Spira Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the Spira brand unique?
The WaveSpring™ Technology that is found in every pair of Spira shoes

What are benefits of the technology?
There are 4 principal benefits of the WaveSpring™ Technology

1) The WaveSpring™ not only cushions with every step, but returns almost the same amount of energy. Up to 96% of the energy is returned to the wearer. This "recycled" energy allows you to participate in your activities with far less stress on the joints, ligaments and the entire body than traditional footwear.

2) The WaveSpring™ reduces peak impact forces throughout the gait cycle by 20%. It is during these peaks that injuries usually occur. With the reduction is peak force, injuries are reduced. Elite athletes report that they can train and race at a more intense level and be able to repeat the intensity in subsequent workouts and races.

3) Because the WaveSpring™ is mechanical and works through deflection and opposed to compression, it never breaks down and wearer has a new shoe feel for the life of the shoe. The shoe will wear out before the technology.

4) The WaveSpring™ is very tunable. There is a different sized spring dependent upon the size of the shoe, and a different spring configuration dependent upon the proposed activity. It is truly customized to the wearer.

What categories of footwear does Spira currently offer?
Spira currently offers Walking, Running, Hiking, Trail running, men's casual, women's casual and athleisure.
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What is the warranty?
In addition to any warranty provided by our retail partners, Spira shoes are warranted for 30 days from purchase against any manufacturer's defect. The springs are warranted for life. If the spring is broken, we will replace the shoe regardless of the age of the shoe.

Is the shoe "banned" for competition?
The governing body for Track and Field in the United States has a rule that specifically bans spring technology in footwear for competition. However, runners competing in Spira shoes have won major marathons and road races world wide, and we are unaware of any incident where an athlete was disqualified for competing in Spira.

How do I clean the shoes? Can I place them in a washing machine or dryer?
The shoes should be washed by hand using shoe cleaner. Like any other shoe, they should never be placed in a Washing Machine or a dryer.

Do Spira shoes run true to size?
Many people find that the walking and casual styles sizes reflect their street shoes size. However, many people prefer to go up 1/2 size on the running models. It is a matter of personal preference.

Do Spira shoes come in widths?
Select styles come in widths which is indicated in the product descriptions online.

Can I wear my orthodic in a Spira shoe?
In the walking, running and hiking categories, you can remove the shoe insert and replace it with an orthodic. Orthodics may be placed in select casual styles as well.

Why are there so many different spring configurations?
The WaveSpring™ configurations (one, two or three springs) are tuned for particular activities. For example, a Spira walking shoe has two large springs (one in the forefoot and one in the heel) for a more bouncy feel and superior cushioning needed for walking or standing all day. However, the running shoes utilize three smaller size WaveSpring™s (two in the forefoot and one in the heel) to provide more forefoot flexibility while still reducing peak impact forces.