In order to support my arches on the run, I was told to get orthotics. For several reasons, I am not in a position to do so at this time. So, I bought two different types of over the counter inserets to hopefully do the trick.
1. Sole Custom Footbeds - you heat them up and then put your foot on them to mold them.
2. Power Step - basically a arch support that is not customized
Has anyone tried either of these and had success? Any warnings?
you're setting yourself up for disaster. when the doc mentioned you needed orthodics for running - and i'm assuming thats where you heard this - he was suggesting you get sport orthodics. they are specific and meant for exactly that: sports.
these would differ from regular orthodics, and would be certainly more specific than over-the-counter remedies. while sole may be a low cost alternative, they are designed for people walking around all day - not running.
my advice to you is find a way to get real sport orthodics. if you value your running career you will.
"an ounce of prevention..."
i concur. over the counter ones suck. get the real thing or not at all.
or you could start al over with barefoot/racing flat jogs to strengthen your feet and lower leg so you won't need them. this helped me out of my orthotics...that and losing 15 lbs.
If you want to go the orthotics route, go into a store that has 3-5 to choose from and try them on. See which one works the best.
It's a lot like trying on shoes- there are a lot of insoles for different feet.
Besides the Powerstep and Sole, see if you can find the Sorbothane Graphite Arch, Spenco Orthotic, Superfeet, etc.
There are a lot out there, find the one that works for you.
If your doctor recommended custon molded orthortics for running and you bought a Spenco orthotic then you are probably ok for now. Custom orthotics are expensive and will need to be replaced every two years or so. Spenco's are sport specific supports that work for many people who have gone for the cheaper alternative. They do not work for everyone, some problems need the more expensive solution but it is always worth a try before you break the bank. I'm sure that there are brands other than Spenco as well.
I had a podiatrist diagnose that I had a slight leg length discrepancy that probably was only giving me problems because I had upped my mileage; in anyone else, it wouldn't have mattered. Instead of sending me to get $300 orthotics, he suggested I first try the Graphite Sorbothane ones ($30). I haven't had problems since. I thank my lucky stars that I got to see that podiatrist every time I balance my checkbook.
BUT, that was for a minor imbalance. It depends on what your actual problem is.
I had severe plantar fascitis and got custom made orthodics (I dropped over $300 on them). I will eventually need new orthodics, but since I cannot afford them, I tried the Sole Orthodic. It has definitely worked in my case. I would recommend giving it a shot.