Key Milestones
- 1970 - Founder Phillip Vasyli moves to Sydney, Australia with his family where he will eventually study Podiatry
- 1978 - Phillip Graduates and begins private practice
- 1979 - Australian Orthotic Laboratories (AOL) and Vasyli Footcare centers are formed
- 1987: Introduction of unique, patented heat-moldable orthotic - the 'Vasyli Custom' - marketed to medical practitioners worldwide
- 1989 - UK office opens
- 1991: ORTHAHEEL invented. Award-winning, patented retail orthotic, designed for over-the-counter sales
- 1996 - Company name changes to VASYLI International
- 1997: Introduction of ORTHAHEEL sandal and shoes, footwear with built-in orthotic
- 2000: Opening of first VASYLI Footstore
- 2001 - Launch OS and VAS footwear brands
- 2004: Introduction of premium walking footwear brand ORTHASTYLE
- 2005 - Launch of new premium 'action sports' insole brand VAS. Vasyli Nth America office opens in San Rafael, CA, USA
- 2006 - Launch of Orthaheel Wave flip flops and sandals
Corporate History
Founder Phillip John Vasyli was born and raised in Tweed Heads (NSW, Australia). In 1970 the Vasyli family moved to Sydney, where Phillip studied Podiatric Medicine at the School of Podiatry.
In 1978 he graduated and started practicing Podiatry in Bankstown and later in Sutherland, Wollongong and in the City. During his 16 years of medical practice Phillip Vasyli has treated over 50,000 patients!
A great deal of his time was spent treating young children as well as athletes (amateurs and professionals). In addition to his busy medical practice Phillip undertook ground-breaking research in Lower Limb Biomechanics and orthotic treatment.
His first aim was to make orthotic treatment more affordable and accessible to people in need of pain relief and walking comfort.
In 1979 an orthotic manufacturing company was founded and named 'Australian Orthotic Laboratory' (AOL - now VASYLI International). At first, the laboratory produced custom-made orthotics in the 'traditional way': rigid, plastic orthotics, hand-made from a plaster cast taken from the patient's foot. Although effective, 'traditional' orthotics can take weeks to produce and are often costly. To provide his patients with a more efficient, less expensive alternative Phillip invented a range of heat-moldable pre-fabricated orthotics which can be dispensed and customized on-the-spot without the need for any casting!
Today, thousands of medical practitioners around the world are using this unique invention and VASYLI heat-moldable orthotics are the leading orthotic device in many countries. In 1991 Phillip Vasyli invented the award -winning ORTHAHEEL orthotic, which can be purchased 'over-the-counter' from pharmacies and sports stores.
In response to an increasing consumer demand for comfort and convenience, Phillip conceived a range of orthotic shoes and sandals. What makes this footwear so unique and different is the fact that the orthotic is already built-in to the shoe! In addition, the standard orthotic in each shoe can be replaced by a custom-made heat-moldable orthotic, if the customer requires this individual type of treatment. The current VASYLI footwear ranges include ORTHAHEEL, VAS and ORTHASTYLE.
The 'VASYLI Footstore' idea was conceived in 1999 to allow us to provide not only a great product, but also unsurpassed individual customer service! An effective and inexpensive solution to pain, discomfort or sports injury is what Phillip Vasyli aims to offer people of all walks of life - both young and old.
Expanding VASYLI orthotic footwear into various types: walking shoes, sandals, dress shoes and sports shoes is therefore a key priority, so as to service all customer needs.