Shoe inserts - what's been your experience

[secretlyevil]

I'm starting this long question off by saying I know there are all kinds of things wrong with this scenario.

I went to a podiatrist a month ago for my plantar fasciitis. Part of the treatment was getting a set of shoe inserts (he sold BTW). Right after that I took some major time off from all working out. This week I got back to running, etc. Well the inserts are kind of heinous. For one thing, they've made my shoes tight. And another, they fit snug up into my arch, etc. The inserts also don't seem to fit into my shoes very well (they're a smidge too big IMO). I have had inserts before but never had these issues. The snug issue is something I wonder if I just need to get used to? The nurse I just spoke to was very unhelpful  and apparently the doctor is out of the office through the 19th. So now I sit here wondering if I should give up on the inserts, go to my running store and get their input, pull the inserts and run in my shoes without them, none of the above or all of the above?

What's been your experience with shoe inserts? Thoughts, suggestions, insight?

[tuggyruns]

I got the "semi custom" inserts from Road Runner a few years ago. I ran in them for a few weeks and ended up with a fractured heel. Now, I say that to say that I also prob had that fracture coming. My pod said it was a "freak accident" (i.e. no way to do that by poor mechanics) SO, I still don't like them and I am super leary to try them again.

On your shoes being tight, that's your shoe. Some shoes on the market just fit inserts better than others. If you are committed to your inserts, I'd take them to your LRS and try some new kicks that fit the inserts better.

[Susie]

If your running shoes are tight with the custom inserts, I would go to your LRS and try on a half size bigger with your inserts.

[secretlyevil]

I'm not particularly married to these inserts. Yes, I think the next step is to go to my LRS and explain my situation and see what they say. I'll bring the inserts with me. I've also sent an email to the dr. I'll see what those two avenues result in.

[thom]

I wear the blue super feet inserts after being fitted with them several times at my far away LRS by the "shoe whisperer." She really is.

Anyhow, generally there are different sizes for each insert. (Medium might fit women's size 8-10 or something.) Do yours work that way & did they give you the right size? I've also been told you can cut the insert down around the edges if needed.

You could certainly try a larger shoe size , but if that doesn't feel right I'd consider if the inserts are the problem.

Last, this might be a stupid question, but you've taken out the original insert & anything else in the shoe, yes?

Good luck. I'd be frustrated with this situation too, and I hope you can get some answers.

[libbygrl109]

I have custom orthotics from a podiatrist, and I do notice that shoes fit differently when I have them in vs. not. I get shoes that fit with them in, so I may have to go 1/2 size up. They're only partial foot (hard plastic/resin, heel to ball of foot). I couldn't live without them (then again, my feet are structurally a mess, so I really have no choice). Are yours from a foot mold, or just a glorified version of the ones you'd get in a LRS?

[secretlyevil]

May 9, 2014 12:45:58 GMT -5 libbygrl109 said:

a glorified version of the ones you'd get in a LRS?

and thom - it's not a dumb question, but yes, the original inserts were removed. 

[emilyj]

I went to a podiatrist original for all my foot issues. He put me in a set of inserts which I have since learned served to only screw my feet up further. Thusly, I don't have a very good opinion of podiatrists and inserts. :-)

My current PT/chiro group fitted me with a new set, and really worked with me from the get go on how they felt, how they fit in my shoes, how they felt with my feet, and analyzing my gait with them both in and out. If this guy isn't doing that for you, I don't know that I'd keep wearing the inserts.

[libbygrl109]

I'd go for a second opinion. Yes, they can be a tiny bit bulky, but if they work right, you shouldn't even notice that they are there.

[secretlyevil]

Well my interaction with this podiatrist tends to make me agree with your assessment emilyj.

[emuni04]

When I had inserts, I had to go up a 1/2 size to accommodate them (at the recc of my LRS). I second PP's, if that doesn't work then I'd get a second opinion. I never even noticed that they were in once I sized up my shoe.

[emilyj]

May 9, 2014 13:25:21 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

Well my interaction with this podiatrist tends to make me agree with your assessment emilyj.

I am assuming your podiatrist is not Dr. Joe?  What does he say? 

[secretlyevil]

May 9, 2014 13:58:29 GMT -5 emilyj said:

May 9, 2014 13:25:21 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

Well my interaction with this podiatrist tends to make me agree with your assessment emilyj.

I am assuming your podiatrist is not Dr. Joe?  What does he say? 

Noooooooo.....Dr. Joe is going to be so disappointed with me. He warned me not to allow a steroid shot and I just can't face him....

I know, I'm a pansy.

[emilyj]

May 9, 2014 14:04:31 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

May 9, 2014 13:58:29 GMT -5 emilyj said:

I am assuming your podiatrist is not Dr. Joe?  What does he say? 

Noooooooo.....Dr. Joe is going to be so disappointed with me. He warned me not to allow a steroid shot and I just can't face him....

I know, I'm a pansy.

Go back and see him.  It sounds like he was originally helping you?  I'd trust him before I'd trust this new podiatrist.  

I don't see the harm in a steroid shot.  I see more potential harm in these inserts.  

[secretlyevil]

See that's the thing. The PF calmed down under Dr. Joe to a point where it was tolerable. And then a week or so after he said it was just going to take some time, I woke up one day in complete agony. Like what it was and significantly more worse (and this was long after that last disaster of a half). That's when I decided to go to the foot yahoo. And here we are today...with me having to make an appt with Dr. Joe and face the music.

[nk]

May 9, 2014 12:45:58 GMT -5 libbygrl109 said:

I have custom orthotics from a podiatrist, and I do notice that shoes fit differently when I have them in vs. not. I get shoes that fit with them in, so I may have to go 1/2 size up. They're only partial foot (hard plastic/resin, heel to ball of foot). I couldn't live without them (then again, my feet are structurally a mess, so I really have no choice). Are yours from a foot mold, or just a glorified version of the ones you'd get in a LRS?

I have this type as well.  In my right shoe I had to take out the insert that came with the sneaker for the custom insert to sit properly and not hurt/feel awkward/make my shoe too tight.  I also had the girl at the running store re-do my laces in a new lace pattern which helped a lot.  Left foot was business as usual.  Weird but my feet a odd.

[secretlyevil]

WOW! I wasn't expecting a response from the foot yahoo in any sort of expedited manner but I just got one. I'm supposed to make an appt to go in, bring my shoes and get evaluated. There's an "adjustment" period with the orthotic inserts. I've got to think about if I really want to see what this guys says anymore.