completely after hard workouts. Thus, Footbeat insoles were born.

The battery-powered footbeds deliver 20 pounds of pressure to the arch of the foot every 35 seconds while the wearer is at rest. Like walking—and more effectively than compression stockings—the pressure boosts circulation, which can decrease pain and swelling. The beefy inserts are ideally worn inside their corresponding, moccasin-like shoes. In addition to benefiting those recovering from injury or unable to be active, “it helps people get on to the next activity,” says Matt Mayer, who co-invented the insoles with his dad.

Aspenite and product designer Mark Joseph worked with the team for several years to dial in the engineering, along with Aspen mountaineer and mechanical engineer Neal Beidleman. Local mountain guide Dick Jackson and mountaineers Steve and Mike Marolt helped with testing.

Joseph, an avid biker, hiker, and Nordic skier, says the theory is simple. “Walking is the body’s natural way of moving blood. When you need to stop walking, Footbeat moves the blood for you.” footbeat.com