View Full Version : super feet... are they worth it?
whitefoot_hp
04-05-2007, 16:47
are they as good as some say? what are the ups and downs of each thickness?
Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-05-2007, 16:50
They are so worth it. I'll leave the explanation of the thicknesses to those better qualified to explain this.
QHShowoman
04-05-2007, 16:54
They saved my life. I thought I had some serious hip problem (I am only 32!) that would forever hinder my ability to hike. I started wearing Superfeet (green -- max shock absorption) and my pain went away almost instantly.
They're not for everyone, but they work for me.
Old Grouse
04-05-2007, 17:13
My heels have pretty much stopped hurting since I bought 'em.
Footslogger
04-05-2007, 17:28
I've used them for years and was trained to make the custom fits ones when I worked at an outfitter (previous life).
They are not for everyone. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either ill informed or working on commission.
They are designed to stabilize the heel and support the arch to provide a smooth stride without foot slippage or elongation (typically due to settling of the arch).
They are NOT padded and therefore are not overly comfortable when compared to the more spongy alternatives.
They cradle the heel and slightly compress the tissue to form more natural padding.
They do work but people with overly flat feet generally find them uncomfortable and can not wear them.
'Slogger
Mother's Finest
04-05-2007, 17:56
I've used them for years and was trained to make the custom fits ones when I worked at an outfitter (previous life).
They are not for everyone. Anyone who tells you otherwise is either ill informed or working on commission.
They are designed to stabilize the heel and support the arch to provide a smooth stride without foot slippage or elongation (typically due to settling of the arch).
They are NOT padded and therefore are not overly comfortable when compared to the more spongy alternatives.
They cradle the heel and slightly compress the tissue to form more natural padding.
They do work but people with overly flat feet generally find them uncomfortable and can not wear them.
'Slogger
I second what Slogger said.....Superfeet are a high-quality over the counter arch support. The key word is over the counter. If a product like super feet does not get the job done for you (whatever your foot problems may be) then it is very likely that you will require a Custom Orthotic.....
www.cpeds.org (http://www.cpeds.org) to find a good practicioner. anyone in the Philadelphia area is always welcome to look me up.
peace
mf
Bloodroot
04-05-2007, 18:00
That's exactly what happened to me. I had some custom made at Trail Days and my feet were considerably worse off than they were before. Like the above mentioned, I have a semi-flat foot.
Critterman
04-05-2007, 21:55
If a product like super feet does not get the job done for you (whatever your foot problems may be) then it is very likely that you will require a Custom Orthotic.....
www.cpeds.org (http://www.cpeds.org) to find a good practicioner. anyone in the Philadelphia area is always welcome to look me up.
peace
mf
My experience exactly. A good Podiatrist can save you from so much foot and knee pain if you have flat feet like I do.
Appalachian Tater
04-05-2007, 22:00
The blue Superfeet worked great for me and my feet are completely flat.
I will say it is aggravating to pay so much money for a couple of 25 cent pieces of plastic.
Footslogger
04-05-2007, 22:19
The blue Superfeet worked great for me and my feet are completely flat.
I will say it is aggravating to pay so much money for a couple of 25 cent pieces of plastic.
================================
The "Blue" SuperFeet are designed to be used in shoes that do not have a removable insert.
But hey ...if it works, don't knock it !!
'Slogger
fiddlehead
04-06-2007, 06:43
ON one of my hikes, i started to get terrible foot pain. People suggested i go see a podiatrist and get inserts. My brother had them and i knew they cost upwards of $200. A little pricey for me so i tried the superfeet after an ultra running buddy suggested them. They worked for me and the pain went away. I believe they work for some and not for others. You have to decide what you think your problem is and then take the gamble or not if you think they would be your answer.
I wore the 1st pair out on the same thru and the co. sent me another pair. I don't need them anymore for some reason. perhaps it was just something i was going thru on that one hike but whatever it was, i got over it.
Don't just go and buy them because you think they must be important because others use them. (like hiking poles) Buy them if you have a problem that you think they very well could be the answer to.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-06-2007, 07:21
Proper foot alignment will solve a lot of problems with foot, ankle, knee and / or hip pain -- but not all. I have some hip / knee problems in my right leg that are caused by muscle weakness / paralysis. Superfeet can't solve that problem, but it does keep my foot in the proper alignment so I don't do further damage to my foot, ankle, knee or hip due to misalignment.
While we are discussing superfeet - has anyone used the superfeet made for 'everyday' shoes? Do they work as well as the hiking models? I ask because I often wear ladies' dress showes and even the blue insert is a bit much for those.
Appalachian Tater
04-06-2007, 07:33
================================
The "Blue" SuperFeet are designed to be used in shoes that do not have a removable insert.
But hey ...if it works, don't knock it !!
'Slogger
Well then, I am even more aggravated now for paying so much money for two 25 cent pieces of plastic that didn't even come with instructions.
Mother's Finest
04-06-2007, 10:20
Proper foot alignment will solve a lot of problems with foot, ankle, knee and / or hip pain -- but not all. I have some hip / knee problems in my right leg that are caused by muscle weakness / paralysis. Superfeet can't solve that problem, but it does keep my foot in the proper alignment so I don't do further damage to my foot, ankle, knee or hip due to misalignment.
While we are discussing superfeet - has anyone used the superfeet made for 'everyday' shoes? Do they work as well as the hiking models? I ask because I often wear ladies' dress showes and even the blue insert is a bit much for those.
"ladies dress shoes" is generally a bad sounding word.....it usually means some type of heel and a more tapered toe box.
any arch support is better than none, the issue you will run into is will the arch support lift you out of the shoe and/or how high is the heel as this will effect the angle and seating of the arch support. go to a store with a couple of your favorite ladies dress shoes and give it a try.
good luck
peace
mf
mixinmaster
04-06-2007, 10:23
Just out current edition BACKPACKER MAG has a review on SuperFeet and several other inserts... For what its worth....... I have used the custom fitted Superfeet for many multi day hikes of 4-7 days, and IMO they do a very good job. Just purchased 2 more off the shelf models for a (hopeful) AT Thru....:)
Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-06-2007, 13:57
"ladies dress shoes" is generally a bad sounding word.....it usually means some type of heel and a more tapered toe box.
any arch support is better than none, the issue you will run into is will the arch support lift you out of the shoe and/or how high is the heel as this will effect the angle and seating of the arch support. go to a store with a couple of your favorite ladies dress shoes and give it a try.Thanks Mother's Finest. I don't wear heels over 1" or any shoes with a really narrow toe box. I buy quality shoes with an arch (Easy Spirits mostly), but with the weakness in my right leg, I still have problems
humunuku
04-08-2007, 19:59
I have very high arches - the green super feet didn't provide nearly enough arch support...They work for most, but not all
Nightwalker
04-15-2007, 04:44
Thanks Mother's Finest. I don't wear heels over 1" or any shoes with a really narrow toe box. I buy quality shoes with an arch (Easy Spirits mostly), but with the weakness in my right leg, I still have problems
Gee, someone should Photoshop FD with 4" heels on. Would be too cute.
Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-15-2007, 08:20
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b47/lowcarbscoop/Dinoheels.jpg
wow, FD. and the best news is you only need the top half of a sleeping bag with those!!! what great ultra light gear!!! and those heels are probably removable and adjustable as walking sticks.
LOL, very nice!
Back to Superfeet, they distroyed my feet last year, and took me off trail. I experimented this winter for several weeks with/without (since it takes time for your feet to "get used" to them, and they definately are not for me.