General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating) Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2009-09-03 10:05 AM

User image

Regular
74
2525
Cambridge, MA
Subject: Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating)
I have a moderate overpronation issue going on. I went to RoadRunner sports to find good shoes (instead of just feeling the inside to see if I thought the shoes I was buying had an arch support). I actually thought it was worse than it is. After doing their in-store testing, they recommended stability shoes with a berry color superfeet insert. The shoes I found I liked and would work for what I run each week plus the insoles will run me about $200 with tax and everything. BOO on that.

Being that I'm strapped for cash right at this moment, I wondered what else was out there. I found some shoes that are on sale and with the inserts would run me about $100. And, I found some shoes that seem to offer more stability (and possibly wouldn't require insoles) for about $70. Then, when I went to another store and talked to them about superfeet, they recommended a different color (which is cheaper).

It all got me to thinking...why do I need stability shoes AND insoles? Does that somehow work together to make it all really work? Or am I just spending more money? If I get insoles, could they work in any type shoe just as effectively? Or, if I get a high stability control type, will that be enough? All of this is so confusing - anyone have any advice or help to offer?


2009-09-03 11:13 AM
in reply to: #2387056

User image

Regular
74
2525
Cambridge, MA
Subject: RE: Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating)
I'm also interested in barefoot running...which I hear curbs a lot of the issues found from overpronation. I posted on that thread, as well.
2009-09-03 1:23 PM
in reply to: #2387056

User image

Expert
1123
1000100
Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating)
I have custom insoles and I still overpronate when I try on neutral shoes, so it's not just you.

Now, I haven't noticed the stability shoes to cost any more than my previous shoes.  About $100 before, and about $100 now. 
2009-09-03 1:46 PM
in reply to: #2387056

User image

Veteran
321
100100100
Findlay OH
Subject: RE: Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating)

I also wear stability shoes and superfeet.  I love me superfeet.

 

Stability shoes are middle of the road shoes they blend the pronation control with some cushioning.  I don't like motion control shoes personally as they are very stiff.  I don't need that much control.

Stability shoes don't control motion quite as well but they do have some cushioning in them.

I can tell when either my shoes or insoles are starting to wear out.  My legs, knee etc all start to get sore.

Once you find a brand and model of shoes that works well for you you can get them on sale, on line etc a bit cheaper.  As a note most stability shoes will have a different colored mid sole on the medial side of the shoe. The darker grey is a higher density foam that provides the stability.

 

 

 

 

2009-09-03 1:50 PM
in reply to: #2387056

User image

Champion
5782
5000500100100252525
Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating)
Well, there's overpronating and there's overpronating.  If I tried to run barefoot, I'd end up in the hospital:  My "pes planus" (medical lingo for "flat feet") is severe and congenital--I was in orthopedic shoes as a kid--and causes pressure on a tendon that is painful and, over time, could cause damage if not corrected.  So I wear insoles...usually prescription orthotics, but sometimes I'll switch up (esp. for a 5K or sprint tri) and wear an off-the-rack insole to save some weight.  Some are better than others.  I'm not, actually, a huge fan of Superfeet...I've used the green ones (which, IMO, are the only ones adequate to help with serious overpronation).  I actually prefer the orange RoadRunner Sports ones.  Also the "Foot Soldier" brand.

But lots of shoe stores tell people they are "overpronating" and use that as an excuse to upsell insoles.  Sometimes that's appropriate (my podiatrist was pretty insistent I wear at least stability running shoes along with my orthotics and gave me a long list of recommended models--and I can tell the difference if I wear a less stable shoe...I'll get residual arch pain).  But, IMO, a lot of people should be able to get adequate structure from just a good shoe (whether stability or motion control).  And some people really just need to be strengthening their ankles to decrease their overpronation (won't work for me)...and sometimes weightloss, frankly, is a good idea.   For those people, running barefoot probably is a long term possibility.
2009-09-03 4:37 PM
in reply to: #2387056

User image

Regular
74
2525
Cambridge, MA
Subject: RE: Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating)

Thank you all, but thank you especially tcovert...I think part of my issue is being overweight (which I am working on - hince the running lol)...and part is shoe controlled. I don't severely overpronate, so I think stability shoes and/or light insoles will work. I like a little arch support, but too much is, well, too much.



New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Question about insoles and shoes (overpronating) Rss Feed