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Click to view flagrunner's profile Rookie
flagrunner
4 posts since
Feb 17, 2007

Oct 30, 2007 9:07 AM

Orthotics + motion-control shoes???

I got custom orthotics several months ago to help with overpronation (I'd had a lot of shin splints). The pedorthist said to run in neutral shoes with the orthotics, so I've been running in Asics-2120's. The orthotics definitely helped initially, but as my mileage has increased, the shin splints have started up again. I'm wondering if I might benefit from switching to motion-control shoes? Or should I return to the pedorthist to see about getting the inserts adjusted? I'm kind of leaning towards new shoes because I'll have to buy new shoes soon anyway, and I don't think my new insurance will cover adjustments to the orthotics.

If it helps, I'm male, 35, 5'10" 160 lbs, and I do lots of stretching and exercises to help with the shin splints as well. If anyone has specific shoe suggestions, that would be great, too. Thanks...
Click to view aye3's profile Amateur
aye3
35 posts since
Jun 20, 2005
1. Oct 30, 2007 12:04 PM in response to: flagrunner
ok.... 1st... I'm not a big fan of Asics 2120! I trained in those shoes for awhile and they made my feet slap on the concrete. They feel they have minimal cushion in the front of the shoe, leading to shin splins. Try Mizuno's.
As far as orthotics, be careful with them. I just purchased $400 orthotics and they hurt my ankle when i use them. waste of money, I think. Orthotics are good to walk around with, but I think you should run without them. Orthotics will change your stride, leading to injuries.

I had pronation issues awhile back, I used a New Balance motion control shoe (model: 1100), I noticed after a couple of months my stride was back to normal. And haven't had any pronation issues lately .. I run with neutral shoes now.

good luck
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Click to view runninlaw's profile Legend
runninlaw
989 posts since
Mar 13, 2006
2. Oct 30, 2007 12:09 PM in response to: flagrunner
I haven't had much luck with my orthotics. I got some custom made and tried them in neutral shoes and it wasn't enough support. So I went to shoes with a little more support and it didn't really help. I went back to my pedorthist and he "adjusted" my orthotics. Now they have way too much arch support and I can't even walk around with them in my shoes. I need to go back, but I am very annoyed with the process.

My best luck has been with the Mizuno Wave Alchemy 6s (which of course I can no longer find in my size). THey are nice and lightweight, but have a TON of support. The fit is awesome too.

Good luck.
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Click to view marunr's profile Pro
marunr
162 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. Oct 30, 2007 12:26 PM in response to: flagrunner
The 2120 is not a neutral shoe...it's a stability shoe, and it also has a fairly significant arch support. Try a New Balance or Mizuno neutral "cushioned" shoe and see how that goes. They usually have a smaller arch support to interfere with the orthotic.
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Click to view chele519's profile Legend
chele519
363 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
4. Oct 30, 2007 1:28 PM in response to: flagrunner
I have custom orthotics and wear them with a stability shoe which works well. I tried them with a neutral shoe and motion control and they both caused problems.
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Click to view furseal's profile Expert
furseal
56 posts since
Jan 13, 2005
5. Oct 30, 2007 8:03 PM in response to: flagrunner
I have orthotics and run in neutral shoes. I, like you, overpronate, and nothing else was helping me.

My orthotics, for me, are a godsend. They've improved my shin splints 80-90%. They used to be so bad they'd wake me up at night. Now, when I get them, they're only very mildly annoying and pass quickly.

I run in Saucony's. Right now I have a pair of Trigon 3s, but I've run in other neutral models without too many problems. If you're still having pain while increasing your milage, it may not be pronation that's your problem but simple overuse. However, I have heard of lots of people who use orthotics with stability or MC shoes and it works out well. Just experiment, I guess.
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Click to view survived99's profile Expert
survived99
50 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
6. Oct 30, 2007 9:37 PM in response to: flagrunner
I had mucho problems with piriformis, especially when I increased mileage. Started with motion-controlled shoes (Saucony Omni Grid 5) which worked very well for a few months then the piriformis acted up again.

I got custom orthotics to correct the over-pronation plus a Morton's neuroma problem I didn't know I had and I continue to wear the Sauconys. I have never been happier or felt stronger. But, it has taken about 3 months for everything to settle down. (But I'm old - 50 - you - not so much )

I bought the orthotics from a pedorthist that works in a sports medicine clinic and I only wear them running, no other time.

Good luck, I know how frustrating it can be!
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Click to view Hikerchick8's profile Pro
Hikerchick8
86 posts since
Jul 2, 2007
7. Oct 31, 2007 4:48 PM in response to: flagrunner
I overpronate in a bad way - even when I'm just standing, my right foot is on it's side. When I run, I swear I land on the side of my foot and roll inwards. It's horrible.

I have custom orthotics, and always wear them when running. I tried running without them & got horrible shin splints. So don't knock the orthotics. What works for one, won't work for another and vice versa.

I would take your orthotics to a shoe store & have them help you select a shoe. Some places will videotape you running and really study the way you run. If you need new shoes anyway, it might be a good place to start. If it doesn't fix the problem, you can look into getting your orthotics tweaked later.
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