Golf Shoes and Orthotics for foot pain

[Johnson]

The doctor said I need prescription orthotics for some foot pain that I get with walking the golf course. Anyone use these in their shoes and do they help? where did you get them? He said most physios, chiros and podiatrists cast them.

Another question ,when you start feeling the the spikes pressing into your feet is it a sign the shoes are done or you just need a new insole for extra padding?

[awranger]

I've been wearing orthotics for a number of years and find they make a big difference. I have a pair in an Ecco golf shoe. You've got it right as to wear to get them. If you have health insurance through work they might be covered. Have them made from a cast of your foot. You should find they help alot.

[swingpure]

Last year I got them because my feet (my heels) would really hurt after walking a round. He mentioned something about the ligaments in my feet and that after the round there would be swelling and fluid form in the heel area. The pain was from the pressure on the fluid and it would go away after the fluid would disperse.

I wore them for a short while in my golf shoes (my wife still does) and I still wear them in my running shoes. They did work, but I could not find a pair of golf shoes that the orthotics did not squeak in. I couldn't stand the squeaking and took them out. They did help my feet and I now play pain free.

[Mikhs]

Orthotics are what allow me to walk for 18 holes. A couple of years ago my feet, primarily my left, hurt so much by the end of the year that I could not walk a golf course and if I tried by about half way through the back nine my foot would be so sore that I couldn't swing properly.
My first set of orthotics that I got from my chiropractor did not work for me. The system that he uses has you stand on a scanner connected to a computer which then takes the necessary info and sends it off to the orthotic manufacturer. This method may work for some individuals but it didn't work for me. When I wore them at work instead of having a sore left foot like usual, both of my feet would hurt after a few hours.
The next and present pair that I have came from a chiropodist. He had me lay on my stomach with my feet hanging over the edge of the bed and then took casts of both feet. This method takes a true cast of your feet before they are deformed by standing on them. He also took numerous measurements and watched my walk from all angles to gather as much info as possible to make sure the custom orthotics were truly custom made for me.
I use these orthotics in all my shoes except my biking shoes. My feet are much better and I can now walk for a full 18 holes which I prefer over riding.
When I shop for new golf shoes I always try them with the orthotics in them at the store to make sure of the fit.
From my experience I would suggest seeing a chiropodist or podiatrist as the foot is their area of expertise.

[Hombre Lefty]

Originally Posted by Mikhs

Orthotics are what allow me to walk for 18 holes. A couple of years ago my feet, primarily my left, hurt so much by the end of the year that I could not walk a golf course and if I tried by about half way through the back nine my foot would be so sore that I couldn't swing properly.
My first set of orthotics that I got from my chiropractor did not work for me. The system that he uses has you stand on a scanner connected to a computer which then takes the necessary info and sends it off to the orthotic manufacturer. This method may work for some individuals but it didn't work for me. When I wore them at work instead of having a sore left foot like usual, both of my feet would hurt after a few hours.
The next and present pair that I have came from a chiropodist. He had me lay on my stomach with my feet hanging over the edge of the bed and then took casts of both feet. This method takes a true cast of your feet before they are deformed by standing on them. He also took numerous measurements and watched my walk from all angles to gather as much info as possible to make sure the custom orthotics were truly custom made for me.
I use these orthotics in all my shoes except my biking shoes. My feet are much better and I can now walk for a full 18 holes which I prefer over riding.
When I shop for new golf shoes I always try them with the orthotics in them at the store to make sure of the fit.
From my experience I would suggest seeing a chiropodist or podiatrist as the foot is their area of expertise.

you're dead on, my experience exactly. Had orthotics done the computer way as you mentioned but they were crap. You have to get them done by a proper chiropodist whose specialy is feet, not a chiropractor who does it as a sideline addon business.

As for my new orthotics... well i have badly mangled ankles, and before I couldn't walk 18 or even close to it without pain. Now it's no problem at all and it feels uncomfortable WITHOUT them. They reduced my lower back and knee pain too. I have foot joys and the orthotics are great, the only thing was I needed to get shoes a half size bigger than normal...

[TourIQ]

Originally Posted by Johnson

The doctor said I need prescription orthotics for some foot pain that I get with walking the golf course. Anyone use these in their shoes and do they help? where did you get them? He said most physios, chiros and podiatrists cast them.

Another question ,when you start feeling the the spikes pressing into your feet is it a sign the shoes are done or you just need a new insole for extra padding?

You might need a golf shoe which is low in the heel, so once you take out the factor insole and add the orthotics it is more of a normal hight. Get it too high and more weight shifts to the toes, for poorer shot making.

