Breaking in Custom Orthotics

magglett

My custom made orthotics finally came in. I wore them to go for groceries tonight and they sure feel funny. Like there's something in my shoe that shouldn't be there. Reminds me of the princess and the pea story. But he said I'll get used to them eventually. I can only wear them for short periods of time each day until I get used to them. He said it's like breaking in skates and if I wear them for too long too quickly they'll hurt my feet. I'm a bit impatient, I just want to break them in and get back to my hiking. But I'll take it slow like a good girl. Have any of you ever had to get used to custom orthotics? How long realistically will it take?

Nogo

I have them & could wear them all the time right away just walking but that isn't the norm. I wear mine for bartending only. If I wear them at the gym they KILL my feet and they just don't fit in anything other than a sneaker. They have made a huge difference for my "planter fascitiis". Good luck-nothing sucks worse than being an active person with a foot owie. You're right though-they make your shoe feel smaller...

MzBug

A couple weeks if you have a sit down job, a couple months if you are on your feet 8-16 hours a day. Keep another pair of shoes with you that have good support and change back and forth when you need to. Get some peppermint lotion to rub your feet with, it does help. Use frozen water bottles under the arch of your foot when they get sore, just roll your feet over them on the floor. Once you get used to them, don't go without them if you can avoid it. Avoid flip flops and going barefoot for a few months. Well worth the breaking in period.

MsLisaB

I got orthotics a couple of months ago for running as I was getting really bad shin splints on the inside of the leg. You will get used to the feeling of them but it is important to break them in. If you don't you run the risk of getting blisters on your arch, as that part of the foot is not used to being in contact with the sole of the shoe. Also, as your foot is now in a different position to what your body is used to, you may find other parts (e.g. ankles, knees) ache as they adjust to the correct positioning of the foot. The breaking in period varies from person to person and can take from 1 week to 1 month. I'd suggest wearing them as often as you can and do some short walks before trying a long hike. Also, take spare shoes or insoles with you so you can swap out the orthotics if they start to hurt.

JillyBean819

Can't remember how long it took to get used to mine. I got custom orthotics made because my arches are low and my heel position when I walk is slanted (wtf?).

They hurt at first but the more I walked in them the better they felt. I can't do anything without them now. Just keep wearing yours as much as possible.

magglett

Thanks everyone ... nice to know I'm not alone :flowerforyou: