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Orthotics for Supination

winemakerfw51

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Portugues 2018, Aragones & Frances 2023
Does anyone have a good experience with an off-the-shelf orthotic to correct for supination (your weight rolls onto the outer edges of your feet as you take a step)? I’ve seen lots of products for pronation, but very few for supination. The ultimate fallback is to have a custom one made.

I've read the thread about shoes, and there was some good info there as I evaluate whether to change shoes, but I'm specifically looking for orthotics for supination.

Thanks for any information.
 
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Is this a problem for your feet that needs fixing?

I have reached the conclusion that the distinction between pronation and supination is too subtle for my amateur understanding. I have high arches and my shoes used to wear down slightly more on the outside than the inside, but it turns out that I pronate. That's what the podiatrist says, and my custom orthotics work well to stabilize my overly mobile feet.
 
Does anyone have a good experience with an off-the-shelf orthotic to correct for supination (your weight rolls onto the outer edges of your feet as you take a step)? I’ve seen lots of products for pronation, but very few for supination. The ultimate fallback is to have a custom one made.

I've read the thread about shoes, and there was some good info there as I evaluate whether to change shoes, but I'm specifically looking for orthotics for supination.

Thanks for any information.
By definition orthotics cannot be purchased off the shelf.

Insoles, arch supports and molded inserts are pretty much the same thing as a category. You can usually find them over the counter at retailers from big box stores to athletic shops to outdoor recreation stores like REI. They are all over online shopping sites as well.

They provide additional cushioning and may also offer some level of minor support in your shoes, replacing the insole that came with the shoe.. Because the material is often soft and deforms easily, even if contains some plastics, evaluating them for wear and tear about every 4 to 6 months, at most, is a good idea. Beyond that and their functionality decreases.

Orthotics are found in shops that are specialized or medical offices. This can get a bit confusing because the term “orthotic” has been adopted into a more common usage as a generic term, like kleenex or windex to describe all sorts of shoe inserts.

An orthotic is generally a firm support. It is primarily made from some type of plastic material where the arch of your foot is located. Orthotics are made based on measurement and assessment of foot positions during exam. Frequently, there are x-ray examinations made of the foot/feet. hey are meant to provide some distinct level of arch support in order to reduce the risk of further structural damage of injury to the feet while walking or running.

As a result, orthotics are custom made. They cannot be pre-made or manufactured then placed on a store shelf waiting for a buyer. Your foot must to be evaluated, and that evaluation determines what and which type of orthotic you need. A mold is made of the foot/feet, the mold is then modified to deal with the foot's specific structural issue(s), and then the orthotic is fabricated (off site or on site) to precisely match that foot and its needed correction. Orthotics do not usually deform; therefore, they do not have to be replaced as nearly as frequently as over-the-counter insoles.

Superfeet models, for example, even though they have a plastic component, are NOT orthotics. Neither are Dr. Scholls products, or gel inserts, or silicone stuff that slips into a shoe. The same applies to heat molded insole products.

Some other personal observations:

Into this mix comes a sorta hybrid approach: specialty shops which are stand-alone, retail locations that one can pop into and have a mold taken, and a device produced.

The inserts produced are meant to act in the same manner as an orthotic, and many of these shops do indeed refer to their product as an orthotic insert. Here's the problem: the need for a physical exam and assessment has often been replaced with a robotic algorithm which attempts to deduce problems based on a foot's shape and visualized pressure points.

That is an imprecise way to try and determine an actual deformity or structural problem that NEEDS to be corrected, vs one which does NOT need correcting. They can work to help soreness, but they can also do nothing; or worse, exacerbate an underlying issue. As such, the insert devices produced may not solve the problem at all, and the customer later ends up still needing to visit a medical professional, which will cost even more money.

Keep in mind that the business of orthotics, even those which are custom made in a podiatrist's office, are a BUSINESS. There is a large debate, even in professional circles, about how to evaluate the need for an orthotic, whether they are needed, and even whether they produce the level of benefit which are promised to patients and consumers.

Anecdotally, there are many who find them a life saver. . . but also those who have found them to create harm.

I think there is an approach to dealing with foot issue which reveal themselves when distance walking which will allow for two things: 1. The ability of the person to make effective changes starting with the simplest corrections which are usually the least expensive. 2. If you find that nothing suggested is effective, you will have a more precise way of explaining your symptoms to a treatment specialist, like a Podiatrist.

