Flat Feet - Orthotics Don’t Fit Well

[flatfooted]

I have flat feet and pronate. I wear custom made orthotics. The orthotics have never worked ideally.

My orthotics are especially a problem in dress shoes. I recently had my ¾ length orthotics made full length, and sized for my current pair of dress shoes. The fit still doesn’t seem quite right. I guess my feet are sliding around in my shoes.

When I lift my heel, while walking, sometimes my toes feel strained; or it feels like there is not enough padding for the ball of my foot. When I take my shoes off, my heels hurt a bit when walking barefoot. Sometimes my toes feel stiff. Perhaps they are pushing against the toebox.

Any suggestions?

[Dogwood]

If you have custom made orthos and they don't work ideally I'd bring them, the shoes you typically wear them with, socks, and your butt(I guess i should say your feet) right back to whoever did the custom orthos for you. Now, if it IS YOU who decided on custom orthos that might be telling in that YOU are missing something. My after market orthos are sometimes a little different for the different prs of shoes I pair each with and the typical activities I engage in while wearing my different prs of shoes. For example, the after market orthos I use with dress shoes are quite a bit different than the orthos I use in my various hiking shoes. In other words, one DO IT ALL pr or type of orthos for all your different types of shoes and activities MAY NOT BE THE WAY to approach things. Should be obvious that dress shoes and hiking shoes are designed with different goals in mind too. A competent podiatrist usually wants to see the used shoes you spend most of your time in. They will sometimes design orthos factoring in what activities you will be engaged in and what types of shoes you'll typically be wearing when involved in those activities.

If your feet are sliding around prohibitively inside your dress shoes somethings amiss AND it MAY NOT NECESSARILY be the orthos. Could be several things and I hesitate to try to offer meaningful targeted advice without resorting to writing a pamphlet or seeing things in person. I'm no foot doctor either.

There is great variation in dress as well as hiking shoes too. I would experiment with different types of brands and models that are designed for your foot characteristics. To do that first you need to have an understanding of those characteristics. I talked to knowledgeable foot specialists and did some research on line through running websites to learn about my feet. Running websites can teach you a lot about your feet and different types of shoes! Keep in mind, you are not going to address comfortable shoes with orthos IF you don't have shoes that adequately address your foot characteristics or the activity they were designed for in the first place! IMO, the majority of people opt to purchase shoes for whatever activity without first understanding their foot traits and the types of feet, pronation(if any), stride, usage, etc specific shoe models are designed for. I for one, for decades experienced sore feet, knees, ankles, joints, hips, back, posture issues, blisters, etc because I was improperly pairing shoes that didn't fully account for my feet/stride/usage characteristics. Since you are at a hiking website, I will remind you that in order to hike most safely and happily and stay out there for extended periods it really helps to spend the time to get these things right. I've seen A LOT of hikers sidelined because their improper shoes factored into creating a problem.

[litefoot2000]

I would find a very reputable podiatrist. Perhaps one that specializes in sports injuries.

[flatfooted]

I have separate orthotics for my dress shoes and gym shoes. My dress shoes are Gramercy, made by Aetrex. My podiatrist recommends them.

[heavyfoot]

Who made your orthotics? A reputable podiatrist will keep working with you until everything fits and feels right.

[flatfooted]

I don't know who the company is that makes the orthotics. My podiatrist has been working with me on this, but I feel like maybe he could try to do more to help. I don't feel confident that he is going to be able to really resolve the problem.

[RF_ace]

Try SOLE brand or redwing brand insoles; I have flat feet as well and they make a world of difference

[flatfooted]

Use the insoles instead of orthotics?

Try SOLE brand or redwing brand insoles; I have flat feet as well and they make a world of difference

[RF_ace]

They are close to orthotics, just make everything from the knees to back feel great, a lot less pain

[flatfooted]

My orthotics keep my knees from getting sore so sore, especially when going up and down hills and stairs. I am skeptical that some inserts can do the job.

They are close to orthotics, just make everything from the knees to back feel great, a lot less pain

[rocketsocks]

It took me a while to get use to mine, felt like I was walking on a rock. good luck though. I have not had any problems with my feet since I got them...love em. oh, mines are 3/4 length.

[flatfooted]

They're not orthotics like Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports? I've tried those. (I have to go. Will check in on this conversation later)

It took me a while to get use to mine, felt like I was walking on a rock. good luck though. I have not had any problems with my feet since I got them...love em. oh, mines are 3/4 length.

[rocketsocks]

They're not orthotics like Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports? I've tried those. (I have to go. Will check in on this conversation later)

Mine were plaster cast molded to my feet in the office, then sent out to make a plastic mold...price about $225.00 and a 20 dollar co-pay YPlanMV

[RF_ace]

These are $60 and they feel Ike memory foam but firmer

[rocketsocks]

These are $60 and they feel Ike memory foam but firmer

i tried the green super feet, funny thing...no matter how hard I wished, they her my feet. When you do find one that works for you... What price wouldn't you pay?


horrible horrible spelling mistakes courtesey of my ipod doing the thinking for me, and sausage fingers.

[flatfooted]

That's how my orthotics were made. They were about the same price too.

Mine were plaster cast molded to my feet in the office, then sent out to make a plastic mold...price about $225.00 and a 20 dollar co-pay YPlanMV

[rocketsocks]

That's how my orthotics were made. They were about the same price too.

ya know...there's always the chance that they....screwed up, maybe ask your doctor to repeat the process.

[RF_ace]

Nah, these don't even compare to super feet. Rei sells them under the SOLE brand, Ed Viesturs edition

[flatfooted]

I have an older pair of orthotics, I have the same problem with them.

ya know...there's always the chance that they....screwed up, maybe ask your doctor to repeat the process.

My orthotics are more comfortable in my gym shoes, but I get still cramps in my calves, and sometimes my feet. I think it's because I slouch forward, and it puts tension on my calves. I rarely got cramps until I got my orthotics. I don't know if it's the fault of the orthotics though.

I'm afraid to go on hikes that are much more than two hours because I'm afraid I'll cramp up too much.

[rocketsocks]

Nah, these don't even compare to super feet. Rei sells them under the SOLE brand, Ed Viesturs edition

hey I'll give em a try on your say so (lord know's I've tried many others) been wanting to find a good set in additon to the ones I have to put in my other shoes. It gets old taking them out each time you wanna wear a different pair....thanks for the tip.