Comparing Custom Orthotics and Off-The-Shelf Insoles
As Pedorthists, we have a few tricks up our sleeve for “fine tuning” the fit, feel and function of many shoes. While some changes must be done by your Certified Pedorthist, there are a couple of tricks you can try yourself at home to improve the fit or function of your shoes:
Lock Lacing
If you have trouble with your heel rubbing or slipping at the back of the shoe, consider utilizing the very back eyelet of the shoe in one of two ways. The simplest solution is to skip the second last hole and go right to the back hole in the shoe. This will snug the collar of the shoe more securely around your ankle, reducing heel slippage.
The next option is lock lacing. Using both of the back holes, create a loop to feed your laces through before tying them. This creates an extra-snug fit around the ankle.
Gap Lacing
If you have a higher arched foot, you might experience rubbing or discomfort on the top of your foot with certain shoes. Gap Lacing can be used to decrease the pressure over a specific area of the foot without compromising a snug, secure fit.
Lacing Shoes for Hiking & Biking
Certain activities, laces can get caught up in the environment or equipment you are using. When Hiking, laces can get caught on brush or undergrowth. Tying laces to the inside of the shoe can keep them out of the way. Similarly, when cycling, laces can get caught on the chain or crank of the bicycle, creating a dangerous situation. Using the same lacing technique, we can lace our shoes to have the tied ends facing outwards, away from the bicycle’s moving parts.
An inside-out version of straight lacing, this technique keeps the laces flat against the tongue of the shoe, reducing the likelihood that they will be caught on anything. For a full tutorial, check out Ian’s Shoelace Site
For more information about proper lacing and custom orthotics to improve foot health, contact the expert pedorthists at SoleScience.
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