Vasyli 2012 Press Kit

We’ve got people walking2012 PRESS KIT

CONTENTS

03 Company History

04 Business Timeline

06 Science + Style

08 Customer Satisfaction

09 Recommendations

10 The Brands

11 Media Contact

I WEAR THEM ALL DAYTHEY REDUCE THE PAIN ENOUGH TO ALLOW ME TO CONTINUE MY BUSY SCHEDULE. - DIANA

VASYLI PRESS KIT 2012

www.orthaheelusa.com www.vasylimedical.com www.weilbeing.com

vision VASYLI PRESS KIT 2012


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I WEAR THEM ALL DAY

In 1979, Australian podiatrist Phillip Vasyli designed a seemingly simple product that would dramatically alter the podiatric medical scene. Vasyli founded Vasyli International, then known as Australian Orthotic Laboratory, and invented his first heat-moldable, prefabricated orthotic, a device designed to support and realign the foot to its natural position. He was able to dispense in just minutes - without casting – a less expensive yet highly effective medical device. It offered a natural, customizable alternative to traditional orthotics.

To reach an even larger audience of people struggling with sore feet, heel pain, and even knee or lower back pain, in 1991 Vasyli built that orthotic technology in to the Australian footwear of choice - flip-flops - and introduced the Orthaheel consumer brand of footwear.

In 2007, the company began a new quest of introducing Orthaheel products to consumers in the United States. Amidst a worldwide recession, within a short time all aspects of the company grew exponentially. Sales escalated, the product offering expanded and more and more consumers discovered the Orthaheel sandals. In less than five years, the company has grown to a passionate team of more than 35 team members.

Orthaheel currently offers a collection of slippers, sandals, boots and athletic shoes featuring its technology built right in to the shoe. Orthaheel offers something that other brands don’t: podiatrist-designed technology in affordable, stylish footwear. With the vital combination of style and function, pain-sufferers quickly become loyal to the brand, returning for renewed pain-relief in a fashionable shoe. Customer reviews speak to the brilliance of the shoes themselves. One of many customers raves, “I love the Orthaheel Footbed! I won’t wear any other sandal!”

Vasyli’s technology continues to deliver life-changing results, which have also earned the recommendations of Dr. Andrew Weil and the American Podiatric Medical Association, who recognize the technology as good for people’s foot health. Fuelled by proven technology, customer satisfaction and powerful testimonials, the footwear company is soaring through the market, now offering shoes through local brick and mortar shops, Dillard's, QVC and online stores such as Zappos.com.

Expanding on the Orthaheel brand, Dr. Andrew Weil Integrative Footwear, a line of leather shoes with Orthaheel technology, was introduced in 2010. Immediately following, Vionic, a line of sports recovery sandals, emerged in 2011. More information can be found at: www.weilbeing.com and www.orthaheelusa.com.

COMPANY HISTORY

innovation

Founds Footcare Centers.

1979Phillip Vasyli founds AOL (Australian Orthotic Laboratory).

1980

Introduction of Orthaheel over-the counter prefabricated orthotic.

1991

Introduction of the Vasyli custom heat-moldable orthotic distributed to practitioners worldwide.

Revolutionized medical orthotics by providing a fast, low-cost solution.

1987

First AOL retail foot store was opened in Australia.

2000

Introduction of Orthaheel sandals and shoes featuring a built-in orthotic.

1997

Chris Gallagher joins Vasyli as CEO.

Introduction of the new style and shape Orthaheel flip-flop.

New focus on new product development.

Recruitment of new key senior management.

2004

BUSINESS TIMELINE

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innovation VASYLI PRESS KIT 2012


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Orthaheel footwear & orthotics distributed worldwide.

Introduction of the Vasyli Think Tank.

Medical launch into US market.

2006

Strategic partnership formed with QVC.

Launch of Vionic by Orthaheel.

2011 Earns QVC rising star award.

2012

Launch of Dr. Weil Integrative Footwear into North America.

Launch of Orthaheel slippers and expanded sandal collection.

Strategic alliance to open an exclusive factory in Southern China.

2010

Introduction of Vasyli signature orthotics. Development & introduction of the V+A diabetic orthotic.

SSL acquisition of Orthaheel International.

Launch of Orthaheel into North American market.

