What sort of shoes/insoles would fix the pain?

thursdaystgiles
thursdaystgiles Posts: 98 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have a few different pairs of tennis shoes with different levels of arch support, and one has gel runner insoles. I've been working out barefoot because no matter which pair I wear, I start getting a horrible pain along the outside middle part of my foot, like the outer arch. It hurts so badly I have to stop working out and rub my foot or march in place until it stops hurting. It doesn't hurt if I workout barefoot, but I know this isn't good long-term. Most of all it hurts when doing jumping jacks, jump rope, squats, and lunges. I tried researching, but it seems like this sort of pain is mostly associated with runners, which I am not. I'm considering the barefoot shoes, but I'm not sure they're right.

Replies

  • KBjimAZ
    KBjimAZ Posts: 369 Member
    It doesn't hurt if I workout barefoot

    It seems you've answered your own question.
  • thursdaystgiles
    thursdaystgiles Posts: 98 Member
    yeah, but in several of the videos I'm doing, they stress the importance of wearing shoes. I'm worried that even if it doesn't hurt, I'm potentially doing long-term damage by not wearing shoes.
  • WillowThorn
    WillowThorn Posts: 37 Member
    You might not have enough support in your shoes. I suggest seeing a podiatrist - they can hook you up with inserts that support your arches (or whatever you need) better than those cheap gel ones that don't really do anything. I just got a pair myself, and it's amazing the difference. My feet feel great.
    Alternatively, go to a running store and talk to the attendant about inserts or support shoes. They typically sell shoe inserts that provide support for about $40 a pair, which last about 6 months. Those work pretty well too.
  • thursdaystgiles
    thursdaystgiles Posts: 98 Member
    Did your insurance cover the special inserts from the podiatrist? That seems like it would be ideal. I can't see us being able to drop 40 every six months for new inserts.
  • WillowThorn
    WillowThorn Posts: 37 Member
    Yes, after I met the deductible. The inserts are specially made for your feet and last about 10 years. They're expensive (without the insurance), but ultimately cheaper than ~$80 a year, and work better. It's an investment in your health, if nothing else!

    A podiatrist may be able to suggest other options for you as well. It would depend on what he/she believes your particular problem is. A visit to one would be your best bet!
  • ghosthackexe
    ghosthackexe Posts: 181 Member
    Have somewhat the same problem I'm very flat footed I use gel based insoles with 'arch support' that seem to help me well enough found them at walgreens easily enough. If your feet still hurt after that would consider getting a doc to take a look
  • AndrasLOHF
    AndrasLOHF Posts: 14 Member
    True story here. According to a podiatrist and weight pressure machines I was near flatfooted 5 years ago. Got all the super supportive arch supports they had and it always felt as if I was being stabbed in the foot with each step. Any pressure in the arch of my left foot aggravated sciatica that I have in my left leg so I got rid of all of the conventional shoes and started wearing zero drop zero support shoes. I took my time getting used to them as there were muscles being used that probably haven't been used in decades since I was a child running around barefoot all the time. My arches now are perfect.

    TLDR some modern medicine is full of....
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Barefoot shoes sound like a good idea. You can always transition to thicker shoes later if you need more protection.
    yeah, but in several of the videos I'm doing, they stress the importance of wearing shoes.

    Because people usually have the opposite problem as you. But it's still good to be ABLE to workout in shoes without pain, so try to find the cause. Are your foot arches high or flattened? Here is how to tell your arch type:

    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/take-wet-test-learn-your-foot-type
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    yeah, but in several of the videos I'm doing, they stress the importance of wearing shoes. I'm worried that even if it doesn't hurt, I'm potentially doing long-term damage by not wearing shoes.

    Why are they stressing to wear shoes? For traction? Are they sponsored by a shoe company? If working out barefoot doesn't result in foot pain, the path is fairly clear. Too much support can cause issues just as too little support can. You don't have to go all Vibram Five Toes here .... there are plenty of low heel to toe drop shoes that allow you to wear shoes and still permit your foot to move more naturally. Converse Chuck Taylors, Merrell, New Balance's Minimus line, wrestling shoes, etc.
  • thursdaystgiles
    thursdaystgiles Posts: 98 Member
    Thanks for all the info. I guess I've always thought I had high arches because the pain used to be in the inner arch of my foot from not being supported. It's shifted after pregnancy to the outside. I'm going to do that arch test after I workout to get a better idea. I guess in the interm working out barefoot isn't a big deal, but as it gets warmer I'm going to want to pick up biking and running outside again, and barefoot just isn't feasible. I think I'm going to have to see the dr.
  • thursdaystgiles
    thursdaystgiles Posts: 98 Member
    http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t332/mokuyoubi/WP_20140315_001_zps6773859e.jpg

    I guess that's a high arch. Also probably doesn't help that I'm 5'7" but I wear a little girl's size 5 shoe.
  • CittiB
    CittiB Posts: 25
    http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t332/mokuyoubi/WP_20140315_001_zps6773859e.jpg

    I guess that's a high arch. Also probably doesn't help that I'm 5'7" but I wear a little girl's size 5 shoe.

    Ha I'm 5'6 with size UK4 (US6?) feet and high arches so not far off!

    If you want supportive insoles then superfeet are the best thing other than going to a specialist. They align your ankle better, therefore positioning the foot better and relieving unwanted pressure.

    However sounds like you'd be better off with barefoot shoes. Try Merrell, as well as 0mm drop shoes they also do some around 2 and 4mm which are good if you need a bit more impact absorption (from bouncing around on the tennis court). Just remember not to heel-strike in barefoot shoes.

    P.s. I live in the UK so sorry if those brands aren't in the US!
  • enchantedgardener
    enchantedgardener Posts: 214 Member
    If you're having foot pain it's best to see a doctor. Choosing the wrong solution may ultimately cause more problems, so I'd get a professional opinion.
  • aciestguy
    aciestguy Posts: 4
    Speaking of insoles, I have recently discovered an unearthed gem through this YouTube video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v06rjQb3-xw, these are new artificial cartilage foam insoles that use Nano Technology in the foam to absorb the shocks before they reach your body. After using them for a while, I can tell you that they have worked like miracle for me and I’d advise you to go and check them yourself at www.artilage.com; they also have an online web store.

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