orthotics for arch support; Fryes arrived

Has anyone had orthotic inserts made for arch support, in mid-heeled footwear? How much space do they take up?

The Fryes arrived. The construction and quality is so much better than in the Fryes I'd seen at NR, and the style means they'd be a candidate for the 60-liter wardrobe.

But there's not only no arch support; there's a weird ridge right in front of the heel, formed by the black synthetic pad they've (presumably) glued in on top of the leather lining. That can be removed, if it's replaced with something intentional.

So, do I send them back? Or try to find someone who makes orthotics before the end of the month? They fit well; how much space do inserts for arch support need? a half size?

I want to love these. Arch issues are relatively new for me, so I'd very much welcome any advice.

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10 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

I have orthotics. I only wear them in a few pairs of shoes, none with heels. Mine have support for my insane arches and also a bump to take weight off my metatarsal joint, so they're fairly bulky. They're the full length of my shoes, not just the arch.

Mine only fit in shoes with removable insoles (running shoes, hiking boots, etc). My boyfriend used to have smaller orthotics, rigid arch support, that fit fine in Dr Martens and other shoes. He went up a size sometimes. I have high insteps so going up a size didn't help - just no way mine fit.

Anyways, I guess I'm just rambling but it might be worth talking to one of those walking shoe / orthotic stores, or your podiatrist if yours are prescription, because it varies a lot.

Diana

Try one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Powerste.....bs_shoe_15

http://www.amazon.com/Superfee.....feet+black

I own multiple pairs of both (eta - you only need one pair though since you can swap them between different shoes. I just wear a pair almost daily and I like to let them rest between wears) and wear them in most of my shoes. Some sports stores carry them, or similar. Make sure you get 3/4 length and not full length, and they should be rigid.. The 3/4 length means they do not take up much room and don't cramp your toes. The powerstep has a higher and stronger arch but is a bit thicker. I do have very shallow Insteps and flat feet so the back half of my shoes always have extra room anyway; if you have high arches or deep insteps you may have to size up.

Mander

(website)

How about those silicone arch supports? I had a pair in some heels and they really helped without taking up space anywhere else in the shoe.

Like these: http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Schol.....8&

Kim

I have custom orthotics for running and they support my high rigid arches and give my heel support too, (as it's the real problem.) At the back they are about 1/4 of an inch thick so they fit in some shoes, but not in others. They were made for my running shoes, but I can make them work in some others. They are full length, and funny enough it's the front of them that gives me problems with fit making some shoes too tight across the toes (and they are only about 1/8 of an inch thick there and flexible.

The half supports might work best for you. Talk to your orthotics guy/girl. The reason you need the support must considered and perhaps some off the rack orthotics will work for you, your foot person should know.

JAileen

I have hard plastic orthotics for plantar fasciitis. They are for lace up shoes. I have a pair of Frye Campus boots and I bought a pair of generic Dr Scholl insoles that I just leave in them. They were not custom, but they feel pretty good. I don't have P.F. (or any pain) anymore, but still use the inserts to prevent it from coming back.

minimalist

Thanks, all! I'll try some full-length OTC inserts for fit. These are really great boots, from a line Frye still makes domestically.

tarzy

I slip these into my flat Frye boots (Carson Shortie) for arch support:
https://www.thewalkingcompany......m0136-0500

They make the boots extremely comfy & all-day walkable!

gradfashionista

Dress orthotics work well--they're thinner and only half of the length.

Gigi

Amy, if you try the Superfeet, be sure to get the kind you need--they come in two versions, one for heels and one for flatter shoes. It depends on the height of the heel as to which one you get. Nordstrom has them and can help you find the right kind. The Superfeet are a rigid support and are 3/4 length. I use them, and whether they fit in the shoes really depends on the amount of space in the shoe.

I have tried the Walking Company ones recommended by Tarzy too. They felt really nice and seem like a really good product, but they took up quite a bit more space than the Superfeet, and so I wasn't able to use them in my shoes. I don't know if sizing up half a size in the shoe would have fixed the issue. These insoles too are very rigid and seem like a really good product. I would definitely have kept them if they would have fit in my shoes.

Chiropractors usually deal a lot with insoles. If you have a chiropractor you trust, you could ask him or her about it. My chiropractor carries a brand called Foot Levelers, which I have never tried--and I don't know if they have a version for heels. She said they didn't take up much space and that Foot Levelers has a sale going on this month. However, I think they are still pricey, in the $200-300 range.

I'm glad to see these suggestions for over the counter orthotics. If you can avoid the hassle and cost of custom orthotics, that's great. My friends swear by Superfeet, and I'm also curious about the Tarzy ones people mentioned.

(My custom orthotics were covered entirely by my insurance, amazingly. I have never found OTC inserts that match the height of my arches - photo below! Luckily I don't really need them anymore, because they only fit in my converse.)

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pastrygirl

I get Foot Levelers through my chiro. I wear the ones made for flat shoes; if I want a pair for heels, I'd have to get them made and pay another $200-300. I can only wear 1-1.5 inch "high" heels, if that, so I don't bother wearing the orthotics in any of my "high" shoes.

Oddly enough, I find my Fryes very comfy and supportive without my orthotics.

MsMaven

I have a pair of the 3/4 Superfeet that I wear in dressier shoes. I vote for them--they've saved many a pair of shoes. The gel ones that they sell at the drug stores don't work at all for me.

I've spent $$$ on custom orthotics and I prefer the Superfeet. They only work in closed heel shoes though.

Feet are funny--you have to try to find out what works for you. I have a box full of insoles, arch supports, metatarsal supports . . . but Superfeet work really well for me. They were recommended by my podiatrist.

Peri

I have custom orthotics and they do take up quite a bit of room. They really only fit well in my gym shoes with the normal insole removed, so I have not found them to be much use in regular shoes. I would say at least a half size would be needed, and as Kim says, it's the toes that feel the squish.

I have come up with a good trick though. Because I'm wearing my orthos in gym shoes, all those nice cushioned gym shoe insoles were going to waste. Not anymore...they have taken up residence in some boots I have and one pair of shoes they fit in. They are usually more cushiony and offer more support than regular shoe insoles...I take those out and replace them with the gym shoe insoles. It still involves going up a half size usually, but it helps.

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