I have had a pair for 5 years. I have had the posting re-done on the once.
My doc says it is probably time for a new set (they have compressed some and don’t square up to my arch the way they used to).
My current set is made from a black material. The doc suggests that I move to the clear-ish material. (Something about the black material is typically used for heavier people and the white material being stiffer).
I asked him about moving to something more minimalist and he suggested that I am not a great candidate (heavy pronation, bow-legged). I’m 39 years old and when I was in better shape last year, I ran a 1:34 half marathon and a 3:31 marathon (not blazing fast, but my point is that the shoes are not my limiter. By ability to train more and control the shitty food once in a while is).
It entirely depends on what they are made of and why you need them or are trying to accomplish. When I make for children/young adults born with clubfoot/genetic issues or post polio syndrome people, a much different proposition then in a runner with soft tissue injuries.
There is no “black” and “white” material. Polypropylene that yours are likely made of can come in either. Softer polyethylene is usually more clear though. The TL2100 or graphite/carbon composites can be many colors as well.
For runners, the topcover/cushion generally needs to be replaced (if you have any) around 2 years. Plates can forever to as little as 1 year if I want it to be flexible - usually if I make them like this though, it is meant to be temporary then to gradually discontinue use.
Replace them WAY more than once every five years. Three years max.
As for listening to my advice: lots of worthless MD’s and Podiatrists out there; WAY more worthless third-person feedback out here in Slowtwitch Land. Risk aversion says go with what the doc that sees, touches, and listens to you says.
Thanks Dr. Rroof.
One more question.
The guy who made my last pair is a podiatrist. Older guy (mid 60’s is my guess). He claims to be a runner for 30 years.
I also see a PT on occasion for various issues (shoulder, neck, feet, etc). He specializes in working with athletes. Younger guy (mid 30’s. Not an MD). He also makes orthotics. He is also a very big proponent of minimalist running. He has the guys from Newton run a a clinic a few times a year at his practice. Cool practice and I do like them.
Do you recommend getting orthotics done by a podiatrist or will a PT come up with the same thing?
He is a Biomechanics professor at Ball State University, and he can fit you with custom or semi-custom footbeds. He’s got access to some really cool tools, like a $250,000 treadmill that does a whole bunch of fancy stuff or something (for $250,000, I know what I would want it to do, but I’m not sure if it does that or not… lol).
I’ve done a bike fit with him so far, and hope to do a gait/running form analysis soon. He’s very thorough, and takes a very holistic approach to the process. He does travel and do clinics around the country, and I believe he knows Slowman and many other fitters. So, maybe he’ll be in your neck of the woods sometime soon. He’s kind of a “word of mouth” kind of guy, so his website isn’t the greatest.
Replace them WAY more than once every five years. Three years max.
As for listening to my advice: lots of worthless MD’s and Podiatrists out there; WAY more worthless third-person feedback out here in Slowtwitch Land. Risk aversion says go with what the doc that sees, touches, and listens to you says.
You must be an orthotic salesman. If I need to replace an orthotic every three years, my first thought is “why the hell am I using a lab that produces a device that only lasts 3 years?” This might be line cooked up by some of the old school Podiatrists because most insurances that cover orthotics allow a new pair every three years.
Unless you are using a foam or other soft material, the orthotics should last longer. Maybe not the covers, but the device itself. Along those same lines, If someone can do well with a soft orthotic, my first thought is just have them use something like the Sole or Superfeet supports. Any device which compresses and wears out stops being a “custom fit” once it changes shape due to wear. So much for the expense of a custom device.
If you are needing a device for long term control of abnormal foot mechanics, the device should probably be a poly material and they should last a long time. I have 3 pairs of orthotics and hey are 12, 5 and 1 year old respectively. My feet have not changed, the old ones have had covers replaced, but they all look and function the same. I use them interchangeably. Good lab. Good doctor.
