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Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics
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 2008-09-27 8:18 PM |
New user  7 |  Subject: Running Shoes Vs. OrthoticsI am doing a lot of reading and talking to others about possibly starting a program to compete in a Sprint Triathlon next year. (I am a big guy, figure I need some time to figure all this out and get in shape). I have spoken to my doctor to get the all clear and have been doing a lot of research - However there is one thing I am unsure of, Running Shoes. I understand the importance of getting running shoes, that is definitely a must have. I also have narrow and flat feet, so good shoes are a must for me. I found a store that specializes in running shoes (Runners Fit, near Atlanta) - however my question is should I be looking at Running Shoes or Orthotics molded for my feet? Or does a store that specializes in running shoes have the capability to do both? (i.e. Analyze my walking/running pattern for a shoe and make orthotics for them). I know at some stores that specializes in backpacking or hiking actually have the ability to mold your feet and produce orthotics on site for specialized hiking shoes. Any advice would be appreciated - thanks in advance.
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| 2008-09-27 10:10 PM in reply to: #1701246 |
Master 1993     Riverside, IL | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Hmmm...none of the running stores in my area do custom orthotics...that I know of. Generally speaking, that is usually done by a podiatrist. Running stores DO sell 'generic' type orthotic inserts...and I do know of one such type that can be found at Sports Authority that you heat in the microwave and it molds to your foot. That being said, I would definitely get fitted for shoes and have a running gait analysis done at a reputable running store...especially given the fact that you have flat feet, which probably means that you over-pronate. |
| 2008-09-27 10:20 PM in reply to: #1701246 |
Regular 316 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Been running for many years, and finally after bouts of achilles tendonitis and few other ailments, I broke down and went to a podiatrist(being a guy, I figured I'd leave it along and hope it'd go away.) BEST decision I ever made. The temporary orthotics, they gave me resulted in a HUGE improvement by the end of the day. The rehab and stretches were gravy. As soon as I was eligible for a new pair(ins only picks up one pair per year), I was in the office. Unable to say enough about the lifesaver, orthotics(and the podiatrist) are. Course I think the fact that the practice has two marathoners(1 is a consultant at a top running store in the area) makes a huge difference. |
| 2008-09-29 10:46 AM in reply to: #1701246 |
New user 7 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Thanks for the input guys.
I was just confused - if running shoes are specially made for your stride, and I rip out the soles for orthotics, am I not countering the purpose of the running shoe?
From what I understood, the orthotic is to correct deficiencies such as no arch, but not compensate for how I run. A Running show compensates for how I run (i.e. on my heel) but not for any deficiencies.
It seems as if I can choose one or the other, not both. But that is probably my lack of understanding - guess I need to find a podiatrist.
Again, thanks for the help. |
| 2008-09-29 10:55 AM in reply to: #1701246 |
| Extreme Veteran 562 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics You can have both. Get fitted for custom othotics. Take them to a good running store. You can try on running shoes with your othotics. The soles of running shoes are easily removed. |
| 2008-09-29 12:27 PM in reply to: #1701246 |
Master 1790 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics The standard insoles of a running shoe is nothing. It's so flimsy. You won't be changing anything about the shoe dynamics by *adding* your orthotic on top of the insole. Do you have specific injuries you are worried about? If not, then don't assume that you need orthotics just becuase you are a "big guy." And, DON'T let a running store just put you in a shoe for serious overpronates just because you're a big guy. Some teenager put me in a shoe for severe overpronation simply based on my weight and it was way too much shoe for me. Now I'm in a shoe for moderate overpronation and it's much better. If you do start and notice some foot pain, you can try over the counter orthotics first. These are about $30. And do be sure to take it nice and easy. I started at 253 pounds, and I only walked for about 6 months before I started jogging at all. |
| 2008-09-29 1:41 PM in reply to: #1703506 |
New user 7 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Oh, thanks for the heads up on that... I do know I need orthtics - I have 2 rehabbed ankles that I wrenched more than once in fencing and street hockey. I also have narrow and flat feet. I had them prescribed before, I just never wore them. However, as I start slowly in the gym now I feel irritation in my knees and figured this is a good start to help correct how I walk. Let me get something that brings me to base state and I can eliminate other problems from there. I appreciate the heads up on the running store. I actually have somewhat of a guide who is a friend of mine who know specific people I can speak to. Again, thanks for the input.
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| 2008-09-30 11:29 AM in reply to: #1703805 |
Member 51 Motor City USA | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics I run with orthotics and wish did not need them. A good runnning store will probably start you in a good neutral cushioning shoe, unless the wear pattern on your current shoes says otherwise. Wearing orthotics with running shoes means you will nedd a neutral shoe, and your size will dictate the cushioning. mostly I tend to cut off the back of my insoles so they don't push my orthotics forward too much, but it really makes finding the right shoe hard. If I were in your position I'd start some short distance stuff without any rigid orthotic and see how you do. If you start to have problems then step it up, but once you go to a rigid (or semi rigig) orthotic you are kinda locked in. Good luck and remember to start SLOW! |
| 2008-09-30 9:10 PM in reply to: #1706277 |
Master 1993 Riverside, IL | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics bigsky17 - 2008-09-30 11:29 AM Wearing orthotics with running shoes means you will nedd a neutral shoe, and your size will dictate the cushioning. Hmmm...I've not ever heard this before. Can you tell me your source for this info? I'm concerned now, because I'm awaiting my custom orthotics (they will be made of graphite, so I assume they're rigid) and I'm currently wearing a moderate stability shoe (Adidas Supernova Sequence). My podiatrist made no mention that I would have to convert to a neutral shoe, once I get my orthotics. |
| 2008-09-30 10:07 PM in reply to: #1701246 |
New user 7 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Guys, I truly appreciate the comments - I am learning a ton.
