Orthopedic Shoes

[Arrow]

I will be on my feet at work for the majority of the time for May - August this summer. I'm looking into getting orthopedic shoes. I'm fairly young and still under 25, but I want to prevent any problems later on if I can.

How much do these shoes usually go for? What features should I be looking for? Any recommendations in the GVRD? My benefits package is paying for part of the shoe cost.

And of course, I hope I'll be able to find a style that's not for seniors!

[ironchefff]

A thread that I can actually contribute to!

I've had orthopedic inserts for about 2 years now and I think they are worth the money. My legs hurt less after long hours of standing and can walk/run father distances. First of all, I think orthopedic shoes are a waste because it only lasts as long as the shoe. I would recommend getting othopedic inserts instead because you can use them in the shoes you already own, change shoe styles when you want to and also easily clean them if necessary. I paid about $300 (benefits covered it) for the entire package... feet inspection, custom casting and choice of material.

Be sure to find a good place to get it done because some places don't even do casting and just measure your foot and drop off a generic insert for the same price. It's also important to find a good place because you'll probably end up going back to same place if you want another pair done and then it's cheaper since they wont have to do a casting again.

-IronChefff

[Action Jackson]

I used to work at the Foot Clinic at one of the local hospitals in the GTA.

Orthopedic shoes can cost quite a bit.

I'd 2nd ironchefff's recommendation for orthotic inserts. You have to combine that with comfortable and supportive shoes such as Saucony, New Balance and certain Brooks models.

There are so many ways to have inserts made it's not funny. I've seen and heard of many ways that they can be made. I'll PM you with some info on that.

You might also want to consider changing shoes mid-day and at least wear different shoes everyday.

[Phambella]

You might also want to consider changing shoes mid-day and at least wear different shoes everyday.


Can you explain why?

I have been wearing orthotic inserts for a few months now. I noticed a total change (ie: no back pain, a lot less neck pain, no pain in the legs/feet/toes/ankle). However, for the past couple of weeks, my ankle has started to hurt (this is the damn ankle I sprained like 7 years ago). I wonder what could be happening...

I guess it's time to find a good chiropractor or foot doctor...?

[Action Jackson]

Can you explain why?

I have been wearing orthotic inserts for a few months now. I noticed a total change (ie: no back pain, a lot less neck pain, no pain in the legs/feet/toes/ankle). However, for the past couple of weeks, my ankle has started to hurt (this is the damn ankle I sprained like 7 years ago). I wonder what could be happening...

I guess it's time to find a good chiropractor or foot doctor...?

Shoes do not have unlimited cushioning. If they are switched mid-day they'll be fresher feeling and should have good cushioning properties. That's just a general recommendation.

As for your ankle, you should have your family doctor check it out and let them recommend a correct course of action. If you do have a "Good" Chiropractor, Podiatrist or Chiropodist then feel free to go. Again just a general recommendation.

It could be a number of things. One is if the orthotic is too old, I would say more than 4 or 5 years then you might want to look into something newer.

People change in weight, bone structure, ligament length, etc.... but your orthotics were made for your body type a few years ago and may not be able to accomodate the changes or are just plain worn out.

[babychai]

another vote for inserts...

i have them too and some sales guys actually take quite the initiative and come to your house to do the computerized analysis of your foot/pain areas and then take a mold to do the inserts....

so now i have two pairs of inserts...
1 for sports (blue and wider with more cushioning)
1 for leather shoes (narrower, black and more elegant)

[Neb]

Let's not forget physiotherapists now :) Most clinics have someone trained to fit orthotics, and yes they are about 300-400 a pair. If u use them everyday, they might last only a year. Most plans will cover a pair every 2 yrs i think.

[Zephyrus]

I'll PM you with some info on that.



Could you PM me or post that information on the thread? I'm flat-footed as well.

Thanks :)

[bigwill]

you should go with the inserts, i go to this guy at midland and mcnicol and not only does he give you inserts, but he throws in some coupons for shoes at SoftMoc or First String Sport all covered by benefits i think.

[netgeek]

I goto my podiatrist to get custom made orthodics. They cost me about 400 dollars but that is totally covered by benefits. I highly reccomend them! I also suggest going to see a podiatrist because they are actual doctors who deal with feet only. They have at least five years of schooling. Going to see one is covered my OHIP in Ontario and the orthodics are covered by most benefit plans.

[Arrow]

Thanks for the very informative replies everyone - If anyone else has any information, keep it coming :)