I am just a guy, but what seems to me to play out is that all else equal, a podiatrist is more likely to put you in a rigid orthotic. A physical therapist is more likely to go for a flexible orthotic and get you working on your flexibility and strength in order to get your feet working more correctly. In my own case, the rigid orthotics work well for my Morton’s Neuroma.
On a pragmatic level, if I were a guy who is wearing a certain style of orthotics and is running without injuries holding him back; I am not going to go mucking about with different orthotics in an effort to be “minimal.”
And in fact I am just such a guy, when I wear my orthotics for running, I have no issues with lower leg injuries at all. I tried minimal-er shoes without the orthotics and got injured. So I don;t go messing around with it.
Thanks Dr. Rroof.
One more question.
The guy who made my last pair is a podiatrist. Older guy (mid 60’s is my guess). He claims to be a runner for 30 years.
I also see a PT on occasion for various issues (shoulder, neck, feet, etc). He specializes in working with athletes. Younger guy (mid 30’s. Not an MD). He also makes orthotics. He is also a very big proponent of minimalist running. He has the guys from Newton run a a clinic a few times a year at his practice. Cool practice and I do like them.
Do you recommend getting orthotics done by a podiatrist or will a PT come up with the same thing?
I think Kevin in MD had a good response/anecdote. Again, it depends entirely on why you “need” them (if at all) - we still have no reason/diagnosis to go from. A pod in his id 60’s is mostly likely (but not necessarily) going to make a more rigid, Root type, biomechanical corrective device. A PT is more likely to “make” something more like an OTC device. There really is no better since both could produce results (all that matters, really). Obviously for the cost, the molded, rigid device makes more sense, but most runners do not need such a device (or they wouldn’t likely be a runner anyway - but just an internet broad brush).
Hi,
I replace my orthotics every 2 years.
after that they get too old.
Ido my orthotics at Tamir Kfir Orthotics. you can check them out through their website.
all my team is their custemors and these are really the best orthotics you can find.
I have had custom made orthotics since the fourth grade. My last set was made when I was a freshman in high school and I am just now getting them replace. I’m now 28. They are made out of a clear-ish hard plastic type material. Dr. Says my feet will change over time but there is no reason to replace them often. I never wear any shoe without them.
Are the plastic ones uncomfortable? I have a bad ankle with multiple surgeries on it. Tried the ones my pod gave. They were too thick and made of leather. Didn’t work at all. Superfeet did the trick for a while, but I guess they’ve lost their effect, even with multiple replacements.
The plastics are not at all uncomfortable. They are unnoticed. (How it should be I guess). I’m sure I had to get used to them but I don’t remember. They are not a full length foot bed. They stop after the arch, just before the ball of your foot. I keep my old set permanently in my cycling shoes or ski boots. Without them I am unable to flatten out my skis and can’t get off my inside edges.
Had to reply to this one. I have worn orthotics for 40 years and I can tell you as a Triathlete the material may well wear out after 3 years. It depends on how heavy you are, what kind of foot striker you are and if you have the right size shoe. Or even if you changed the type of running shoe (say you run with racing flats and orthotics or do you run with a stabilizing shoe and orthotics? It makes a difference) If you are heavy you can compress the material to the point where you deform the orthotic and defeat the purpose of the device. Mine are made up of a heavy durometer rubber with a nylon layer and then a canvas like covering. I have replaced them at about a 4 yr interval. If you make it too hard your feet will hurt like some beat you you with a rubber hose and you will NEVER get used to it. My suggestion is go by 2 or more running stores in your local area and ask them who is the best foot dr in the area. Ask as many questions as you can think of about the dr they mention and then decide. When he looks at you, you can discuss the durability concerns and he can explain why the orthotic is made the way it is for you specifically and why your orthotic’s may or may not need to be replaced. And here is the last and biggest question, are you injured or showing signs of injury? If not then why are you looking at replacing your orthotics?
If I need to replace an orthotic every three years, my first thought is “why the hell am I using a lab that produces a device that only lasts 3 years?” This might be line cooked up by some of the old school Podiatrists because most insurances that cover orthotics allow a new pair every three years.