Ridged orthotic complications, Anyone?

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

I'm going to ask a question as I have taken several calls from individuals pertaining to orthotics not feeling comfortable in their boot. The usual question is, " I bought these expensive things but they don't feel comfortable, why is that?"

Has this been a problem for you? If so, what did it feel like and were you able to fix it?

 

[35WhelenAI]

My question would be since they are going in boots, did the person wear the boots regularly before the hunt to acclimate their feet to the new dynamic inside of the boot. Taking Orthotics from an everyday shoe into a hunting boot that's worn a week or two every year is not a recipe for success necessarily...

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

My question bag would be since they are going in boots, did the person wear the boots regularly before the hunt to acclimate their feet to the new dynamic inside of the boot. Taking Orthotics from an everyday shoe into a hunting boot that's worn a week or two every year is not a recipe for success necessarily...

I would agree with that statement completely, very important to gradually wear anything in to get use to the new environment.

 

[Ron.C]

Im assuming your orthodics were custom made for you by a podiatrist. Not uncommon for your feet to take a couple weeks to get use to hard orthodics.

After the initial couple weeks use after you get them, using them in various proper fitting footwear shouldnt be an issue, but it will depend on the nature of your foot and the issues you have.

 

[IDMilton]

I don’t have any of your boots yet, but in my LOWA hunters and baffins my custom rigid orthotics do not work at all.

I think it’s because the boots already have an arch support built into them. (Yes, I remove the factory insole.)

What worked for me is using some SPENCO soft “Heavy duty“ insoles. It has been working great for me.

 

[jakeandbake]

Yes, I had 7 years of ankle pain. I've broken my ankle, snapped off my OS Trigonum, had it surgically removed, snapped my ligaments, etc. I've probably sprained my ankle 50 plus times from soccer.

The first step is to realize not all orthotics are created equal. Unless elderly, you should never have a post! Second, the method matters. You want the old school method where you stand on flexible material. Casting is often done when you are not in a natural position. Third, they should not provide too much offset if any on their own.

Finally, it's my opinion that good orthotics should be used to get you out of pain. Once out of pain, it's up to your body to prevent future pain. Your issues are probably from lack of flexibility and strength. Staying in orthotics forever prevents those muscles and the motion needed to do it on your own.

I also worked for the largest footwear company in the world. I've been filmed in every shoe we made. I could probably talk for days on the subject.