Inexpensive Orthotics Worth Trying

The insoles listed below are proven alternatives to the more costly custom orthotics. Your podiatrist or pedorthist can show you other types.
ArchCrafters CustomComfort Insoles are computer machined to the exact shape of your foot. Placing your feet into a specially designed “footprinter” captures the imprint of your feet. A scanned image of your feet is then made from the imprint and is used to make your custom insoles. Pictured here.
Aetrex Full-Length Anti-Shox Sports Orthotics are molded with patented heel cushion, medial posting, longitudinal arch support, and metatarsal relief. Gel protects calcaneus and metatarsal heads. An antishear top cover holds the foot in place.
EZ Runner Orthotics are a lightweight, thin-profile, fluid orthotic. Silicone fluid is sealed into a polyurethane pouch with a viscosity matching that of the foot’s fat pad. Gel flows precisely with each stride from heel strike to push off. It provides cushioning and correction at the forefoot and metatarsal heads.
Hapad Orthotics are either full-length or three-quarter-length insoles. Both are made from Hapad featherweight wool. The coiled, springlike wool fibers provide firm and resilient support while offering arch, metatarsal, and heel cushioning. The full-length contoured Comf-Orthotic Sports Replacement Insole is made in three layers: a moisture-wicking suede top, a ventilated Poron middle layer for shock absorption, and a bottom of Microcel “Puff,” a self-molding footbed. The insole includes a metatarsal bar to relieve pressure at the ball of the foot, a medial arch support to limit pronation, and a heel cup for stability and control of the foot and ankle. The 3/4 length insoles are pictured here.
Lynco Biomechanical Sports Orthotics, made by Aetrex, offer a “ready-made” triple-density orthotic system that comes in enough variations to accommodate 90 percent of foot disorders. After identifying your foot type as normal, high arched, or flat/over-pronated, they create a model. Each model comes with either a neutral-cupped heel or a medial posted heel, and with or without a metatarsal pad. Additional Reflex self-adhesive pads can be added to the orthotics to relieve pain from Morton’s toe, sesamoiditis, and leg-length discrepancy.
Performance Shoe Systems specializes in custom-molded orthotics and shoe conversions. The orthotics are made from a mold of your feet and can be used in any shoe. The shoe conversion turns your comfortable running shoes into professional cleats, which provide better support and comfort than off-the-shelf cleats.
Powersteps Insoles, by Dr. Les Appel, offer a unique four-phase design to relieve heel and arch pain. With a heel cradle and platform, a strong prescription-like arch support, an antibacterial top fabric, and a double layer cushion casing, they provide optimal arch and heel support and stability.
Sole Custom Footbeds, which use “heat to fit” technology, offer an excellent, inexpensive alternative to custom orthotics. They come in regular and ultra-cushioning versions. The footbeds have Poron cushioning, a deep heel cup for stability, and an aggressive arch for support. When you heat the insoles in your oven, put them into your shoes, and stand on them, they mold to your feet. Pictured here.
Spenco Arch Supports are offered in several designs. Their Orthotic Arch Support is heated in hot water and then shaped to your foot. Other designs are readymade for your foot size.

Comments

[Matt (Orthotic Shop)]

Another great inexpensive orthotic that has recently been released is Amfit's CustomSelect insoles. They start around $50 and are designed to accomodate many shoe sizes and arch heights.

Check them out:
http://www.OrthoticShop.com/custom_select_insoles

[John Vonhof]

I agree with Amfit's insole products and would recommend them without reservation.

[walktopia]

My podiatrist recently suggested I try Spenco RX Orthotic 3/4 length Arch Supports. They feel nice enough but my big question is, how do you keep them from moving around, slipping forward and invevitably pinching your heel. This is very uncomfortable and a deterrent to their use. Any solutions?

[John Vonhof]

First, make sure you have removed your stock insole. If you have done that and they still move, either apply a small dab of glue near the heel or a strip of double sided tape.