How hard/big is arch support? Is this weaker than orthotics?
926955
Great question -- it's actually pretty thin, and pretty short. It only comes to the ball of my foot, and it's really not a substitute for a "real" orthotic.
926956
This is infinitely softer than prescribed orthotics because corrective orthotics are meant to rigidly fix ones arch. These promote comfort and are meant for short term use until you can see a specialist. I saw one and have chosen to continue wearing non prescribed insoles. These are only for your heel but I recommend a full insole because the pain will only move to the front of your foot when you use a half insole such as these.
926957
The support is quite soft, comfortable, very springy in fact. The problem I found was that anything touching my arches tended to give me pain which sort of contradicts what I have read online on various sites. Even crocks shoes tend to aggravate my arches when walking round the house. I feel I am better off with zero arch support.. lot less pain. I have had to work on changing my running style (for the better) and concentrate on landing on my forefoot. Works for running but obviously does not help when walking around the office in hard shoes on hard floors as you cannot walk on your forefoot easily without looking like an idiot :). Never used orthotics so cannot comment. Hope this helps. The support is quite soft, comfortable, very springy in fact. The problem I found was that anything touching my arches tended to give me pain which sort of contradicts what I have read online on various sites. Even crocks shoes tend to aggravate my arches when walking round the house. I feel I am better off with zero arch support.. lot less pain. I have had to work on changing my running style (for the better) and concentrate on landing on my forefoot. Works for running but obviously does not help when walking around the office in hard shoes on hard floors as you cannot walk on your... » Read More The support is quite soft, comfortable, very springy in fact. The problem I found was that anything touching my arches tended to give me pain which sort of contradicts what I have read online on various sites. Even crocks shoes tend to aggravate my arches when walking round the house. I feel I am better off with zero arch support.. lot less pain. I have had to work on changing my running style (for the better) and concentrate on landing on my forefoot. Works for running but obviously does not help when walking around the office in hard shoes on hard floors as you cannot walk on your forefoot easily without looking like an idiot :). Never used orthotics so cannot comment. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1647581
only exceptionally light support unless you get one smaller than your arm which i do not suggest. you could cut off the toes of a tube sock if thats what you want..... :/
1405306
The 440s are mainly for people with flat feet or who are overweight causing their feet to flatten out. They have plastic arch supports along the middle and heel parts of the orthotic that offer strong support. HOWEVER as I mentioned in my review the orthotics have a bad habit of scooting up in your shoes. This causes the plastic parts to be misplaced and applies pressure to the wrong parts of your feet. The heel part especially goes under the arch and it feels like you're walking on a large ball bearing. If Dr. Scholl's applied a anti-skid texture on the bottom of their othotics to prevent them from moving in the shoe, it would be a decent foot support. The 440s are mainly for people with flat feet or who are overweight causing their feet to flatten out. They have plastic arch supports along the middle and heel parts of the orthotic that offer strong support. HOWEVER as I mentioned in my review the orthotics have a bad habit of scooting up in your shoes. This causes the plastic parts to be misplaced and applies pressure to the wrong parts of your feet. The heel part especially goes under the arch and it feels like you're walking on a large ball bearing. If Dr. Scholl's applied a anti-skid texture on the bottom of their othotics to prevent... » Read More The 440s are mainly for people with flat feet or who are overweight causing their feet to flatten out. They have plastic arch supports along the middle and heel parts of the orthotic that offer strong support. HOWEVER as I mentioned in my review the orthotics have a bad habit of scooting up in your shoes. This causes the plastic parts to be misplaced and applies pressure to the wrong parts of your feet. The heel part especially goes under the arch and it feels like you're walking on a large ball bearing. If Dr. Scholl's applied a anti-skid texture on the bottom of their othotics to prevent them from moving in the shoe, it would be a decent foot support. « Show Less
1591538
If you are already wearing an orthotic, stick with that. I had these in a pair of trainers and took them out. Greg is correct - they are uncomfortable and difficult to wear.
1936793
It doesn't have hard plastic, but is made hard for the proper arch for you foot.
2060501
I have severe pronation and fallen arches. So I need a strong arch support as well. These are the only ones that work anywhere close to a custom orthotic. They will not last as long as a custom but they will do the trick for a year or two.
1504937
I don't know. That is not my problem. My foot problem is a High arch and plantar fascitis. I have to have a rigid high arch insole and have always used superfeet. I went with yours this time because your advertisement said they were comparable to superfeet. They were not for my high arch problem. Thank you.
1441901
I did not use mine too long...I have narrow feet, but it was too tight and eventually hurt. I had to quit wearing it. A great pair of custom made orthodics along with daily stretching of my calf muscles helped a lot.
467633
The shoe itself will not help. If you buy one half size larger than normal and insert a supportive orthotic device I think it will. The shoe itself is rather lightweight and made of fabric which is somewhat stiffer than you expect in a running shoe. My expensive running shoes are "softer" and more flexible to the touch while providing great cushening and shock absorption. Personally, I feel running shoes are so critical, you should buy the best (ie: expensive) you can afford. But, that being said, these will probably work just fine with an insert.
571408
Right, I had flat feet myself until I started wearing orthotics. But that was 20-years ago. I no longer have flat feet. ArchCrafters is just protecting itself against law suites, practicing medicine without a license. Also, I've bought about 9 pairs of orthotics from ArtCrafter over the years and they deliver a high quality product. Highly recommend. Hillbilly
2170107
I am sorry but I no longer have mine and I don't remember about the arch support.
1457308
You could really do either, but these inserts only come about halfway up the footbed, so you'll be more comfortable with the original inserts. These actually made my plantars worse, since the arch support is really squishy, not so supportive.
620426
Wide in my opinion, hard, and super cheap which is suprising considering they are Birks. The insert moves easily which I found to be unstable. I had to return the pair I bought.
211752
Which size do you wear most often? You are right in the middle with your stated range. I am in a similar situation between a C and D. I can use either but at first the C felt better. Both felt weird at first. For $20.00 apiece I got both and tried them. I am still way ahead of the $400.00 custom orthotic's price tag. I think I use the smaller size more often, I can slide it forward just a tad if needed to hit the correct place on my feet in the bigger size shoe. In my boots the longer orthotic goes to the back of the boot's heel were my heel does not go, and the arch support hits the correct place on my foot. I wear heavier socks with the boots. Both sizes have uses and really not a huge difference between them. men's 9-9.5= size F men's 10-10.5= size G These sizes are per the information on the website. Good Luck. They have worked for me, but it does take time to remodel crushed, torn or just plain flattened arches. Hope this helps.
2198128
The most complete answer I can give you is to direct you to the POWERSTEP website itself where it gives you a comprehensive description of the various types of orthotics. I can honestly tell you this is the most recommended brand by users and Drs. alike. Sorry I could'nt be more specific but you will see they really have something for every type of user.
1504936
Not particularly. I ordered these as a less expensive alternative to the superfeet orthotic inserts I have been wearing. These do not fit as well or relieve pressure/correct alignment issues nearly as effectively. I would not recommend.
1227609
Ditto's to get large and trim down if required. I'll throw another wrench in the works though. If you are NOT a strong heel striker when running (which is a good thing) and actually land somewhat mid-foot or rather flat, I'd suggest the full-length version of their lift, because the lack of height on one leg can still be noticeable with negative effects with the forefoot lower. Then you'll really want large to give enough room to trim the same as the insole to go under it.