1. Start first with the footwear itself. Not every shoe model can satisfy all the needs of every individual. Each brand of shoe will have a variety of different models within that brand, which incorporates varying levels of motion control and pronation control features, as well as cushioning. Those features range from neutral to very aggressive.

Whether Hoka One One, New Balance, Nike, Brooks, Asics, etc, you can find a model that is designed to more effectively deal with a deficiency.

2. If you find a shoe that is the most effective at helping to deal with you issue, but can still benefit from additional correction then try out various insoles and inserts which focus on the specific issues that you are concerned with: pronation, motion control, comfort, heel pain, metatarsal pain, etc.

Like shoes, there are many third party insoles and inserts, with each brand having a variety of models to try and address a number of foot related corrections. It can take time to find a good match; it is not as simple as taking the recommendations of other people and calling it good. Like shoes, what may be terrific for one person, may be medieval level torture to another.

It is a myth that it may take time for you to 'get used' to an insole or insert if the insert or insole is uncomfortable. Do not accept that. What can be true is that an insert or insole might feel 'odd', which will sort itself out quickly as you wear them. Discomfort = no.

3. If a solution isn't found, I would think about consulting with a Sports Podiatrist, not a general Podiatrist, to properly assess feet and ankles.

At any point if there is serious discomfort with knees and/or the lower back is involved that goes beyond your body normally adjusting to a new regimen of long distance walking, I recommend seeking consultation with an Orthopedic practitioner or surgeon who can more accurately assess you for specific musculoskeletal issues. The diagnosis may point to the need to address issues with the feet in order to solve the problem, but there can be other serious underlying explanations for the pain.

There are folks who will report that their symptoms were resolved using a variety of means. These are anecdotal reports. While they worked well for someone else, there are others for which they have failed.

So go conservatively, being cautious with any serious concerns regarding knees, lower legs, ankles and feet as you seek solutions. If someone suggests something that sounds appealing to try, go slowly as you try it out yourself.
 
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Hi winemakerfw51!
People always say seek professional advice which makes a lot of sense and is usually the way to go!
My advice give the cheaper option a go first see what happens!!!

But the below is just my outcome.

I supinate quite badly and wear superfeet green insoles! (they work for me and are super comfy)£30
They may not work for you.

Long story short.
Three years ago I had supinated for 66 years, then had an issue,went to the podiatrist. (the best in my area by recommendation)
He did all the tests on gait, made moulds of my feet etc and had custom orthotics made at a cost of £180.
Modified them to lessen their corrective effect, then added inserts.
I persevered and slowly increased the daily wearing of the orthotics at which point more problems arose with knee and hip (completely fed up)

Then my daughter said you know Dad you have walked in that manner your whole life (which was true averaging 5 to 8 miles a day with my G/dog for the last 20 years) and after more than half a century; your trying to retrain the way you walk. (my feet sit like this I / right leg at an angle)
After starting with the superfeet and stopping the orthotics the hip and knee issues improved.
I still supinate but with the insoles and Hokas i am back to normal walking . (last week 47 miles by my fit bit)
Woody

Edit Blimey Dave i hope you copy and pasted that! Nobody can write that fast :)
Great post as usual;mine is just mumblings!!
 
Last edited:
Hi winemakerfw51!
People always say seek professional advice which makes a lot of sense and is usually the way to go!
My advice give the cheaper option a go first see what happens!!!

But the below is just my outcome.

I supinate quite badly and wear superfeet green insoles! (they work for me and are super comfy)£30
They may not work for you.

Long story short.
Three years ago I had supinated for 66 years, then had an issue,went to the podiatrist. (the best in my area by recommendation)
He did all the tests on gait, made moulds of my feet etc and had custom orthotics made at a cost of £180.
Modified them to lessen their corrective effect, then added inserts.
I persevered and slowly increased the daily wearing of the orthotics at which point more problems arose with knee and hip (completely fed up)

Then my daughter said you know Dad you have walked in that manner your whole life (which was true averaging 5 to 8 miles a day with my G/dog for the last 20 years) and after more than half a century; your trying to retrain the way you walk. (my feet sit like this I / right leg at an angle)
After starting with the superfeet and stopping the orthotics the hip and knee issues improved.
I still supinate but with the insoles and Hokas i am back to normal walking . (last week 47 miles by my fit bit)
Woody

Edit Blimey Dave i hope you copy and pasted that! Nobody can write that fast :)
Great post as usual;mine is just mumblings!!

