Comparing Custom Orthotics and Off-The-Shelf Insoles
As foot care professionals, footwear is very important to our treatment plans, as well as patient comfort and compliance. However, often when we are suggesting shoes, we will give a patient a range of options and multiple options within each category. Why would we not just suggest one general shoe that we think will work?
Shoes to Match Your Lifestyle
As the old adage goes, one shoe doesn’t work for everyone. And, it’s true. There are multiple types of athletic performance shoes within several categories that are designed with slight differences. In the running shoe category alone you can find: motion control, cushioning, stability, stable neutral, minimalist, and maximalist. Then there are the cross training, court, and walking shoes. Learn more about how to pick running shoes.
Additionally, all brands are not created equally and not all shoes within a brand are created equally, either. Running shoe models that your Pedorthist suggests are recommended based on their technology, last (the way the shoe is built), and quality. More expensive shoes often use higher technology, with lighter and more durable cushioning than shoes you may find at a discounted retailer. However, each brand sells shoes on a wide price range, starting with lower end models (limited technology, that may not have the same durability) all the way up to a premium shoe at the highest price point. But, this does not necessarily mean that the more expensive shoe is the best shoe for you.
What about the ‘editor’s choice’ or ‘best shoe’ award selections you can find in magazines or online? The rating indicates that the shoe tested well in the category that it was designed for and was well liked by many people who tested the model. If you look to such opinion editorials and lists you’ll typically find information on the type and use of the shoe as well as details to the particular foot type and stride the tester had. Again, what’s recommended in these selections may be good for a large majority of people, but may not in fact be right for you. This can be a good starting point for suggestions of brands and types of models you want to consider.
Your Pedorthist Can Help Find the Shoe That Fits
Shopping for shoes tailored to you feet can be a
complicated, time intensive process, but with the help of the right person it can be made a much more enjoyable process. Your Pedorthist will discuss a variety of factors and assess you foot structure and function before making a shoe recommendation. After considering all of the important factors, your Pedorthist will suggest shoes that we believe will work best for your needs, but it is always recommended that you try on a few different shoes within the category to determine which shoe fits best for you.
If you have any questions about your current footwear or purchasing new shoes, please feel free to contact us at SoleScience—we care about your feet!
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