Orthotics?

[joshf]

Hi All,

A few years ago I had a knee issue and it was suggested to me that I use custom orthotics in my cycling shoes. I've been using them for a few years and ride a lot with them. It's time to replace my shoes and I'm wondering if I really need these things or not. I ride my Mtn bike without them. I need to buy a bigger shoe so I am deciding if I want to keep em. What are your thoughts on them and if you're using them please let me know your feelings on em.

Thanks!

[8toes]

Type II Diabetic here with 3 toes on my left foot due to iinfection and surgery back in 2003. I use orthotics and find that they ease alot of rubbing and chafing that I would otherwise suffer without them. They keep my foot from moving around inside the shoe. I also needed to buy bigger shoes but it is a fair trade for me.

[FTR]

Not custom but I do use e-Soles in my shoes at the recommendation of Steve Hogg.

[trussdude]

I've been wearing custom orthotics for 10 years. I wear the same size shoe with or without them.

I transfer them to whichever shoes I'm wearing.

[woodys737]

e-soles for me as well. I have a super high arch that was deforming when I pedal which was helping cause some problems. The new e-soles have a system that allows you to change the shape and height of the arch to better fit them to your foot. Very impressed with them so far. MSRP is around $50 USD.

[88 rex]

I had/have orthotics due to heel/shin injuries from running. The problems lasted for years, and the orthotics never got me to a point I could run again. I've gone the completely opposite route with some Vibram Five Fingers and can finally run pain free again. So, IMO, I wasted some time and $$ on orthotics. What I want now is a bike shoe that has a bigger toe box.

[Alaska Mike]

I pronate pretty badly, which has led to some knee problems over the years. I have custom orthotics which keep my arches from collapsing and keep my knees tracking straight. Most off the shelf footbeds aren't what I consider orthotics, but some do a pretty good job of correcting minor issues. I've used the Specialized BG footbeds with some luck in my MTB shoes, and I use Superfeet corks in my ski boots.

[AndrwSwitch]

Non-custom - Specialized BG foot beds.

I seem to be having an "echoing Alaska Mike" posting moment right now. I also have custom insoles in my ski and snowboard boots. The ones in the ski boots were true custom, and f'ing expensive. My snowboard boots and running shoes just have Zapz. I'm all about different insoles in my footwear - several years of being on my feet on concrete for long shifts (and probably some underlying instability or weakness) have made my feet a little sensitive.

I have flaky knees, along with occasional plantar fasciitis. I think the BG foot beds were one of the biggest things I did to be able to start riding decent volume again.

[Hughsdad]

I've been using them for a few years and ride a lot with them. It's time to replace my shoes and I'm wondering if I really need these things or not.

I don't use orthotics, so can hardly give advice on them. I'm just thinking that if you've got something working well for you, why change it?

[tednugent]

Hi All,

A few years ago I had a knee issue and it was suggested to me that I use custom orthotics in my cycling shoes. I've been using them for a few years and ride a lot with them. It's time to replace my shoes and I'm wondering if I really need these things or not. I ride my Mtn bike without them. I need to buy a bigger shoe so I am deciding if I want to keep em. What are your thoughts on them and if you're using them please let me know your feelings on em.

Thanks!

The orthotics you get from a podiatrist are more for walking.

other sports puts different demands on your feet.

I couldn't use my orthotics in my snowboard boots, because it didn't work. I had to go to a pedorthist that specialized in sports, specifically one that knows skiing/snowboarding to get a orthotic for them (pedorthists makes the orthotics per what the podiatrist prescribes)...

right now I have specialized inserts (for my MTB shoes & Road shoes)....I don't feel like dropping a huge chunk of change to see the guy that made my orthotic for my snowboard boots...

Custom Orthotics by US Orthotic Center New York City ... iirc it cost me $500 (for 2 consultations plus actually making the orthotics) plus parking in NYC (and tolls)

[krisdrum]

Not custom fit by an MD, but custom fit by me. I am on the e-soles as well and they have been fantastic. The best insoles I've ever used and I've tried many of them (Superfeet, Sole, etc.).