[srichard]

I wear them mostly at work, due to the fact I do a lot of walking on cement. Never felt the need to wear on the course though, haven't had any problems. As mentioned in a few responses, it is very important you go to someone who knows what they are doing and with the proper equipment. Someone who can do a computer scan and can see the various levels of pressure throughout your feet, I go to Applied Biomechanics in Guelph. My wife runs and went to a different person, didn't have the same results and her feet were still sore which in turn gave here leg - back problems.
Good luck
Cheers

[north ridge]

I've developed plantar fasciitis and recently got orthotocs through my local BioPed store. They took a foam impression of both feet and I had hard heel orthotocs made instead of the complete insole. They fit into any shoe and do not make noise. Still getting used to them and haven't worn them for golf yet, but they fit into brand new Nike Air Zoom Elite IIs no problem.

[candypants2000]

My fiance is a registered orthotist, and I have been wearing orthotics in my golf shoes for two years now. Not only do they help my feet, but also my knees, hips, and back. Go to your family doctor to get a referral for orthotics, and then go to a registered orthotic clinic (there are a bunch around town). Makes a huge difference if you experience pain in your feet, knees, hips, or back following a round.

[DashRipRock]

I see nobody wants to talk about the cost for these inserts... 400.00+ I have heard 550.00 from some people. I think it's a bit steep for what you get.

[north ridge]

Originally Posted by DashRipRock

I see nobody wants to talk about the cost for these inserts... 400.00+ I have heard 550.00 from some people. I think it's a bit steep for what you get.

That's what they cost... if you needed them and had coverage through your employer, no big deal. Do you refuse dental work, because it's expensive?

[ontario]

There are cheaper alternatives if you don't have the money for custom. A foot clinic that I visited told me I need minor support for plantar fasciitis but didn't feel I needed to spend $500 on custom molded orthotics. They recommended Birkenstock inserts for about $50. I have them in my golf shoes and they are very comfortable and supportive. I've been planning to buy a few more for my street shoes.

Softmoc carries a selection. I have the blue heel insert.

http://www.softmoc.com/ca/systemshow...1992_H12_P7_R3

[awranger]

I'm guessing if you don't have insurance coverage you might be able to get a better deal on orthotics. I also find it hard to believe they cost as much as they do.

[DashRipRock]

Originally Posted by north ridge

That's what they cost... if you needed them and had coverage through your employer, no big deal. Do you refuse dental work, because it's expensive?

Yes I do. Surprisingly the dentist always seems to be able to come up with a cheaper price or procedure. Sorry I don't feel just because it's covered under my medical benefits that price is no object.

[sgrant52]

I have a serious ankle problem. Doctor has already performed surgery and I need to use a cart for golf. Even using a cart, when I'm finished I have a problem walking. I have just been fitted for orthonics and they do cost $400.00 to be fit. Stay tuned for my next update about using them.

[dekker]

Originally Posted by awranger

I've been wearing orthotics for a number of years and find they make a big difference. I have a pair in an Ecco golf shoe. You've got it right as to wear to get them. If you have health insurance through work they might be covered. Have them made from a cast of your foot. You should find they help alot.

most people would play just fine in running shoes.
I have 5 pair of comfortable golf shoes and yet this year am seriously considering a pair of non-spike Puma King Exec.

[Chilbear]

+1 on using a foot Doctor. I just paid $550 and recovered $250 from insurance. My Doc is Kel Sherkin, he is a podiatrist and wants you to return every 6 months for visits, all prepaid in the amount. Worth every dollar.

[Davepm]

+10 on the specialist way. $550 for the first pair and then $250 for each extra pair made from the same mold. Tried all the "off the shelf stuff" and none of it worked over the long haul. There is no better way than a specialist. Only something molded from your foot will provide the necessary support for every area of your foot. If the off the shelf stuff works it usually means you have more of a tired foot syndrome than a true problem.

[laps]

For shoes you just need to make sure that you buy shoes with a removable insole. You should definitely mot feel the spikes through the sole of the shoe.

If you can afford custom made orthotics, go for it. Anything custom made should be better than off the rack. I tried SuperFeet for $40, and have been satisfied with those.

[Ignatius Reilly]

You shouldn't feel the spikes through your shoes, ever. It sounds more like a bad pair of shoes than worn out, but either way I'd replace them.

I've worn orthotics for the past 12 years. I developed severely painful plantar fasciitis when I used to run a lot - the first few steps every morning were almost unbearable with pain in the heel.

I got mine done the right way as others have described - plaster casts made while lying on my front with my feet hanging off the edge of the table. I don't remember the exact cost but around $400-500 sounds about right. I got the half length ones and have had them re-covered a few times at the foot clinic/store thing on Yonge N of Eglinton. The fabric cover can wear out, but new covers are cheap - $15-20.

