Your foot has 29 intrinsic muscles.
A study (Protopapas et al., Clinical Biomechanics, 2020; n=18 young adults with flat feet) analysed the effect of rigid insoles on the intrinsic muscles of the foot. Result: weakening of the abductor hallucis muscle by up to 17% within 12 weeks. Muscles that maintain the arch of the foot and stability simply switch off when they receive passive support.
The hydraulic MEDICOVI Water Wave™ membrane reacts dynamically to load — it transfers pressure, stimulates nerve endings, and is designed to support muscle function with every step.
Four doubts we hear every day
We are a registered medical device in the EU. We know not everyone needs to know us. Here are the most common questions and our honest answers — with quotes.
Shouldn't a doctor prescribe them for me?
For 90% of common problems — heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, fatigue from long periods of standing — you do not need a prescription. MEDICOVI is a registered Class I medical device with EU-MDR certification (SK-MF-000005675), available without a prescription. In the case of severe deformities, post-operative conditions, or diabetic ulcers, always consult an orthopaedist — this applies to all insoles.
Custom-made insoles from an orthopaedist must be better.
Price is not an indicator of effectiveness! Don't be fooled by expensive solutions. Scientific research clearly states: a meta-analysis by Whittaker et al. (BJSM, 2018), covering as many as 19 randomised studies, showed that custom-made insoles offer NO additional benefits compared to standard insoles for typical foot problems. What's more – another study (Protopapas et al., Clinical Biomechanics, 2020; n=18 young adults with flat feet) documented that wearing rigid custom-made insoles can weaken a key arch muscle of the foot by as much as 17% in just 12 weeks! Custom-made insoles make sense for severe deformities and post-operative conditions. But for everyday use, for ordinary heel pain? Definitely not.
Aren't these just more expensive insoles from the pharmacy?
Gel and foam insoles from the pharmacy work passively — foam compresses, gel degrades. No documented mechanisms, no peer-reviewed research. The MEDICOVI Water Wave™ membrane is filled with water — and water doesn't compress, it only shifts! It stimulates the nerve endings in the foot (the so-called foot core system — McKeon, BJSM 2015). Our technology is backed by 2 generations of patents and MEDICOVI's own clinical research.
The MEDICOVI brand doesn't ring a bell with me.
MEDICOVI was born in Denmark in 1995, when Søren Vindriis patented the first hydraulic insole membrane. We have been operating in Slovakia since 2014. Our technology is backed by 30 years of Danish research and 2 patents. Our history is the result of collaboration with Aalborg University and the Sclerosis Society of Denmark, as well as numerous clinical studies on patients with Parkinson's disease, after stroke, and with diabetic neuropathy. Thousands of satisfied customers in Slovakia and the Czech Republic are our proof of effectiveness — their reviews, with real names and cities, speak for themselves.
Confirmed by research
MEDICOVI technology is backed by rigorous MEDICOVI clinical research and collaboration with renowned academic institutions — Aalborg University and Aarhus University Hospital. This is the result of 30 years of Danish research and 2 patented solutions.
Doctors and specialists explain why it works.
No made-up online reviews. Here are the statements from real experts who understand the mechanics of walking.
Dr. Viktor Veselý
In the case of acute plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to eliminate point overload of the heel. The water membrane in MEDICOVI insoles reduces local pressure and evenly distributes weight across the entire foot. The effect of this load distribution is immediate mechanical relief with every step.
Dr. Marian Kovalančík, PHD.
Reducing impact loads while walking is the basis of therapy for rheumatological problems. The design with water technology effectively absorbs shocks the moment the heel makes contact with the ground. This reduces mechanical stress transferred to the joints.
Dr. Marek Macko
Even distribution of pressure on the foot surface is absolutely essential for diabetic patients. The constant movement of water in MEDICOVI insoles effectively prevents the formation of dangerous pressure points. This purely mechanical principle of weight distribution works reliably with every step.
Dr. Zlatica Martináková
The hydraulic principle of water wave therapy works based on pure laws of physics. The membrane absorbs the pressure wave when taking a step, thereby protecting the overloaded heel bone from a hard impact. From the perspective of gait mechanics, this is a logical protection solution for soft tissues.
BSc. Petr Chadim
From a physiotherapy perspective, I positively assess the dynamic response of water to changes in foot position. The water layer immediately absorbs the kinetic energy of impact and stabilises body posture while walking. Movement with this type of mechanical support is less strenuous for the entire musculoskeletal system.
30-day guarantee, even after trying the insoles
Try MEDICOVI risk-free! If you don't feel a difference within 30 days, we'll give you your money back – even if you've worn the insoles every day.
