Shoe Inserts - Making Running Harder??

00trayn
00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I bought the custom Dr. Scholl's inserts, where it scans your foot and tells you which one to buy. I have low arches so it recommended ones with lots of arch support. I put them in my sneakers and I can tell a difference. I was getting bad lower back pain after running more than a few kilometers, or running faster than my comfy pace. So I tried those and now my running performance has been noticeable different. I tire out more quickly, I've been getting a side stitch whereas I had almost stopped getting one until the very end of a long run or a fast run. For spending $50 on these things, I don't know if it's worth it. I don't have a sore back, but I was also prevented from really going 100% of what I'm capable of.

So, my question is: has anyone had similar issues when using shoe inserts like that? Is it worth keeping them and just retraining my body (I don't plan on using them for my 5K saturday but in the long term) or just get my $50 back and hope the back pain goes away...?

Replies

  • dancingnancies
    dancingnancies Posts: 255 Member
    inserts are really tricky. it took me a while to get the right ones so that i didn't have back pain or foot pain. i would try a different kind. i also have flat arches (barely any arches) and the ones that work the best for me are the 5$ ones from walmart.


    it's weird, but you just have to try some different kinds.

    goodluck!
    B
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    Yeah, I'm starting to think it's not worth $50. I know I have really low arches and there are tons of inserts out there that fix that issue. I might just have to try out a few. I think I'll take these out today and see if things go back to normal. Definitely don't want to run my 5K on Saturday with them. Too new and too unknown.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    Go see a holistic podiatrist, one that doesn't believe in just adding orthotics to fix everything or surgery as the only answer. You need to strengthen your foot. Buy the book Running Barefoot it has a lot of great information on foot pain. My podiatrist also has info on his website www.nwfootankle.com
  • Jill_newimprovedversion
    Jill_newimprovedversion Posts: 988 Member
    You might want to try removing the original inserts that come in the shoe(s) themselves, then put in the ones you purchased.
    It's likely you just have too much support now.
    My hubby is an orthotic technician, and has made me custom made inserts- but generally you want to take the other ones out.
    Worth a try.
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    That makes sense. I have these gel inserts in the shoes and then I put the Dr. Scholls on top of those, it just might be too much going on, my shoe feels quite crowded. These inserts aren't the full length of the shoe, so I'll just put the flimsy inserts that came with the shoe back in, then the Dr. Scholls. I have a short run planning for after work to try it out. I will probably still stick to what I've been using for the 5K on Saturday tho, I don't want to hurt my performance.
  • kadye
    kadye Posts: 136 Member
    I got super feet from a running shoe store. I had to take the original inserts out and condition my body for the new inserts. I used the new ones for four hours the first day, six the second day, eight the third day and then I could leave them in. An orthopedic doc at the hospital where I work said it's hard on your body and alignment to so straight to using the insert all of a sudden.
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    That makes sense. I went from using just gel imapct inserts (no arch support) to these crazy fancy ones and I tried to run 5K... haha. I only wear them in my running sneakers tho, not my work shoes and stuff. Perhaps I'll gradually work them in, so it's a definite they aren't getting used in the 5K Saturday, haha. Too much too soon!

    I just did some googling and found this article (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-7000-0,00.html). It says that "You need to break them in for one to two weeks, and you could feel some discomfort until you get accustomed to them. "
  • mtntrailrunner
    mtntrailrunner Posts: 57
    I've been running WITHOUT inserts for two years now. Yes I take the factory insert out and replace it with nothing.

    The reason I started this is because I wanted more room in the toe box, also I don't have to look for "wide" shoes. It ended up being the best thing for my running.
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    The problem is that these inserts are only 3/4 inserts. They stop after the arch in my foot so if I only put them in the shoe, there wouldn't be anything in the toe region. Is that right?
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    I'm a big fan of Spenco inserts - they run the whole length of the shoe so they don't move around and you can trim them if they're a bit long for your shoe or if they crowd your toes a bit. I do find a have a bit of foot pain initially when going from an old worn out insert to a brand spankin' new one but after about a week, they're fine. They have ones specifically for running too.
  • mtntrailrunner
    mtntrailrunner Posts: 57
    The problem is that these inserts are only 3/4 inserts. They stop after the arch in my foot so if I only put them in the shoe, there wouldn't be anything in the toe region. Is that right?

    you definitely don't want to _raise_ your heel for running. if you want to strengthen your feet and avoid have to use excessive support spend more time barefoot. :smile:
  • Rurouni_Kou
    Rurouni_Kou Posts: 180 Member
    I've been running WITHOUT inserts for two years now. Yes I take the factory insert out and replace it with nothing.

    The reason I started this is because I wanted more room in the toe box, also I don't have to look for "wide" shoes. It ended up being the best thing for my running.

    Hehe I just said to heck with the shoes (always gave me problems) and started minimalist/barefoot running. ^^
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    Haha, I'm gonna stick with running in shoes for now. It's not a matter of strengthening my foot I think. I have flat feet and I've been getting pretty bad back pain and soreness after running or walking longer distances. I was told inserts with arch support were the way to go. But yes, my heels feel very high in these shoes... is that a bad thing? Should I return them and go to a running store and actually talk to someone for what inserts to buy?
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Elevated heels in running shoes shorten the achilles tendon and reduce its natural elastic recoil. The result is that the calf muscle has to work harder.

    There is zero energy cost in the achilles tendon stretching and contracting. So, when it is allowed to work through its full range one can run with less effort.
  • mtntrailrunner
    mtntrailrunner Posts: 57
    I've been running WITHOUT inserts for two years now. Yes I take the factory insert out and replace it with nothing.

    The reason I started this is because I wanted more room in the toe box, also I don't have to look for "wide" shoes. It ended up being the best thing for my running.

    Hehe I just said to heck with the shoes (always gave me problems) and started minimalist/barefoot running. ^^

    minimalist/barefoot running and trail 50Ks don't mix very well unless you are at a perfect running/racing weight. :smile:

    neither of which am i. :sad:
  • oldtyke
    oldtyke Posts: 149 Member
    You should always break yourself in slowly with inserts to allow the joints and ligaments to adapt, so wear them for half an hour the first day, then gradually increase the time daily.
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