I wear them almost all the time - it's very quick and easy to grab them out of one pair of shoes and toss them into another. The only times I don't use them is for downhill skiing (boots too tight), XC skiing (too much movement), and golfing! For XC and golf I use a pair of Superfoot insoles, which seems to work out fine. FWIW I always walk when I play, never cart.

I think if you have a "real" foot ailment, orthotics are the way to go. If you're just suffering from tired feet, off-the-shelf insoles might work, as well as golfing in running shoes.

[OldGeezer]

Originally Posted by swingpure

I wore them for a short while in my golf shoes (my wife still does) and I still wear them in my running shoes. They did work, but I could not find a pair of golf shoes that the orthotics did not squeak in. I couldn't stand the squeaking and took them out. They did help my feet and I now play pain free.

I've worn them for many years, and I've found the best solution to the squeaking. Put a little baby powder or any powder in the shoe before inserting the orthotic, and the squeak is gone!

[WDM1980]

Originally Posted by Johnson

The doctor said I need prescription orthotics for some foot pain that I get with walking the golf course. Anyone use these in their shoes and do they help? where did you get them? He said most physios, chiros and podiatrists cast them.

Another question ,when you start feeling the the spikes pressing into your feet is it a sign the shoes are done or you just need a new insole for extra padding?

I have flat feet (technically fully collapsed arches) and need to wear orthodics to prevent leg and back pain. I have been using the same style for three years now - new pair coming in two weeks and they let me walk and do anything short of running pain free.

If you're going to get orthodics, get them from a chiropractor; I did not need to get a cast of my feet, rather, he had machines that took digital scans of the feet and also analyzed my legs and knees. Odds are, if you've got foot pain, it's probably going to cause mis-alignment in the rest of your body. The chiropractor will be able to help with that as well; mine was able to show how my left foot's poor support in my old arches resulted in a weak left leg and right shoulder.

Some people may only need support's available off the shelf; however, if your doctor is telling you to get orthodics, go see a pro. Saving a few hundred dollars it's not worth screwing up your feet, legs, and back.

[philly63]

I consider them somewhat of a scam. How do orthotics made from casts of your feet account for different leg lengths? I am now working out in bare feet and intend to play golf in my adidas 360's. I sure they work for some, but do your research and check out the media surrounding wearing no shoes at all.

[multimut]

Sharing my experience. I couple of years ago, I developed plantar fasciitis (pain in arches for me, often in heel for others). Luckily I caught it early and have no problems now. Many people live with plantar fasciitis for years and never fully resolve the problem.

I solved it with exercise and stretching routine from a physiotherapist, and off-the-shelf (but high quality) orthotic inserts. Expensive custom inserts may work for some people, but well designed off-the shelf may be as good or better.

My experience in brief:
* did lots of internet research.
* knew that if I saw a chiropractor, podiatrist, chriopotist (not sure if I spelled them all right), that each of this type of practioner would be highly likely to recommend custom orthotics.
* I decided to see a medical doctor who specializes in sports medicine, with a particular interest in feet (he is medical director for some marathons). The foot pain actually wasn't so bad when I saw the doctor (since I caught it early). He suggested physio.
* By the time of my first physio appointment (just 1 week later), pain was much worse. Physiotherpist set up routine of exercises and stretches.
* at around the same time, a big article came out the NYT and Globe&Mail saying how off-the-shelf orthotics was as good as custom. My physiotherpist suggested off the shelf orthotics.
* in internet forums, lLots of people with plantar fasciitis foot pain also recommended off the shelf orthotics more often.

Some links:

Here's the article in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/07/he...best.html?_r=1

Here's the actual study quoted in the article:
http://www.jospt.org/issues/articleI...cle_detail.asp
Study noted that off-the-shelf inserts (premium ones.. not Dr Scholls type) are just as good as expensive custom inserts.

After more research, I ended up buying some "Superfeet".. available at Running Room, National Sports, MEC. http://www.superfeet.com/

And a Canadian company with heat moldable insoles (form to your feet). http://www.yoursole.com/why-sole/foot-health/ availabe at running room.

each person will have a different situation... but hope these links are helpful for anyone with foot pain.

[ice1124]

I also have this issue; I have developed planta faciitis as another poster, through golf (walking w/ push cart), playing a lot of basketball, and playing softball.

I had to limp to the bathroom when I roll out of bed in the morning, feel pain in my right heel when walking to work, then the pain goes away until the next morning.

Playing so many sports without doing proper stretching and massaging will cause foot pain (among many other reasons); I have seen a specialist and got some recommendations for massages that I can do myself. So far it's been helping, but it remains to be seen whether it will get rid of the pain completely even when the golf season finally arrives.