Shoe Orthodics

[maciec]

I am having a terrible time trying to find a pair of running shoes! I have spent almost $1,000 on line within the past 2-3 weeks buying running shoes. I have researched through various sites such as runnersworld.com and other running sites to get ideas of which shoes would be best for me. I have gone down the list ordering 5 at a time and I am having no luck. I don't have any "sporting goods" stores near me except for Dick's (which I will never step foot in again because of their lousy customer service). I also don't have the time to go and try them on, take them home to walk on the treadmill to see if they'll work, and the return them.

My problem is that I over-pronate and I have a heavy heel stike. Several people (that don't have orthodics) suggested that I go and get fitted. I don't know anything about them and I don't know how much they cost.

So can anyone help and shed some light?

Thanks!

 

[Cool-Beans]

I had them custom-made (I have no arch and sometimes had to be on my feet for 17 hours at a pop.) Last time I had a pair made, it was about $350 - and worth every penny. No more foot pain!

They don't fit into cute shoes, but work very well in gym shoes.

I always look forward to fitting day. The podiatrist applies these wet plastery rags to my foot, one after another. They are warm and gushy, and he has to rub them into place. Best foot massage in the world!

After they dry and are removed, I sit with my feet soaking in a warm whirlpool to get the plaster gunk off my feet. Ahh, heaven.

Fitting day is the best!

 

[Luv'sTink]

Have you ever tried Aetrex shoes? They are really good shoes. They help my plantar fasciitis but I still needed orthodics, one foot is healed but the other still hurts, not as bad. Orthodics helped too but one foot still hurts with those also, cost $325.

 

[Maryr1]

Hi! I am a runner (6 Marathons)and run in Mizuno sneakers. Always have run in them and like them. I have to size up about a half size, sometimes a full size. I wear orthotics and have for about 6 years. I only wear them in my running sneakers. They were easy to adjust to-just go slow. I over did it a bit and blistered once. Then I slowed down-only wore them on short runs and it went much better.I think they were about $150-$200. Money well spent.I had them fitted by a sports rehab person. (I got them as a result of a running injury and the orthapedist suggested it.) I would suggest 2 things-get 1 pair to start with and if they work for you order a second pair to keep in your second pair of sneakers.Then switch the sneakers each time you run. I got a discount on the second pair. This way you always have a pair of sneakers that are broken in and fit well. And-after wearing them for a few weeks take them back to whomever made them and have them fine tuned....any area that feels a bit tight or off they will tweek. Do the same with the second pair. I am in the process of getting new ones-after 6 marathons and training as well as a half marathon,my orthotics finally cracked. My new ones are being fitted by my physical therapist. Good luck!

 

[maciec]

Have you ever tried Aetrex shoes? They are really good shoes. They help my plantar fasciitis but I still needed orthodics, one foot is healed but the other still hurts, not as bad. Orthodics helped too but one foot still hurts with those also, cost $325.

Aetrex is not one that I have tried. I don't think that I have read anything about them (probably fear of the unknown name brand ) I have tried NB, Asics, Brooks, Adidas, Nike, Ryka .... in this next shipment I am getting another pair of Asics, Saucony, and Pearl Izumi's. If none of these work I am going to get fitted for orthodics.

 

[Aidensmom]

I used to wear orthotics, I was referred by my PCP to a podiatrist for a fitting.

I now wear a pair of running shoes (actually have for the last 10 years...keep buying the new "model" each year) that work for me without them, but if you need orthotics, you need them....go get them instead of spending your money on various shoes.

We all have unique feet, sometimes you just need the orthotics to make the shoes work.

 

[almburr]

Try www.footsmart.com they carry everything for feet and legs.

 

[golfgal]

Do you have a running shoe store near you? That is what I would try. Sporting good stores are not the place to buy running shoes for the serious runner unless you already know what you like and what works for your shoes.

From what you are saying though, orthotics could help you tremendously. It might be worth a trip to a good athletic training facility to have them evaluate your running style, your feet, etc. THey can cast your feet and get the orthotics. Plan on around $400 or so for them.

 

[GraysMom]

I have plantar faciitis and have worn prescription orthotics for about 6 years. They only fit in my sneakers, which is fine because any other shoes hurt my feet. I usually wear Saucony's but recently tried on a pair of Etonic Minaudo's (they're kind of ugly, but they have to separate inserts so you can try customizing them without getting orthotics). I get my orthotics from my podiatrist and they cost $500, which my insurance does not cover (but I can use money in our Medical Flexible Spending Account).

I can't believe the lower cost some other poster's have gotten their orthotics from. I need to start looking around for somewhere else to get my next pair!

 

[maciec]

Do you have a running shoe store near you? That is what I would try. Sporting good stores are not the place to buy running shoes for the serious runner unless you already know what you like and what works for your shoes.

Actually, I just found out today that we have a place locally that does this. I have lived here for almost 15 years and I have just heard of the place. So, I am off again on Wednesday to check them out.

Thanks everyone so much for your wisdom!

 

[MushyMushy]

Maybe insurance would cover orthotics.

I've got super flat arches and have never had to pay a dime for orthotics.