I’ve had custom orthotics made several years ago and was told they need to be replaced. Doctor said there is a small gap between where my arch meets the orthotics. I’ve been using them for years and didn’t realize they might wear out as they are fairly rigid. How long do these typically last.
I had my custom made rigid orthotics fitted in March 1994 (yep, 29 years ago). I heavily over pronated.
I have worn them for all runs except track intervals and races (and even then I used them in my trainers for warm-ups and cool-downs; that is total of 11,000+ daily runs or 60,000+ miles. Also before I retired, I wore them in my work shoes for 20 years. I was on my feet on a hard surface for 6 hours of my 8 hour shift.
They are my "body armor" for my feet.
But yours have to fit correctly. That is key! If you trust and believe your doctor that your current pair are not fitting correctly, then you have a balance that with how they are working/feel for you.
I had my custom made rigid orthotics fitted in March 1994 (yep, 29 years ago). I heavily over pronated.
I have worn them for all runs except track intervals and races (and even then I used them in my trainers for warm-ups and cool-downs; that is total of 11,000+ daily runs or 60,000+ miles. Also before I retired, I wore them in my work shoes for 20 years. I was on my feet on a hard surface for 6 hours of my 8 hour shift.
They are my "body armor" for my feet.
But yours have to fit correctly. That is key! If you trust and believe your doctor that your current pair are not fitting correctly, then you have a balance that with how they are working/feel for you.
Just curious. You said you over pronated. I do as well. Before you began wearing orthotics, what and where were you experiencing pain? I'm thinking I need orthotics.
I had ramped my miles back up from the low 40s to 65-70 per week and was experiencing some pretty severe plantar fasciitis. Taping helped, but it was tedious to do it properly for both feet on a daily basis. Also I had occasional minor swelling on the inside of my right knee.
Overall, I am very fortunate to be a durable (but not exceedingly fast) runner. No other 'injuries' to speak of. If I can make it to August it will be 50 years - 30+ of which includes daily runs. Rigid orthotics are not for everyone, but they work for me. And when I take them out for track, other hard workouts, or races I feel like I have been given a boost.
I would strongly encourage anyone reading this thread who is wondering if orthotics are the answer to your foot or knee problems to review the scientific literature on this topic. The scientific consensus is that orthotics provide ZERO benefit. In fact, orthotics can cause more harm.
I would strongly encourage anyone reading this thread who is wondering if orthotics are the answer to your foot or knee problems to review the scientific literature on this topic. The scientific consensus is that orthotics provide ZERO benefit. In fact, orthotics can cause more harm.
This is not true. In fact, the literature suggests that even OTC 'orthotics' can relieve a moderate amount of foot pain almost instantly. The key to understand is that orthotics are only PERMANENT solutions in a very select group of people. Most only need them temporarily to help them get over an injury--sort of like a brace or a cast which allow the user to still function while not aggravating the injury more.
For those with serious foot deformities--a permanent custom orthotic made by a trusted running/sports podiatrist is the way to go. Mine were prescribed and crafted by the doctor that made orthotics for Seb Coe and they are working well for me. I have a compensated forefoot varus deformity along with severe overpronation (from PTTD/AAF from a post-tib tear a few years ago) and the custom orthotics allow me to wear any shoe I want.
Edit - To answer the OP--my doc said they are good for 3-5 years but need refurbishing every year for the amount of mileage I run (which is just a new top cover).
This post was edited 47 seconds after it was posted.
I would strongly encourage anyone reading this thread who is wondering if orthotics are the answer to your foot or knee problems to review the scientific literature on this topic. The scientific consensus is that orthotics provide ZERO benefit. In fact, orthotics can cause more harm.
This is not true. In fact, the literature suggests that even OTC 'orthotics' can relieve a moderate amount of foot pain almost instantly. The key to understand is that orthotics are only PERMANENT solutions in a very select group of people. Most only need them temporarily to help them get over an injury--sort of like a brace or a cast which allow the user to still function while not aggravating the injury more.
For those with serious foot deformities--a permanent custom orthotic made by a trusted running/sports podiatrist is the way to go. Mine were prescribed and crafted by the doctor that made orthotics for Seb Coe and they are working well for me. I have a compensated forefoot varus deformity along with severe overpronation (from PTTD/AAF from a post-tib tear a few years ago) and the custom orthotics allow me to wear any shoe I want.
Edit - To answer the OP--my doc said they are good for 3-5 years but need refurbishing every year for the amount of mileage I run (which is just a new top cover).
So, I guess the rigid plastic plate eventually loses its strength over time. I can’t tell from observation but since mine are over 5 years and I’ve run an average of 50-60mpw over those years, I guess they need to be replaced.
I would like to give OTC orthotics like superfeet a try but I think I need to find one with a varus (or valgus?) wedge to provide the right support at the heel ). I’m hesitant to pay the $500+ for new ones because I don’t think most podiatrist will take the time to figure out the type of orthotic I need. I was thinking they would cast them based On a gait analysis but never had one done.
This is not true. In fact, the literature suggests that even OTC 'orthotics' can relieve a moderate amount of foot pain almost instantly. The key to understand is that orthotics are only PERMANENT solutions in a very select group of people. Most only need them temporarily to help them get over an injury--sort of like a brace or a cast which allow the user to still function while not aggravating the injury more.
For those with serious foot deformities--a permanent custom orthotic made by a trusted running/sports podiatrist is the way to go. Mine were prescribed and crafted by the doctor that made orthotics for Seb Coe and they are working well for me. I have a compensated forefoot varus deformity along with severe overpronation (from PTTD/AAF from a post-tib tear a few years ago) and the custom orthotics allow me to wear any shoe I want.
Edit - To answer the OP--my doc said they are good for 3-5 years but need refurbishing every year for the amount of mileage I run (which is just a new top cover).
So, I guess the rigid plastic plate eventually loses its strength over time. I can’t tell from observation but since mine are over 5 years and I’ve run an average of 50-60mpw over those years, I guess they need to be replaced.
I would like to give OTC orthotics like superfeet a try but I think I need to find one with a varus (or valgus?) wedge to provide the right support at the heel ). I’m hesitant to pay the $500+ for new ones because I don’t think most podiatrist will take the time to figure out the type of orthotic I need. I was thinking they would cast them based On a gait analysis but never had one done.
Do you have insurance? I paid $0 for mine and I have 3 pairs. One more casual shoes, one for running and a thinner/lighter pair for racing.