Orthotic insoles what to buy?

[nmarman]

Just a note for Burt: although not always true £20 orthotics are often made from a foam construct with no plastic re-inforced spine. Although these work well they degrade quickly when used for running. Please check every six months as will probably need to be replaced.

Look for a creasing of the foam around the arch support and compare arch height between left to right when placed out of shoe.

On the upside they are normally very comfortable but can also be thickish creating a heel lift. This isn't so much of a problem in trainers but can cause blisters in work shoes.

[Burt Sanchez]

Thank you Nmarman! I will look out for the creases as a sign of degradation. I try to avoid work shoes as that means I am in the office!!! I have just sent an email to the manufacturer and they told me they are soon bringing out a sports orthotic with a plastic shell. It will be a couple of pounds more expensive but I am assuming will be longer lasting.

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Thank you Nmarman! I will look out for the creases as a sign of degradation. I try to avoid work shoes as that means I am in the office!!! I have just sent an email to the manufacturer and they told me they are soon bringing out a sports orthotic with a plastic shell. It will be a couple of pounds more expensive but I am assuming will be longer lasting.

[nmarman]

Interesting point; the normal bio mechanics of the arch is for it to slightly flatten the the leg is directly above knee (just after heel strike. So foam is great as it allows some drop but stops the "too much!". Diffrent sports load the foot differently. Tennis and and basketball means you need a stiff reactive arch support because this is how you brake and push of in another direction. If the arch has no to stuff the repetitive pressure can cause secondary problems.

Running is more straight line so a stiffer arch should be good with a thick toe end to cushion impact.

We still use foam orthotics for most sports but the foams are diffrent density in diffrent zones along sole. So the athlete can react and the orthotics last longer. We ask people to change theirs once a year.

Double edge sword I am afraid. I would just change them periodically that's all.