Flat feet - which insoles?

[fizz47]

So I have had flat feet and have been wearing my current insoles for about 10 years..These insoles were provided by my doctor and ordered by himself.

Last year I went to the doctor and he provided me a name of a company which he said do the best type of insoles. I never got around to ordering them but i cant rememebr the name of them-

As I have moved house I cant go to the same Dr so was wondering if people had any good recccomendations for insoles of flat feet and which ones are considered to be the most effective?

[p1stonhead]

London orthotic consultancy made mine.

Getting a bit tired after 4 years so may need to get more soon.

Think they were about £150

[WestyCarl]

There is a line of thinking that insoles / orthotics do more harm than good.

I'd visit a local podiatrist (not Doctor), they be able to recommend what's best.

[272BHP]

I agree: I have flat feet and was prescribed custom orthotics by experts many years ago and they were frankly absurd; heavy, unforgiving and unnatural. I bought some superfeet insoles instead and have never looked back, many ultra marathons and endurance events later I am still in good shape.


http://www.superfeet.com

[p1stonhead]

Didn't know there were types of custom insoles. Mine are very much like the super feet ones. Basically sculpted hard foam.

[sawman]

Unfortunately there are very many "experts" providing custom orthoses, but relatively few who really understand what they are trying to do with them.

Superfeet are about the best non prescribed orthoses you can get, and so long as their generic shape fits the foot will probably be helpful, and are all many people need

Properly prescribed & constructed custom orthoses should be a significant step up in terms of longevity, benefit. and if you have non standard shaped feet will fit better

[ch427]

WestyCarl said:

There is a line of thinking that insoles / orthotics do more harm than good.

I'd visit a local podiatrist (not Doctor), they be able to recommend what's best.

Id agree, they will cut some simple cheap inserts for you.

[fizz47]

Thank you for the replies


Looks like I should see a local specialist

Someone also mentioned the name vasyli as providing good insoles... any thoughts?

[sawman]

fizz47 said:

Thank you for the replies


Looks like I should see a local specialist

Someone also mentioned the name vasyli as providing good insoles... any thoughts?

defo go and see someone

but if you re looking at non custom , I'd go with superfeet in preference to vasyli

[arun1uk]

272BHP said:

I agree: I have flat feet and was prescribed custom orthotics by experts many years ago and they were frankly absurd; heavy, unforgiving and unnatural. I bought some superfeet insoles instead and have never looked back, many ultra marathons and endurance events later I am still in good shape.


http://www.superfeet.com

+1 for Superfeet. I use Greens in my running shoes and Orange in my racquet sport shoes. I find the Greens to provide enough support for me, and the Orange give a bit more cushioning on the front of the foot.

One thing I would say is, make sure you actually need them. Many people (like me) assumed that because I have flat feet, I need high arch insoles. But actually, many people have flatter feet than most, but still have flexibility - therefore you don't really require custom orthotics. Why not see a physio first, who can analyse your gait and advise from there?

[mph1977]

you need to see an orthotist and/or podiatrist to be sure you aren;t doing harm / wasting money

[smiffy180]

I went to my local uni, they did my insoles made for me (and my shoe) for £10 a session + £20 for the insoles. Only been twice so can't complain!

[jonmac73]

recommend a specialist.
I went with heel pain and diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis. Suggested over counter 3/4 length insoles first before 00's on custome made.
Started off with Schultt & now have several pairs of "SoleControl" from Amazon - very cheap. Sorted for me and look similar to those above.
I'm no doctor though, so see a specialist - my GP was rubbish.