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Insoles - Page 2

post #16 of 27
11/21/08 at 3:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Working Stiff View Post
Actually, many world class distance runners have flat feet. It is not, in and of itself, a problem.

The best thing you can do for your feet is to wear shoes with lower heels.

Have you personally done that - wearing shoes with lower heels?

Flat feet, in and of itself, can by it's very nature be a problem: flat feet are inherently more flexible - less of a rigid lever to propel the body forward. They require more strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide the lack of strength and rigidity. It's a less-efficient foot that becomes fatigued more quickly. There are, of course, exceptions . . .Kenyans.
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post #17 of 27
11/21/08 at 9:05am
I try to avoid shoes with higher heels, yes. I'm not walking around in Birkenstocks, for obvious reasons, but I do find that heel height makes a difference for my feet. Pointy toes are also a problem.
I also own one of these, which I walk back and forth on periodically to keep my feet in good working order (I know, it looks like it's for old people, but it works):
http://www.fitter1.com/Catalog/Items/CBLSTN.aspx
Finally, are you suggesting that Kenyans have fundamentaly different feet from us? What you're saying just proves my point. Flat feet in and of themselves are not a problem (see successful African runners), flat feet that are too weak are a problem. The Kenyans have strong feet, because they don't wear unnatural shoes with restrictive insoles / orthotics that atrophy their foot muscles. This is why orthotics are bad; they are a quick fix that make your feet weaker so that you get more problems down the road.
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post #18 of 27
11/21/08 at 12:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Working Stiff View Post
I try to avoid shoes with higher heels, yes. I'm not walking around in Birkenstocks, for obvious reasons, but I do find that heel height makes a difference for my feet. Pointy toes are also a problem.
I also own one of these, which I walk back and forth on periodically to keep my feet in good working order (I know, it looks like it's for old people, but it works):
http://www.fitter1.com/Catalog/Items/CBLSTN.aspx
Finally, are you suggesting that Kenyans have fundamentaly different feet from us? What you're saying just proves my point. Flat feet in and of themselves are not a problem (see successful African runners), flat feet that are too weak are a problem. The Kenyans have strong feet, because they don't wear unnatural shoes with restrictive insoles / orthotics that atrophy their foot muscles. This is why orthotics are bad; they are a quick fix that make your feet weaker so that you get more problems down the road.

No, that is not what I'm saying. I'm saying that the Kenyan runners, who are world-class distance runners, have body types that make them different from us in a more global way. They have inherently more efficient muscles, for example. Now as far as their feet are concerned, I would suspect, but know for a fact, that many of them have flat feet; but once again, there is a more global difference in their body types that make them more advantageous in their field.

As far as your opinion about orthotics are concerned, I strongly agree to a point: it's absolutely necessary to try to change the foot/body before you make yourself dependent upon a device to provide comfort. It's the most fundamentally natural way and you then don't have to worry about what type of shoes you are going to buy or wear to be comfortable because your feet now are stronger and better supported by the musculature. However, sometimes this just doesn't work out, and then orthotics are an easy and predictable way of addressing pain and increasing stamina.

As far as heels are concerned there's really no problem while wearing them - but you encounter problems when you take your foot out of them and stand flat-footed.

I'd really like to know how many long-distance runners wear some type of supportive device . . .
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post #19 of 27
11/22/08 at 2:48pm
I find Powerstep Pinnacles to be better than Superfeet. YMMV, but they are, for me, the best combination of support and comfort.
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post #20 of 27
11/22/08 at 8:35pm
I like the Powerstep also.

It's the only one that ever worked for me, including custom orthotics. (flat feet)
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post #21 of 27
11/22/08 at 8:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rapdancin View Post
go to a podiatrist and get custom-molded ones. they last ~2 years and if your insurance covers some of it the cost shouldn't be too steep

What is the full, pre-insurance cost of proper insoles from the podiatrist? My policy covers up to $350 for insoles - will that not cover it??
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post #22 of 27
11/24/08 at 6:51am
The prices I've heard are $150 - $500, with the majority in the $250-$450 range.
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post #23 of 27
11/24/08 at 9:41am
I have flat feet and find the insoles with arch support to be uncomfortable. I tried about a dozen kinds and settled on the Dr. Scholl's kind, which comes in two thicknesses, and can be found in generic versions for less than a dollar an insole. They do a better job of gripping to the footbed than the leather ones, which have a tendency to move or come up a little when I walk.

The main thing an insole does for me is fill some of the extra volume in the shoe.
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post #24 of 27
11/24/08 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HORNS View Post
Flat feet, in and of itself, can by it's very nature be a problem: flat feet are inherently more flexible - less of a rigid lever to propel the body forward. They require more strength in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide the lack of strength and rigidity. It's a less-efficient foot that becomes fatigued more quickly.

Any thoughts on how to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles to make up for flat feet? I imagine wearing something like Vibram Five Finger shoes would help, but of course I need to wear real shoes for 90% of my life.
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post #25 of 27
11/25/08 at 7:53pm
The best response would be from someone with special training in feet. Perhaps that person would agree that a physical therapist is the most reliable route for strengthening those parts.
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post #26 of 27
12/7/08 at 10:26pm
I've tried "Your sole" inserts. Good for impact sports like tennis etc. Difference between them and "the others" is that its heat moldable. Downside is the expense.
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post #27 of 27
12/7/08 at 10:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jared View Post
Any thoughts on how to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles to make up for flat feet? I imagine wearing something like Vibram Five Finger shoes would help, but of course I need to wear real shoes for 90% of my life.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mensimageconsultant View Post
The best response would be from someone with special training in feet. Perhaps that person would agree that a physical therapist is the most reliable route for strengthening those parts.

Physical therapists are the most powerful tools to make your feet function more highly without having to depend upon an insert.
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