I see the podiatrist tomorrow, and at least am educated enough now to speak to him and ask the right questions.
Thanks! |
| 2008-10-01 1:14 AM in reply to: #1703506 |
Master 2033 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Offthegrid - 2008-09-29 9:27 AM The standard insoles of a running shoe is nothing. It's so flimsy. You won't be changing anything about the shoe dynamics by *adding* your orthotic on top of the insole. Do you have specific injuries you are worried about? If not, then don't assume that you need orthotics just becuase you are a "big guy." And, DON'T let a running store just put you in a shoe for serious overpronates just because you're a big guy. Some teenager put me in a shoe for severe overpronation simply based on my weight and it was way too much shoe for me. Now I'm in a shoe for moderate overpronation and it's much better. If you do start and notice some foot pain, you can try over the counter orthotics first. These are about $30. And do be sure to take it nice and easy. I started at 253 pounds, and I only walked for about 6 months before I started jogging at all. x2 on getting the right shoe. I went to a running store and they put me in brooks beasts because I am a big guy. Problem is I am not a over pronator. I had nothing but problems with my fee until i went to a different store and got a neutral running shoe. |
| 2008-10-01 6:19 AM in reply to: #1701246 |
New user 7 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics So here is a question hat bothers me ... What make a running shoe a running shoe? The sole - if so, am I not tossing "the baby out with the bathwater" when I replace the sole with an orthotic, essentially losing the benifits of a running shoe?
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| 2008-10-01 7:58 AM in reply to: #1707661 |
Member 51 Motor City USA | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics nscrbug - 2008-09-30 10:10 PM bigsky17 - 2008-09-30 11:29 AM Wearing orthotics with running shoes means you will nedd a neutral shoe, and your size will dictate the cushioning. Hmmm...I've not ever heard this before. Can you tell me your source for this info? I'm concerned now, because I'm awaiting my custom orthotics (they will be made of graphite, so I assume they're rigid) and I'm currently wearing a moderate stability shoe (Adidas Supernova Sequence). My podiatrist made no mention that I would have to convert to a neutral shoe, once I get my orthotics. That's jsut what I have been told. I assume because the orthotic is supposed to 'correct' the alignment of the foot and there fore you want a nice neutral footbed. In any case I was first told that a 'stability shoe was for me since I'm a supinator, but then was told that neutral shoes were better once I got the orthotics. you'll have to let me know how you like those graphite (I assume that they are carbon fiber) as I've lookied at those in the past because they seem a little less rigid than my plastic ones and are alot lighter. Good luck. To the OP. Taking out the insert does not really change the structure of the shoe. the foot bed is all the foam/gel/plastic that they build into the sole and this will not change and varise from shoe to shoe. Also note that one brands 'stability' shoe can feel like another brands 'neutral' shoe. Make sure to try on as many as you cna to find the proper fit. |
| 2008-10-02 9:49 AM in reply to: #1701246 |
New user 7 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Went to the podiatrist today and learned a ton. So in case somene stumbles across this thread, I just wanted to follow up with what I learned (to maybe help another). The shin splints I was feeling when I run had to do with the angle my foot sits at, he said an orthotic may or may not correct this completely, but should help. I asked what makes a running shoe a running shoe - if in removing the insert and replacing an orthotic, am I killing the benefits of the running shoe? He responded that the insert does almost nothing, the benefits have to do with where the shock absorption is. So in putting an orthotic in a running shoe - I am getting the correction of the orthotic with the benifits of a running shoe. He also said when I go to get fitted for a running shoe I should get a Neutral running shoe. Don't mess with the pronation at all - the correction will be in the orthotic. Hope this helps. |
| 2008-10-02 2:03 PM in reply to: #1701246 |
Veteran 299 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics just a suggestion, I would spend time reading thru this site. I feel its a lot of great information. I have followed some of the theorys with great success. http://www.sportsscientists.com/2008/01/running-technique.html I have flat, widish feet and everyone wanted my in motion control. (weight under 150) But with MC I found more injures lurking, and the rigidity of the shoes forced me to have a bad stride. Switched to a lwt trainer and will never look bad, I use the Brooks Axiom. But this is what works for me and I slowly made the change to the Axoims. First a stability shoe, than do tempo runs with axioms, now train in axioms race in flats. And I have had 2 pairs of orthotics and one of which gave me 2 neuromas (now I have to watch teh wide of my shoes and such.) and other little things. |
| 2008-10-02 2:29 PM in reply to: #1701246 |
New user 7 | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics I appreciate the info, I will check it out. |
| 2008-10-02 5:25 PM in reply to: #1701246 |
Expert 946 Barrington Area, IL | Subject: RE: Running Shoes Vs. Orthotics Interesting article in Triathlete Magazine this month on this subject. (November Edition). It talks about that the vast majority of people do not need Orthotics - they need to correct their gait. |
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