It is from a post I had written a bit ago. I can type at a pretty good clip, but not that fast. :)
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Wow @davebugg. I appreciated your post on shoes elsewhere. Now this! Like others have recounted on another thread, I'm good for about 8-10 km, then things go downhill (no pun intended).As @woody66 suggested, I think I start with the simplest solutions first with trying different insoles and shoes with firmer midsole support and see how it goes. On my last Camino, I used ankle braces at times and they helped, except for some irritation at the edges. It may be time to get them out again. Hopefully I can find a more comfortable solution soon.
 
By definition orthotics cannot be purchased off the shelf.

Insoles, arch supports and molded inserts are pretty much the same thing as a category. You can usually find them over the counter at retailers from big box stores to athletic shops to outdoor recreation stores like REI. They are all over online shopping sites as well.

They provide additional cushioning and may also offer some level of minor support in your shoes, replacing the insole that came with the shoe.. Because the material is often soft and deforms easily, even if contains some plastics, evaluating them for wear and tear about every 4 to 6 months, at most, is a good idea. Beyond that and their functionality decreases.

Orthotics are found in shops that are specialized or medical offices. This can get a bit confusing because the term “orthotic” has been adopted into a more common usage as a generic term, like kleenex or windex to describe all sorts of shoe inserts.

An orthotic is generally a firm support. It is primarily made from some type of plastic material where the arch of your foot is located. Orthotics are made based on measurement and assessment of foot positions during exam. Frequently, there are x-ray examinations made of the foot/feet. hey are meant to provide some distinct level of arch support in order to reduce the risk of further structural damage of injury to the feet while walking or running.

As a result, orthotics are custom made. They cannot be pre-made or manufactured then placed on a store shelf waiting for a buyer. Your foot must to be evaluated, and that evaluation determines what and which type of orthotic you need. A mold is made of the foot/feet, the mold is then modified to deal with the foot's specific structural issue(s), and then the orthotic is fabricated (off site or on site) to precisely match that foot and its needed correction. Orthotics do not usually deform; therefore, they do not have to be replaced as nearly as frequently as over-the-counter insoles.

Superfeet models, for example, even though they have a plastic component, are NOT orthotics. Neither are Dr. Scholls products, or gel inserts, or silicone stuff that slips into a shoe. The same applies to heat molded insole products.

Some other personal observations:

Into this mix comes a sorta hybrid approach: specialty shops which are stand-alone, retail locations that one can pop into and have a mold taken, and a device produced.

The inserts produced are meant to act in the same manner as an orthotic, and many of these shops do indeed refer to their product as an orthotic insert. Here's the problem: the need for a physical exam and assessment has often been replaced with a robotic algorithm which attempts to deduce problems based on a foot's shape and visualized pressure points.

That is an imprecise way to try and determine an actual deformity or structural problem that NEEDS to be corrected, vs one which does NOT need correcting. They can work to help soreness, but they can also do nothing; or worse, exacerbate an underlying issue. As such, the insert devices produced may not solve the problem at all, and the customer later ends up still needing to visit a medical professional, which will cost even more money.

Keep in mind that the business of orthotics, even those which are custom made in a podiatrist's office, are a BUSINESS. There is a large debate, even in professional circles, about how to evaluate the need for an orthotic, whether they are needed, and even whether they produce the level of benefit which are promised to patients and consumers.

Anecdotally, there are many who find them a life saver. . . but also those who have found them to create harm.

I think there is an approach to dealing with foot issue which reveal themselves when distance walking which will allow for two things: 1. The ability of the person to make effective changes starting with the simplest corrections which are usually the least expensive. 2. If you find that nothing suggested is effective, you will have a more precise way of explaining your symptoms to a treatment specialist, like a Podiatrist.

1. Start first with the footwear itself. Not every shoe model can satisfy all the needs of every individual. Each brand of shoe will have a variety of different models within that brand, which incorporates varying levels of motion control and pronation control features, as well as cushioning. Those features range from neutral to very aggressive.

