Firefly Orthoses

20/05/2026

Our 3D printed orthoses are made from PA-11. We chose this material for its unique combination of flexibility, strength and fatigue resistance. It maintains its structural integrity under repeated stress while still allowing the responsiveness needed for patient comfort.

And the best part? It’s a sustainable, bio-based resource derived from castor beans.

[Native woodland, Co.Leitrim] 📸

08/05/2026

Orthoses modify tissue loading by influencing the magnitude, location and temporal application of ground reaction forces during gait.

In short, they shape how load moves through the foot and ankle—this is where modern orthotic prescription begins.

24/04/2026

23/04/2026

As our manufacturing facility grows, we are committed to being part of the shift towards more responsible, sustainable practices within podiatric medicine.

This has meant rethinking our processes — from the materials we use to the systems that support podiatrists' day to day. We have moved towards bio-based, recyclable materials designed to last longer and transitioned from more traditional, resource-heavy processes to a digitally integrated workflow. This reduces reliance on paper order forms, casts, foam boxes and unnecessary shipping, while allowing us to manufacture locally, in-house, using additive technology. Each of these steps is part of a broader effort to better outcomes — for podiatrists, patients and our planet.

Based on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic West coast, the landscape around us is a constant reminder of our commitment to sustainability.

[Tra Tuaidh, Co.Sligo] 📸

20/04/2026

Reframing Orthotic Therapy

Orthoses are often described in terms of alignment correction. A more useful and clinically actionable framework is to consider them as load modifiers.

This shifts the clinical emphasis from kinematics (joint position) to kinetics (force management)—a distinction that underpins effective orthotic therapy. Custom-made devices designed to match the patient’s three-dimensional anatomy offer a precise and effective means of load redistribution.

09/03/2026

Heartening to see such leadership and direction within the profession. Well done to Tomorrow's Podiatry’s for another year of successful awards and so much more. Firefly is proud to sponsor this initiative.

23/02/2026

We’re excited to be heading to Liverpool next week!

Firefly Orthoses will be exhibiting at the Foot & Ankle Show on 3rd–4th March – come visit us on Stand 20 to see:
• Our latest range of sustainable 3D-printed custom-made orthoses
• A selection of Richie Brace AFOs
• Live demos of our FUSION Plus app and prescription portal

We’re also proud sponsors of the 2026 Tomorrow's Podiatry Awards, taking place at the Pullman Hotel on 2 March. If you’re attending the show, join us there to celebrate the future of podiatry across the UK & Ireland.

See you in Liverpool 👣

08/10/2025

A selection of football boots belonging to elite athletes including Premier League footballers who require snug fitting 3D printed custom made foot orthoses in their footwear.

01/08/2025

The Firefly team were delighted to welcome a group of talented podiatrists to our HQ in Sligo. It great to catch up with a group who are pushing our profession to new heights. Grateful for the opportunity to show them around our advanced manufacturing facility and sustainable 3D printing hub.