[sanrensho]

Not custom fit by an MD, but custom fit by me. I am on the e-soles as well and they have been fantastic. The best insoles I've ever used and I've tried many of them (Superfeet, Sole, etc.).

Are the eSoles thicker or thinner around the toes than Superfeet (Blue)?

Thanks.

[NavyPT]

Orthotics in cycling shoes? Orthotics are meant to stabilize the foot when weight bearing. Isn't most of your weight in cycling shoes being put through the ball of your foot and not through the arch? Guess I'll have to put my shoes on, guess I don't think of it that much.

[superjesus]

Where's the "have orthotics but don't use them" option?

I have the green Superfeet but cannot stand them in my running shoes. I have moderate arches, and was sized at a very reputable local running shoe store. I found the pain from wearing them unbearable, even on relatively short runs. My feet have been pain free in my cycling shoes so I felt no need to try anything.

I am reconsidering other options with lower, less pronounced arch support for both my running shoes and cycling shoes to help with heel and ankle alignment.

[Mr. Versatile]

My right knee sticks out some when I ride. I went to a podiatrist who is also a cyclist. He watched me ride & made some orthotics for me. I removed them after about 20 miles because my knee was killing me.

[Kendogz161]

Hi guy. to the riders using E-soles, what type are you using? The cycling spec. one can not be found at any store or online. Wondering if the ones SUPER DYNAMIC one would work for cycling? Tried calling Esoles no luck nobody answers the phone.

[Peanya]

Try creating a new thread instead of digging up old ones. ;)

[Nicole Hamilton]

Orthotics in cycling shoes? Orthotics are meant to stabilize the foot when weight bearing.

As someone's already mentioned, I think the other big reason to have orthotics would be to correct for a tendency to pronate (twist) your foot through the cycle. If you're locked into the peddle and it's not corrected, I expect that would translate into some unwelcome torque on your knee. I'm suspicious that's what contributed to an overuse injury I got cross-country hiking a couple years ago. I was wearing new summer hiking shoes but they had a funny heel in them, too high on the outsides, and each step was twisting my knee.

[tednugent]

Try creating a new thread instead of digging up old ones. ;)

Why? It proves that someone has actually searched through the old threads....

plus, it prevents someone from responding:

• Search noob
• This topic has been discussed at length in the past... search
• etc

[woodys737]

Hi guy. to the riders using E-soles, what type are you using? The cycling spec. one can not be found at any store or online. Wondering if the ones SUPER DYNAMIC one would work for cycling? Tried calling Esoles no luck nobody answers the phone.

You'll want to look into getting the eSoles eFit Supportive soles. Included are four separate interchangeable arch supports which velcro into the bed. Two metatarsal pads is also included.

IIRC one of the PT's at Endurance Rehab here in Scottsdale is the owner. You can always google endurance rehab and call them and inquire as they sell them out of the facility. I found mine at a shop down the street called FASTER. You can look them up HERE

[Kendogz161]

Woodys737 thank you, they had some in stock shipping them out tomorrow.

[brucew]

I can second the recommendation to goggle around and shop locally.

My fitter referred me to a local running store. There I got some Powerstep Pros at a considerable discount from the manufacturer's web site.

[Kendogz161]

Tried Google. no one seem to have a size 11/ 45.5. Even tried buying from Esoles direct but they don't answer e-mails or pick up the phone. Endurance Rehab had them in stock, I'll just get it from them and have soom happy feet.

[snosaw]

Yes...well, no.
I do...in all of my ski boots. Cycling shoes, no. Not because I don't think they will help but my cleats seem to have enough "float" that I do not think they are necessary.

Ski boots are a different thing. Being that I mostly ski for a living, orthotics (at least I think) really help my body, legs, knees, etc., last for the season. I feel more aligned and more "pain" free. At least I don't ache through the winter.

[saf-t]

Serious pronator here. I use orthotics in everything except water shoes.