Custom Orthotic Insoles?

[SchlongConery]

Nothing like really comfortable shoes!

For years, I have been wanting to have some custom orthotic insoles made up to put in different shoes. Not looking for orthotic shoes.

I don't have any foot problems but I find that I'd like a bit more arch support and think I pronate a bit. Tried various Drug Store insoles but never satisfied. Got custom insoles molded for my ski boots decades ago and they made an INCREDIBLE difference. Best $250 I ever spent on skiing equipment! I use them in my rollerblades in the summer and they are awesome!

Does anyone have any advice, experience, referrals on what to look for or what to watch out for in getting some of these made up? I understand they are going to cost about $350-$500. I wonder if once I get the first assessment and mold made, if second and third pairs are cheaper?

Thanks in advance!


BTW, if you have any shoes that have a tight spot or whatever, I have had great experience with these kind of shoe stretchers.

 

[SchlongConery]

Anybody have experience with this franchised chain?

http://www.bioped.com

 

[Twister]

Anybody have experience with this franchised chain?

http://www.bioped.com

I went to Bioped many years ago, they made orthotics by making me rock back and forth on a heated piece of plastic.

The podiatrists that I saw latter on freaked out that they did this garbage. I wouldn't go back to bioped.
Nowadays companies have heat moldable foot inserts online. If you have high arches there is an insert called powersteps that have a high arch. (superfeet are known to be good too)
A high arch can eventually bring you to plantar fascitiis or heel spurs if you're overweight you don't want that.

 

[SchlongConery]

Thanks Twister. I'll check out those inserts.

I'm not overweight and I don't have any foot problems, just want better fitting shoes with more support.

 

[Twister]

Thanks Twister. I'll check out those inserts.

I'm not overweight and I don't have any foot problems, just want better fitting shoes with more support.

Running room and New Balance stores have some decent inserts like superfeet etc.

 

[SchlongConery]

Yeah, I've tried lots of them including some from Running Room etc. Best were the Dr Scholls that Rexall sells with the fancy machine you stand on.

They are okish but I want something better.

 

[AJstar]

Thanks Twister. I'll check out those inserts.

I'm not overweight and I don't have any foot problems, just want better fitting shoes with more support.

I was having some foot aches & pains.
Had 2 pairs of custom orthotics done by a chiropractor.
Fancy computer equipment, but in short they were not helpful & a waste of money.
Believe it or not, Dr. Ho's cheap looking insoles are more comfortable than the $550 (for both)customs.

 

[Twister]

Yeah, I've tried lots of them including some from Running Room etc. Best were the Dr Scholls that Rexall sells with the fancy machine you stand on.

They are okish but I want something better.

ok you can try the moldables or just go for custom. The podiatrist should do a plaster cloth mold of your feet not a foam box imprint. I wouldn't see Dr Miltchin. Dr Naftalin is famous but very expensive. I think $600.
There is a reasonable guy at Steeles and Yonge, Daryl Hochman he looks a little like Einstein he can come off a little weird but many like him, he does a good job and he's reasonable. The initial visit is 25 bucks. I would think the second set would be cheaper but don't know how much.

 

[basketcase]

Orthotics are so expensive because insurance companies cover so much. Most insurance companies will cover around $1000 for two pairs. If you tell them you don't have insurance you can get two pairs for a few hundred and a lot of the sellers will throw in bonuses or gift cards (essentially kickbacks) to get your business.

As for the technology, most people use the dynamic foot pad to get a computerized view as you walk but many insurance companies still require the old fashioned foot mold believing it is more accurate so they will do those as well if needed. I'd say go see a podiatrist (at least partially OHIP covered). If you have insurance they will find a reason you need them. If you don't have insurance (and the guy isn't a crook) you'll get told specifically what you need if anything.

My experience is that we need to spend more time finding shoes that fit us properly instead of just the brand or the look. Proper fit makes a huge difference and is likely enough if you're not on your feet all day and don't have foot, knee, hip, or back problems.

For high impact sports I've had good luck with the higher end inserts like shock doctor, spenco, or sofsole. For other shoes a good fit is all I've needed but as we say, YMMV.

 

[colt]

Have you seen recent tweets from Brett Lawrie? Everyone's experience is different but he said it was suggested to him at the start of this season to start wearing orthotics. He had never used them before and had no noticeable foot or back problems. He just accepte that orthotics would optimize his performance. After a season of use he feels they pretty much destroyed his body.

 

[TheKing]

Been through so many different types and places that I can barely remember all the ones I have tried. Have flat feet.

Bioped sucked royally. And way too expensive for the crap they sell you too. I went back 6x and they couldn't get the insoles to be less painful than wearing my shoes without them!

I ended up with Superfeet and they are great. They come off the rack in different colours for different uses. Skiing boots, running shoes, slim ones for dress shoes, etc. Pick the colour for what you need and you're good. They almost don't wear out at all so can be used forever.

Unless you have very very weird feet, you don't really need custom insoles and they can be worse than an off the rack product for sure. Or even no insole at all.

1% of people out there have weird feet and need custom. No more. Don't think you're in the 1% because you probably aren't. If you have a team of doctors/surgeons working on your constant and weird foot problems, then you are. Remember 1% of people have dry scalp but 90% of the shampoos advertise "for dry scalp" and everyone thinks they have it.. but nobody does.

Go out and buy a set of Superfeet.. they're awesome. Skip all the custom crap unless you absolutely need it. And Superfeet can be bought online cheaper too.. I bought some on eBay/Amazon in the USA when the dollar was at par and they were so cheap I have one pair in all of my commonly worn pairs of shoes.. no swapping of insoles all the time!

 

[Noname2001]

I feel your pain!! As a heavier set male I have to be careful and wear orthotics all th time. I tried them all over the last 10 years. Stay away from the gimmicks machines in drug stores and chiropractors, stick with a podiatrist if you have the money/insurance.
The next best solution would be the sport inserts sold at Sportschek like superfeet and spenco, get the hard plastic bottom inserts. I found they worked just as good as the $600
from a Doc.
As for any pain use Advil.

Cheers
D

 

[Big Rig]

Orthotics correct bad posture that effects your entire spine. See a podiatrist or chiropodist once a year. Cost is $500

 

[mreros]

I'm a runner with pronation issues. I've had several sets made over the years for running and regular shoes. Been really happy with Mary Miller, C.O. (c), B.Sc.
Orthotic Dimensions Inc.
5780 Timberlea Blvd, Suite 101
Mississauga ON L4W 4W8