Anybody use Orthotic Inserts in your hunting boots?

[elmontemike]

I've used the Lynco orthotics for several years now. Wear them 6 days a week in my work boots. Go to lucky feet in Rancho Cucamonga and they will test and measure your feet for the proper fit

[ldsnet]

Superfeet orthodic inserts (green for my boots). In every pair of boots I own. $20-$25 and make a HUGE difference in boot comfort and fit.

As a Motorcycle rider coach I would spend 8-10 hours a day on my feet walking all over the range teaching classes - the inserts make that kind of foot punishment bearable.

[Spyder]

As I am a personal trainer who's wife is a physical therapist, the way we think about inserts is that they are a temporary fix. We use them for patients to get out of acute pain, then wean them off of them as soon as possible. We fix the problem of why do they need inserts- which is typically flat arches. Use them for now, then get a professional to diagnose the problem.

How do you fix genetics? I've got long narrow feet with very high arches. Not using inserts is not an option, if I want any comfort.

[mdfb63]

As I am a personal trainer who's wife is a physical therapist, the way we think about inserts is that they are a temporary fix. We use them for patients to get out of acute pain, then wean them off of them as soon as possible. We fix the problem of why do they need inserts- which is typically flat arches. Use them for now, then get a professional to diagnose the problem.

How do you fix genetics? I've got long narrow feet with very high arches. Not using inserts is not an option, if I want any comfort.

+1 on the Superfeet if you need something that will stay in your hunting boot. Nobody's feet are made to walk on flat, smooth surfaces all their life. We need to use our feet for what they were designed for from time to time in order to use them in our urban jungle in a pain free manner. I used to have the same problem and couldn't live without my Superfeet until I learned how the foot actually works (I have an BS and MS in Kinesiology). Mwunsch is correct in that orthotics are just a band-aid. Use them to relieve your poorly adapted feet but also challenge them. Work them out when not hunting. Go for a walk on an unpaved surface in some VFF's (http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=U...ve+fingers+men) Sure, they aren't pretty and seem like a counterintuitive solution to a lack of support but it isn't about lack of support. It's about lack of mobility and muscle memory. The muscles in the feet and lower legs need to be trained to deal with the demands you place on them out on the hunting trail. If those shoes are a bit much for you...walk on this in the privacy of your own home....http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...moviforwell-20

[mdfb63]

How do I get fitted for these? Or do I order them and hope I got the right ones?

Super feet are fitted to the shoe, not the foot. They all work on the same principle; that the load point be situated directly below the tibia (load bearing bone in the lower leg). They temporarily "fix" the problem of a leg/foot that forgot how to properly distribute forces up through the foot, joints, muscles, etc.

[zio707]

Reguardless of whether or not inserts like superfeet are fitted to the shoe/not the foot, temp fix, foot physics, blah, blah, blah... it's usually 100% better or/and will most likely outlast what is in the shoe/boot when you make the purchase. I have long narrow semi-flat feet, I find superfeet work great for me and the arch support they provide is all I need; we're all built different so it may or may not work for others.

[chris]

I have used Dr. Scholls work day insoles in my boots and the ones at work as well. they are good to go and help my back as well.

[ysr_racer]

Thanks for the tip on Superfeet. I went to Sports Chalet and the guy that works there explained how to fit them.

I didn't have my hunting boots with me, so I didn't buy them, but trying them in my gym shoes it looks like orange might be the ones I need.

I'm heading back tomorrow with my boots.

[mwunsch]

How do you fix genetics? I've got long narrow feet with very high arches. Not using inserts is not an option, if I want any comfort.

Great question, you don't. SO what you do is find a professional that can diagnose the problem and work on stretches and strengthening exercises that address the problem. High and low arches have their biomechanical differences that certainly can be addressed. Yes, we all come off the assembly line a certain way, but it can be helped. (I didnt say "fixed") For example, I have very flat arches. My Physical Therapist has me stretch certain positions and strengthen others. Good joint mobilizations and strengthening can help. It is certainly worth looking into. During my orthopedic internship, the saying was "we only tape strong arches." Meaning we only use external aids when internal interventions are being applied.

Trying to help out is all buddy, I dont want any hunter in pain.

[Spyder]

Go for a walk on an unpaved surface in some VFF's (http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=U...ve+fingers+men)

...musta missed the part about wearing a size 17, and not much being available for freaks like me...

[Spyder]

Great question, you don't. SO what you do is find a professional that can diagnose the problem and work on stretches and strengthening exercises that address the problem. High and low arches have their biomechanical differences that certainly can be addressed. Yes, we all come off the assembly line a certain way, but it can be helped. (I didnt say "fixed") For example, I have very flat arches. My Physical Therapist has me stretch certain positions and strengthen others. Good joint mobilizations and strengthening can help. It is certainly worth looking into. During my orthopedic internship, the saying was "we only tape strong arches." Meaning we only use external aids when internal interventions are being applied.

Trying to help out is all buddy, I dont want any hunter in pain.

I appreciate help! Freaks like me need all they can get! I do the old tennis ball under the arches and roll it around with as much body weight as I can stand before it hurts thing, and it works pretty well for keeping my feet good.
I used to get my arches taped every day for basketball practice, when I played at a D1 school, and at my JC, which both had excellent trainers. I find that if I keep my achilles stretched, and my calves strong, I have a lot less foot problems.
I'm looking forward to being able to afford a pair of White's. I've heard nothing but great things about them, and the comfort that people have after wearing them.

[njineermike]

Not to necropost, but I thought this might be interesting:

[21SF]

I make my own foot orthotics...Work in the orthotic and prosthetic field.

Anyone want some custom Foot orthotics send me a PM.