Custom insole vs orthotic vs over the encounter

Running Shoes/Running Gear Other

6 years ago 11/18/2017 8:12pm EST

I'm looking for a little help in trying to understand all the different types of shoe inserts that people use and how effective each one might be. I'm supposed to meet with a PT next week who is wanting to fit me for custom shoe inserts for $280. I have had achilles tendonitis in the past and severe calf tightness which he thinks is due to pronation. When I was young, I had custom (hard) orthotic inserts I wore in all my running shoes/reguar shoes as I had severe Plantar Fascitis at a young age. They helped immensely at that time but later I stopped using them and was fine for a few years until I had these severe achilles/calf issues. What I'm trying to understand is, how do the three different type (I think there are 3 types) of inserts differ and what is really worth it for the money you invest if you truly have a biomechanical type of issue that needs to be corrected? How is the custom insole this PT wants to put me different from the orthotic I had when I was young from the Podiatrist? And can the same effect not be achieved through a cheaper OTC insert in my shoe?

I would appreciate any help, OTC recommendations that have worked for you, cost comparisons, etc...

6 years ago 11/18/2017 8:16pm EST

re: chronicsufferer

Totally depends on the injury you are trying to fix. Sometimes, custom orthotics are absolutely the way to go, and worth every penny. Sometimes OTC orthotics are fine, and the custom ones are simply a waste, as they would do the same thing. And sometimes it's better to make them yourself if you are acutely aware of exactly what needs to be done.

I've done all three things, all for different issues at different times.

6 years ago 11/18/2017 8:23pm EST

re: chronicsufferer

Like a sexual encounter?

6 years ago 11/18/2017 8:39pm EST

re: chronicsufferer

chronicsufferer wrote:
can the same effect not be achieved through a cheaper OTC insert in my shoe?

Possibly. I have had success with Superfeet Green and Superfeet Black off the shelf inserts (cost ~$40). The problem is that you need to have an idea of what you're doing. You can't just put any insert in any shoe and solve your problem.

Most custom orthotics raise the arch. The Superfeet insert does this. While it isn't custom fit your foot, it would be a lot better than the standard inserts that come in your shoes.

Some custom orthotics also tilt the foot. That is, they are slightly higher on the inside of the heel than the outside of the heel. This slight tilt (maybe only 1-2mm) compensates for the tendency to pronate. (The ankle rocks inward and arch collapses when the foot lands.) You can add this tilt to Superfeet. I do it by adding a 1/2 inch wide length of crafts felt under the inside of the heel of the insert and running it a couple inches from the back of foot towards the arch. I then lock it in place with duct tape.

The problem with this approach is you need to know a little about foot mechanics to make it work.

Finally, the shoes you are currently wearing might not be the best to wear with an off the shelf orthotic. I find that neutral, cushion, and performance shoes work better with off the shelf orthotics than stability or motion control shoes.

tl/dr... an off the shelf orthotic like Superfeet Green might work for you, but it might require some work on your part to modify it to make it work.

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