Running/Flat Feet/Orthotocis

[orangeblossom]

I just started running. I have cheap shoes that I've had for awhile (I know, I know).  I want to get new shoes.  I have flat feet, and recently got orthotics over the spring, but haven't worn them as much due to the warmer weather and wearing sandals and such.  I do try and wear supportive summer shoes.

That said, if you have flat feet, do you use your custom orthotics in your shoes, or just buy insoles.  Thus far, my feet or back really haven't been bothering me, but I know I can't do it in unsupportive shoes forever.

I'm really excited about running and have been sticking to it.  Group runs and accountability help a lot, and want to be healthy while doing it.

If you have any shoe suggestions for flat feet, I'm open to that as well.

[centralperk]

If you have orthotics, you should run in them. I have orthotics due to flat feet and back problems, and I wear them when I work out or when I'm going to be doing a lot of walking.

Bring your orthotics to a running store and ask for help. You need neutral shoes since you'll be wearing them with orthotics. In general, if you have flat feet, you want shoes that correct overpronation, but if you are using orthotics, you need neutral shoes. Good luck!

[Deleted]

Jul 25, 2013 2:00:42 GMT -5 centralperk said:

If you have orthotics, you should run in them. I have orthotics due to flat feet and back problems, and I wear them when I work out or when I'm going to be doing a lot of walking.

Bring your orthotics to a running store and ask for help. You need neutral shoes since you'll be wearing them with orthotics. In general, if you have flat feet, you want shoes that correct overpronation, but if you are using orthotics, you need neutral shoes. Good luck!

Not true.  I wear mine with stability shoes.  You just need to find the right combo for you. 

Also, you don't have to run in your orthotics.  You may find they do nothing for you when you run.  It's really just trial and error.  Finding the right running gear setup can be such a pain sometimes.

[naldridge]

I don't have flat feet but am totally sold on SuperFeet. I can tell a huge difference when I wear shoes that have them and shoes that don't. Remember that even when you are just standing around, you are putting 100% of your bodyweight on your feet and they are the foundation for the rest of your body. Sales pitch over, but seriously go to a running store and have them try a few different styles until you find something you like.

[orangeblossom]

Thanks for the input. I went to the running store yesterday, and totally forgot my orthotics. Good thing the store is right down the street. It's a little small and only had two or three brands though: saucony, hoka (I think), and can't remember the other one.

I'll have to google and find another one. I did go in Dick's and noticed they do have the gait analysis machine, but it's probably still best to go to a running store.

Thus far, I haven't had an issue with my feet in the cheap shoes I have and not wearing them, so I guess it will be a case of trial and error.

[gumi]

Jul 25, 2013 7:00:09 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

Jul 25, 2013 2:00:42 GMT -5 centralperk said:

If you have orthotics, you should run in them. I have orthotics due to flat feet and back problems, and I wear them when I work out or when I'm going to be doing a lot of walking.

Bring your orthotics to a running store and ask for help. You need neutral shoes since you'll be wearing them with orthotics. In general, if you have flat feet, you want shoes that correct overpronation, but if you are using orthotics, you need neutral shoes. Good luck!

Not true.  I wear mine with stability shoes.  You just need to find the right combo for you. 

Also, you don't have to run in your orthotics.  You may find they do nothing for you when you run.  It's really just trial and error.  Finding the right running gear setup can be such a pain sometimes.

I am curious, are your orthotics from a podiatrist?   I don't understand the point of an orthotic if it is not going to make you neutral.  The whole point is correction - so there should be no need for a corrective shoe on top of that.

I just picked up a new pair of orthotics from my podiatrist today. I dont have flat feet but I have an array of other foot problems.  I could not run without an orthotic, an insole is not even in the same playing field.  Having gotten orthotics from many sources in my life (chiropractors, orthopedics, podiatrists) , I personally believe podiatrists are the way to go.

[Deleted]

Jul 25, 2013 18:58:48 GMT -5 gumi said:

Jul 25, 2013 7:00:09 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

Not true.  I wear mine with stability shoes.  You just need to find the right combo for you. 

Also, you don't have to run in your orthotics.  You may find they do nothing for you when you run.  It's really just trial and error.  Finding the right running gear setup can be such a pain sometimes.

I am curious, are your orthotics from a podiatrist?   I don't understand the point of an orthotic if it is not going to make you neutral.  The whole point is correction - so there should be no need for a corrective shoe on top of that.

I just picked up a new pair of orthotics from my podiatrist today. I dont have flat feet but I have an array of other foot problems.  I could not run without an orthotic, an insole is not even in the same playing field.  Having gotten orthotics from many sources in my life (chiropractors, orthopedics, podiatrists) , I personally believe podiatrists are the way to go.

I have them from my podiatrist but I don't use his for running because my new running shoe is far too long for them.  However, when I got them, I asked him specifically if I needed a different running shoe and he said absolutely not.  So...<shrug>

[centralperk]

Jul 25, 2013 18:58:48 GMT -5 gumi said:

Jul 25, 2013 7:00:09 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

Not true.  I wear mine with stability shoes.  You just need to find the right combo for you. 

Also, you don't have to run in your orthotics.  You may find they do nothing for you when you run.  It's really just trial and error.  Finding the right running gear setup can be such a pain sometimes.

I am curious, are your orthotics from a podiatrist?   I don't understand the point of an orthotic if it is not going to make you neutral.  The whole point is correction - so there should be no need for a corrective shoe on top of that.

I just picked up a new pair of orthotics from my podiatrist today. I dont have flat feet but I have an array of other foot problems.  I could not run without an orthotic, an insole is not even in the same playing field.  Having gotten orthotics from many sources in my life (chiropractors, orthopedics, podiatrists) , I personally believe podiatrists are the way to go.

This is my understanding too - that the orthotics make you neutral. That's what I've been told at least. Like you said, if they don't, then I'm not sure what the point is.

[orangeblossom]

Jul 25, 2013 18:58:48 GMT -5 gumi said:

Jul 25, 2013 7:00:09 GMT -5 aswartzw said:

Not true.  I wear mine with stability shoes.  You just need to find the right combo for you. 

Also, you don't have to run in your orthotics.  You may find they do nothing for you when you run.  It's really just trial and error.  Finding the right running gear setup can be such a pain sometimes.

I am curious, are your orthotics from a podiatrist?   I don't understand the point of an orthotic if it is not going to make you neutral.  The whole point is correction - so there should be no need for a corrective shoe on top of that.

I just picked up a new pair of orthotics from my podiatrist today. I dont have flat feet but I have an array of other foot problems.  I could not run without an orthotic, an insole is not even in the same playing field.  Having gotten orthotics from many sources in my life (chiropractors, orthopedics, podiatrists) , I personally believe podiatrists are the way to go.

They are from a podiatrist.  I got them on a whim so to speak, not really, but it wasn't planned.  I had a really bad ingrown toenail that had to be removed.  I asked him about my flat feet and orthotics, and he said yes he could do the scans and make them for me.  I also needed to use up my FSA money, so this was as good a time as any to get them.  


They came back later than they were supposed to, so by the time I got them I was moving and wasn't able to work with him to test them out and such.

It seems the consensus is to take the orthotics with me to the running store, so that's what I'll do.

[hannahb]

What you do gait wise running vs walking can be completely different. You may need orthotics to correct an issue for an everyday shoe and need something different when running. Therefore the difference between what type of shoe a person needs while running. Everyone is different in this regard. Also a person may need to be built up in a slightly different manor warranting either a neutral or stability shoe. This is why a gait evaluation is so important. If you do need orthotics I would highly recommend a PT who specializes in that vs a podiatrist.