Contributors to this thread:
Are any of you using after market or custom orthotic insoles in your boots? I have always used whatever came in my boots but am considering trying something else. I broke my right ankle 10-11 years ago. I have a lot of constant ankle and foot pain from the injury and thought that a good insole might alleviate some of this.
Have any of you used Sheep Feet? If you know, are they that much better than something like Superfeet?
I wanted some sheepfeet . Couldn't bring myself to drop that much cheese. I bought some power step pinnacle. They seem to help. I broke my right ankle as well and had it all screwed back together. I also have some trouble with peroneal tendinitis. Jury is still out but the insoles seems to help. Sometimes I use kt tape and tape them up if they are really acting up, or wear a lace up ankle brace inside my boot.
This getting older shit is a real treat.
Edit...you can find a you tube video on how to use the kt tape.
Bowfreak, there was a fairly recent thread concerning this very topic. Lots of input. I tried to find it, but so far no luck. If I do, I’ll post the link.
wyobullshooter's Link
This isn’t the one I was looking for, but it does mention Sheep Feet.
I have not subjected my feet to “factory insoles” in hiking boots in about 20 years, and ski boots for considerably longer.
Almost a year ago, a hiking/shooting buddy talked me into upgrading to Sole from Superfeet. Sole aren’t the only game in town, but they do have the distinct advantage of being bakeable, and that cork just keeps on conforming over the miles. I hunted hard for 3 weeks in basically brand new boots and the only hotspots I had were at the top grommet on the inside of the ankle.
Lately, though, at around 50 miles of pretty difficult terrain/month, I’ve started wondering if I should bite the bullet and go Custom…
Sort of like how I went and got my ears tested this morning…
Hoping that if I get evaluated for Orthotics, they’ll tell me what the Audiologist told me, which is that they CAN help me, but I am not in imminent or immediate need of anything expensive…
But as our Senior Statesman here, Paul, will tell you… You get issued two feet, two ankles/knees/hips, one spine and one lifetime in which to enjoy them. If you have an issue with a foot or an ankle, you can screw up your knees, hips, spine…. And who knows what else….
So JMO, try some reputable, store-bought insoles at the LEAST. If you’re concerned about something serious (or if the upgraded insoles don’t help), go get a good referral and have someone (with an education and a professional license) take a look and give you a recommendation.
Co-pays are dirt cheap compared to orthopedic issues.
Corax you sound like a second rate Ai bot :)
I’ve had super feet, SOLE insoles and sheep feet both the thin and the thick. I would rank super feet third on that list and sheep feet first. SOLE is a nice middle ground with a high arch support. Sheep feet have sales alot and you can use your HSA card to buy them. Plus, you can get them resurfaced if they wear out.
The only downside to sheep feet is that they do not allow your boots or feet to breathe and you have to remove them each night to dry your boots out.
Huge Sheep Feet believer here. I had horrible Plantar Fasciitis in both feet on and off since 2006. I tried every remedy possible before getting a custom insert set made and i have not had any issues since getting my Sheep Feet more than 3 years ago. Bowfreak call the guys at Sheep Feet and explain your situation they will custom design you an insert to help you out. Do it now! The lead time is 4+ weeks now. Sandbrew
Thanks Sandbrew. I’ll give them a call tomorrow.
Get a bunch...put them on a flat surface and stand on them....it will be obvious the ones you like...... then send the others back.
Just ordered Sheepfeet. After Blood posted about the HSA, it was a no brainer. I have a fairly large balance on my FSA so here’s to hoping they help me.
I've used Good Feet insoles for many years and they make a noticeable difference. My arches were starting to collapse and it was also affecting my knees. They were spendy, but the best available at the time. Now there are lots of great options put there that cost less. Try a bunch. I also like Camel Toes for relief after a long day..
I have arthritis in the ball joint of each foot. Orthopedic foot specialist recommended custom built inserts with a stiff carbon plate under the ball joint and big toe to keep the toe from flexing. I love the inserts but only used the separate carbon plate once. I had a set made for every pair of boots I own. They’re cork heal cups and arch supports with high grade foam over the top that run to the forefoot.
If you can get a doctor to write a prescription for inserts many insurance plans will pay for them and/or you can use a HSA (health savings account) to pay for them.
oh yah Lou. A nice camel Toe!!
Unfortunately, I think everything we do to support our feet makes them weaker, causing most of the problems we have with our feet.
^^ Unfortunately work circumstances don't always allow us to 'use' our feet properly, in other words, to walk. Before I retired, my work required me to be standing on a hard concrete floor for eight - 9 -10 hrs. a day. Tried everything from thin soles to ultra cushioned. Quality rubber mats. Only thing that helped was retirement! I can walk all morning, but standing for 20 minutes kills me. As I said in a previous string, the insoles you put in your shoes should match your feet and give you enough support. 'High arch' insoles will hurt if you have low arches. It's less a matter of brand name than proper fit.
You are right Nick. Vicious cycle.
Midwest has a good point. My son's run cross country. The shoes they run in have absolutely no support. They are just a sole with enough fabric to lace them to your foot. The football boys said something to my oldest son this past fall about how it's amazing they don't twist their ankles. His response was "your ankles would be able to take more if you didn't always tape them up and support them so much". I don't know if he is right. But I guess it makes sense.
Dana, did you ever try losing weight, eating food that reduces inflammation, do exercise every day that heavily involved using your feet like calf raises, running, pack training, long walks, etc? Or did you go home after work and put up your aching feet and have a beer?
Not being a smartass but that’s what most Americans do. The bandaid is foot support and cushion. IMO
Custom orthotics all the way. Some insurance companies cover and even if they don't, not super expensive. I have to walk with an orthotic in my shoe/boot the minute I wake up and swap it from shoes to hunting boots easily. Go see a the best podiatrist in your area and hopefully he will prescribe some custom orthotics for you. Good luck.
since al gore invented the internet, i have more problems, i am at greater risk, and need more things than i ever imagined.