2007-2008

BUSINESS TIMELINE

the innovator - podiatrist phillip vasyliSince beginning his podiatry practice nearly 30 years ago, Phillip Vasyli has treated over thousands of patients, ranging from young children to amateur and professional athletes. In addition to his busy medical practice Phillip, undertook ground-breaking research in lower limb biomechanics and orthotic treatment. This led to his passion for making orthotic treatment more affordable and accessible to people in need of pain relief, walking comfort and overall well-being.

In treating patients at his Sydney, Australia, clinics, Phillip saw the biomechanical effects of ‘over pronation’ from which the majority of the global population suffers. Prior to the introduction of his Vasyli custom heat moldable orthotic, the only treatment options were costly and time-consuming. Through clinical research and a commitment to collaborating with and educating the medical community, Vasyli International has achieved global recognition as a leader in orthotic treatment, ensuring the highest quality in foot care standards and practices.

In 1991 he invented the award-winning Orthaheel orthotic, the world’s first and only true orthotic available without a doctor’s prescription. Orthaheel orthotic inserts and sandals quickly expanded through Australia and the U.K., and the company’s 2007 U.S. market introduction has been received with great enthusiasm and commercial success.

Today Vasyli International is well-positioned to serve two vital markets through its medical and consumer businesses.

SCIENCE + STYLE

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Phillip Vasyli speaks about Orthaheel Technology as an art. The foot is a piece of art. The footprint is art. The orthotic footbed in the shoes of Orthaheel, Weil Integrative Footwear and Vionic is a carefully crafted sculpture.

The footwear design team at Vasyli continue the artistic process as they craft both classic and on-trend, wearable shoe options for each season. What sets this team apart from others is the way they’re challenged with creating stylish shoes on a footbed built from specific technology. Unlike most shoe brands who spend the least amount of effort on the insole, every idea our designers conceive for a new design has to be tailored to the specifications of the orthotic – like one sculpture carefully balanced upon another.

In a team that began as one designer, the power-house is now made of four footwear architects, led by Head Designer David Warwick. Team members come from many corners of shoe design – from Nike to Clarks, from Australia to Rhode Island School of Design.

With their strengths combined, it is their goal to continually create an array of styles to fill every space in a woman’s closet. In this endeavor, style and

the art of shoes

technology merge to outfit the working woman, the athlete, the new mom and anyone else ailing from the effects of hard, unnatural surfaces.

Vasyli designers draw their inspiration from our customers. When our loyal customers continually ask for more work-appropriate shoes, the design team rises to the occasion. Boots for winter and walking shoes are some of the most recent and successful additions.

Head Designer David Warwick says, “While traveling, which we do often in this role, I immerse myself in the colors, tastes and geography. I am also inspired by lifestyles and attitudes, about why customers search out products for specific reasons, what drives needs, what drives desires for something new but at the same time what makes something familiar. Customers’ comments and feedback inspire me as well after all these are what drive us to be better every season.”

"I now have over 30 pairs of Orthaheels, sandals, slippers, sneakers and just bought two pairs of Emma in black and brown. I won't wear anything but Orthaheel now." Karen

You've got to understand that nobody needs another fashion designer, so you've got to have a point of view. You've got to have things that people go away with and remember. - Sir Paul Smith via Mark San Buenaventura, Assistant Footwear Designer

WE MAKE FOOTWEAR. WE MAKE SLIPPERS. WE MAKE BOOTS. AND WE’RE EVEN TALKING ABOUT MAKING WEDGES WITH ORTHOTICS – BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE WEAR AND THAT’S WHAT THEY WANT. - Phillip Vasyli, Founder of Orthaheel Technology



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INNOVATION DRIVEN BY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Customer reviews have provided powerful testimonies of the life-changing results people have found with the footwear.

A recent customer satisfaction survey revealed that 85% indicated Orthaheel technology was more effective than other products in relieving their pain.

We may use big words, but the results of the technology speak for themselves. We receive passionate customer testimonials on a daily basis. These words fuel our passion for making quality products that help people walk pain-free.

" I am able to endure days spent totally on my feet, walk long distances and have even danced a few steps with my husband. I have improved more in this past month wearing only my Orthaheels than I did in the previous 15 months combined. Thank you so much for this incredible shoe." Cyndi P.