Whether Hoka One One, New Balance, Nike, Brooks, Asics, etc, you can find a model that is designed to more effectively deal with a deficiency.

2. If you find a shoe that is the most effective at helping to deal with you issue, but can still benefit from additional correction then try out various insoles and inserts which focus on the specific issues that you are concerned with: pronation, motion control, comfort, heel pain, metatarsal pain, etc.

Like shoes, there are many third party insoles and inserts, with each brand having a variety of models to try and address a number of foot related corrections. It can take time to find a good match; it is not as simple as taking the recommendations of other people and calling it good. Like shoes, what may be terrific for one person, may be medieval level torture to another.

It is a myth that it may take time for you to 'get used' to an insole or insert if the insert or insole is uncomfortable. Do not accept that. What can be true is that an insert or insole might feel 'odd', which will sort itself out quickly as you wear them. Discomfort = no.

3. If a solution isn't found, I would think about consulting with a Sports Podiatrist, not a general Podiatrist, to properly assess feet and ankles.

At any point if there is serious discomfort with knees and/or the lower back is involved that goes beyond your body normally adjusting to a new regimen of long distance walking, I recommend seeking consultation with an Orthopedic practitioner or surgeon who can more accurately assess you for specific musculoskeletal issues. The diagnosis may point to the need to address issues with the feet in order to solve the problem, but there can be other serious underlying explanations for the pain.

There are folks who will report that their symptoms were resolved using a variety of means. These are anecdotal reports. While they worked well for someone else, there are others for which they have failed.

So go conservatively, being cautious with any serious concerns regarding knees, lower legs, ankles and feet as you seek solutions. If someone suggests something that sounds appealing to try, go slowly as you try it out yourself.
I agree with everything he has said. For me, my feet roll out (supinate) and I have found the Hoka One One Speedgoat helps me. It actively fights the ankle roll when it tries to happen! It is a "stability" shoe, so possibly that is the magic code marketing word to look for. I also buy the Dr. Scholls to get more wear out of shoes whose interior padding has gone "dead" but that's not to fix gait issues, that's to make them comfy after their age is starting to show!

BC
 
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If you're near a Good Feet store, it doesn't cost anything to book an appointment online and get an evaluation of your issues. My appointment lasted about 1 1/2 hours, so it's not quick in/out. Their process/program includes 3 stages, but eventually I chose only the second one called maintenance. Wish I had known about this before I walked my first camino in 2015. FYI, I have no affiliations with this product, just a very happy walker now!
 
There are many differences in feet, but for what it's worth: I supinate, and I went to a running shop owned by a pedorthist (I think there's another name for this, but a specialist in foot issues of outdoor types). He fitted me with Altra Lone Peaks and Currex inserts that he tweaked for my foot issues. This has made all the difference for me.
 
I agree with everything he has said. For me, my feet roll out (supinate) and I have found the Hoka One One Speedgoat helps me. It actively fights the ankle roll when it tries to happen! It is a "stability" shoe, so possibly that is the magic code marketing word to look for. I also buy the Dr. Scholls to get more wear out of shoes whose interior padding has gone "dead" but that's not to fix gait issues, that's to make them comfy after their age is starting to show!

BC
Thanks for the advice
 
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There are many differences in feet, but for what it's worth: I supinate, and I went to a running shop owned by a pedorthist (I think there's another name for this, but a specialist in foot issues of outdoor types). He fitted me with Altra Lone Peaks and Currex inserts that he tweaked for my foot issues. This has made all the difference for me.
I'll check out the Currex inserts. Thanks
 
Is this a problem for your feet that needs fixing?

I have reached the conclusion that the distinction between pronation and supination is too subtle for my amateur understanding. I have high arches and my shoes used to wear down slightly more on the outside than the inside, but it turns out that I pronate. That's what the podiatrist says, and my custom orthotics work well to stabilize my overly mobile feet.
Me too, but it did take a while to find the right podiatrist, and the right shoe. I walked for years without anything additional and was fine, but as I got older, I have a few injuries that need to be nursed along, and an arthritic big toe. Plus the orthotic in my right foot, helps my knee issues - added bonus, that I dont need a knee brace any more.
 

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