If you searched the web for a pair of good orthotics or insoles for flat feet, just like I did awhile ago, it must be pretty obvious by now that your choices seem to be fairly limited. Although there are lots and lots of companies selling orthotics for flat feet, they all seem to be built on the same basic principle: arch support and/or heel cup.
There are orthotics with adjustable arch support, active arch support, half-length, 3/4 length, full length, arch cushion, instant arches, brands like Footsmart, Spenco, Opti-Balance, IsoArch, Arch Crafters, ProArch, FootSmart, Insolia, Bio-Balance, InsoleJoy, ArchMates, Barefoot Science, EuroArch….whatever…looks like the words Euro and European are used more and more in North-American products names and comercials…probably brings sales up. In any case, I think I can fill up a page with brand names of products for flat feet, all of them built on the same basic ideas that have been around since before I was born.
Everybody knows about arch supports since they were kids, it’s just that now there are more brands and more customizations in a sense. And I bet that If you are reading this (meaning that you’re still looking around for a good product) you saw the commercials on TV or internet and wondered : “Which one of these arch supports should I buy?”
Just as a test I put some adds from Google on the right side of this page and based on the content of the page, I’m sure Google will display at least one add on arch support orthotics if not more…..see, that’s what I’m saying: It is what you see or hear over and over again that you end up buying; and it’s not necessarily the best product.
The only new idea I have found is Dr Rothbart’s invention, the proprioceptive insole – The Posture Control Insoles. And you don’t see them late night on TV or on the shopping channel. I’m wearing these insoles and I’m very happy with them, and that’s the bottom line.
Well, good luck to you with whatever choice you make.
Everything you want to know about Flat Feet. That's right. I'll try to post as much information on Flat Feet as possible: Shoes for Flat Feet, Exercises for Flat Feet, Flat Feet and Running, Flat Feet Pain and much much more. I started this blog to share with you my experience with an innovative orthotic for Flat Feet: The Posture Control Insoles. I really like the science behind them and decided to test them and post the results here - they turned out to be great. You can still find my posts on the Posture Control Insoles here, but in the same time I'll try to create the ultimate resource for your Flat Feet concerns. I hope it will turn out Ok. Any suggestions are more than welcome.
Al
July 31st, 2009 at 9:09 am
Hi, Thanks for putting up your experience. I am facing something similar to what you are. I went to my Pediatrician and he asked me to get custom orthotics made. Do you think its worth spending $600 for something like that or I can purchase online those custom orthotics. I am just looking to get your honest opinion.
Thx,
Al.
alex
August 3rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Hey Al, Honestly I tried to find out as much as I can about flat feet from the web, library… After researching lots of info I figured that most classic orthotics help with posture when you are not standing and not mooving. Some say that the foot resting on the arch support actually weakens the foot muscles since they are not involved much anymore in supporting the body’s weight. So I pretty much concluded that I must find something that strengthens the foot muscles. First I found these exercises which are ok, but as I mentioned earlier in the blog I also had problems with my right knee. I’d say I was lucky to find out about the proprioceptive approach and the Posture Control Insoles amongst tons of useless info on the web. This is new and from what I could read not very popular even amongst podiatrists. Bottom line is they work for me and I don’t have knee and ankle problems anymore. Hope this helps. Now, if you decide to try the insoles: If I were you I’d also talk to the doctor about them and say you’d like to try them before committing to spend $600 on custom orthotics. See what he says. I mean if he is open-minded he should be OK with it. Good Luck!
Cheers, Alex
Kathy
August 7th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Hello, Thanks so much for your website. I’ve been getting ever worsening pains in knees and now big toe! – due to flat feet. I’ve tried orthotics from the hospital but they give me major back pain. I’m trying Birkenstock sandals and thinking about clogs.. (for the toe pain rather than the knees)However, I’m really keen to try these Posture Control Insoles and hoping they will post to the UK for me. However, did you buy just them or did you include the arch suports? They seem to offer them both together on their website?
Much appreciated.
Kathy.
admin
August 21st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I know they do offer them with or without arch supports. I only bought the simple insole without arch support. I don’t like arch supports, never did.
Cheers, Alex
kelly
May 15th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
do you work for the posture control insoles company?
alex
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
I don’t work for them, I’m just very pleased with their insoles and I affiliated my blog to their website. I started to write this blog more or less out of frustration because all the other orthotitcs I tried didn’t really do much for me. As I was pleased with their Posture control insoles I wrote about them in detail. I’m trying to gather and post more info about flat feet here but I’m pretty busy and didn’t do much lately. Hopefully in the near future..
R. MacKenzie
October 2nd, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for opening up people’s eyes to the huge variety of arch supports / foo torthotics available. I wish they were all worth the money you pay for them! As a pedorthist, all I can say is do your research before you buy…