" I am on my feet a good amount of my 8-hour work day and they are the first shoe I have found that make my feet feel almost as good as when I get home as they did when I left this morning. I don't know how else to thank you, except to continue to purchase your shoes." Lilly F.

" They are absolutely wonderful, so comfortable, and have helped alleviate the pain in my feet. Plus they look nice too! I would recommend these to anyone having foot pain." Lydia

the evangelists walking in our shoes

Our most powerful tool for explaining the benefits of our technology is sharing our customers’ experiences.

Beginning in October 2012, our Ambassador program will kick-off, bringing our brands to life by sharing the stories of our most passionate and loyal customers. Via the company blog at www.healthyfootnotes.com - everyone will have the opportunity to read about Ambassadors' experiences. The program will provide a learning center to those curious about how our footwear may be able to relieve their aches and pains.

“ I met a woman at Trader Joes who saw me limping. We started talking and she told me her similar story and said I had to try Orthaheel shoes. She was sporting a rather snappy pair of Orthaheel sandals so I was encouraged that I might find something I liked. I went on the website and bought the Orthaheel Arcadia Mary Janes. This is the amazing part. When I received them, just 9 days before our trip, and put them on, I literally was in tears! There was something about the arch pushing up into and supporting my foot that instantly gave me relief! I quickly ordered two more pairs, the Talia sandals and the Tide flip flops. The Talia sandals really walked me through my trip to France.” Melette Cabot, 2012-2013 Ambassador for Orthaheel Technology



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RECOMMENDATIONSthese industry leaders recognize our products as good for people's foot health.

RECOMMENDED BY

DR. WEIL

Andrew Weil, M.D., is an internationally recognized leader and pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, a healing-oriented approach to health care which encompasses body, mind, and spirit. He has an A.B degree in biology (botany) from Harvard College and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Weil recommends Orthaheel’s innovative approach to foot health which his philosophy of health and well-being from head to toe.In fact, Dr. Weil collaborated with Vasyli on a line of shoes known as Dr. Andrew Weil Integrative Footwear, which incorporates proven Orthaheel technology. "From the integrative medicine approach, we’re always looking at simple, low-tech, noninvasive ways of improving health. An obvious area in which to concentrate is designing really comfortable, effective footwear that can enable people to have an active lifestyle," said Dr. Weil.

SEAL OF ACCEPTANCE

BY THE APMA

For more than 35 years, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has been a reliable source of information on the quality and efficiency of products that promote foot health. The APMA awarded Orthaheel shoes its Seal of Acceptance, which is given only to footwear considered to be among the best choices for foot health.

A REVOLUTION IN

FOOTWEAR

Designed by World-renowned Australian podiatrist, Phillip Vasyli, Orthaheel technology is biomechanically designed to help reduce pronation and can aide in relieving associated foot, ankle and knee pain.



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THE BRANDS

WELL-BEING WITH

EVERY STEP

Orthaheel's biomechanical orthotic technology is drawn from Vasyli Medical, one of the most respected and largest global medical suppli-ers of pre-fabricated orthotics. The company originated with a single pair of sandals offering built-in orthotic technology. Today, the brand features an entire collection of shoes, sandals and slippers with the same trusted podiatrist-designed footbed. For those in need of lower-limb alignment and pain relief, Orthaheel provides un-paralleled support in a functional, affordable shoe.

WALK. MOVE. L IVE.™

Dr. Weil has long advocated walking as a way to achieve to optimum health. Without proper footwear, walking can be painful, making it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle. Weil Integrative Footwear offers premium quality, supportive shoes, sandals and walking shoes that help to restore the foot's natural alignment. With properly functioning feet, walking can become an easy way to satisfy your body's daily requirements for aerobic exercise.

MOTION CONTROL

FOOTWEAR FOR

SPORTS RECOVERY

Vionic footwear is developed with a triple-density midsole, a high-traction VIBRAM outsole and a biomechanically contoured motion control footbed. It offers rear-foot stability, heel and forefoot cushioning and leather uppers for a superb fit. Both athletes and non-athletes searching for a sporty look and supportive fit find these sandals to offer natural relief throughout their day.



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media inquiriesAmy Cunha [email protected]

general [email protected]

addressSan Francisco 17 Osgood Place, Suite 1 San Francisco, CA 94133 t. 415 362 2085

MEDIA CONTACT

Vasyli 2012 Press Kit

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