About airstep
Who Are We?
Airstep is a movement, not just a shoe.
Airstep was co-founded by industry veterans with deep roots in footwear manufacturing and medical devices.
Our collaboration with Bernd Franke, a master German orthopaedic shoemaker, and Dr. Anette Thompson, a leading South African podiatrist who specialises in diabetic footwear, resulted in a world-class podiatric & orthopaedic shoe that’s clinically credible and emotionally resonant.
Airstep has contracted Bolton Footwear as manufacturer of our shoes.
Bernd Franke
Bernd Franke began his career in shoemaking in Germany in 1982 and later trained as a specialist orthopaedic shoemaker. With over four decades of experience, he is known for his expertise in the biomechanics and medical function of footwear.
Recognised internationally since 2018, he has shared his expertise across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Bernd is an executive member of ISPO Germany and is currently developing a formal university curriculum in orthopaedic shoe technology.
Dr. Anette Thompson
Dr. Anette Thompson is a clinical researcher and footwear design consultant specialising in comfort and fit. She led the creation of the world’s first 3D foot scan database, now used globally to design anatomically accurate footwear.
With a doctorate in clinical medicine (UKZN) and Fellowship of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine (Glasgow), she also serves as an honorary lecturer. As chair of Telmo’s international standards group, Anette champions science-led guidelines shaping the future of footwear design.
We’re built on integrity
Our commitment is not just to comfort, but to accountability, clinical excellence, and human-first design.
Class A medical device
Our products meet the highest safety standards and are classified as Class A, ensuring they are trusted, reliable, and suitable for healthcare use.
GMDN registered
We are officially registered with the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN), providing internationally recognised clarity and compliance in how our devices are identified.
NAPPI Coded
Each Airstep shoe is NAPPI coded, for full traceability and compliance within South African healthcare systems.
SAMED Member
We’re proud members of the South African Medical Technology Industry Association (SAMED), reinforcing our commitment to ethical practices, regulatory compliance, and advancing healthcare innovation within South Africa.
get in touch
Have questions about Airstep? Reach out to us directly or fill in the contact form here and we’ll reply as fast as possible.
Our Location
43 Boulevard Way, Capricorn Business Park
Muizenberg, 7945
Contact Us
info@airstepfootwear.com
+27 82 703 8825
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