Anyone have any experience with adding inserts to running shoes for offset? I bought new shoes not realizing they are 4mm drop vs the 10mm I have been running in. The ones I have been wearing are now made a bit narrower. I have a wider foot and have trouble finding a light weight shoe that fits. When I got these home after a run I realized why they felt funny. So the LRS gave me foam heel inserts to bring them up to a 10mm drop. I injured myself switching to zero drops a few years ago even with slowly transitioning. I ignorantly at the same time switched from heel sticking to forefoot at the same time which didn’t end well. So I am curious about the risk with adding inserts for offset.
When I was experimenting with greater than 10mm heel/toe drop, I cut a bunch of soles and stacked the heels under Superfeet inserts in some Kayano’s and it seemed fine for the short time I was trying out the various heights. I’ll probably do the same with a pair of Hokas that I have laying around but only to get them to somewhere around 10mm. If I were to do it longer term, I’d consider getting heel inserts if I could ditch the Superfeet inserts to bridge the gap.
Didn’t notice anything odd in your feet or ankles over the short period you were doing that?
Surprisingly, no issues with the feet, ankles, knees, hips, back,… The Superfeet inserts are pretty sturdy to the mid-foot so it felt just like running in a shoe with a higher heel/toe drop which did feel a little strange at first. At the time, I was a pretty heavy heal striker and did this experiment for 200 miles or so. After trying more and less drop, I basically ended up back where most of my shoes were at (10-12mm). That was a few years ago and I’m currently looking to give less drop another go due to a very positive form change, hence the comment about the Hokas.
Thanks appreciate the insight. I tried the inserts this morning. I could feel them on my arch so I’m going to trim them a bit. I’ve moved to more of a mid foot landing. The lower drop still makes me cautious due to achillies
I’m not a fan of using anything in the shoe to try to offset the drop of the shoe. If problems occur where are you going to point to the cause? What is your every day training shoe and what is your new lightweight shoe with the lower drop? Drop is not the only determination and knowing what the shoes are will lead to a better solution.
I didn’t really like the idea of adding anything. But she was confident in it when I went back questioning the shoe. I really like the feel of the Nike minus the insert. But I have no desire for more calf or ankle problems.
Old shoe - Brooks Launch 2
New shoe - Nike Free distance
When I read your original post the shoe that popped into my head was the Brooks Launch 2 and there it is. Simple changes to the Launch 3 and now they don’t fit. Frustration for sure. I would guard against putting the insert into those nike shoes. It’s a not a great option. Running shoe drop is one measurement on the entire blueprint of the midsole mold. All aspects of the mold work together to create the feel and function. When we mess with one aspect we run the risk of offsetting the function of the shoe.
If your size is right, Running Warehouse has the Launch 2 for $65.
Another shoe you might try is the Breakthru from Saucony. Can’t say from a fit perspective but from a function perspective it’s in the right wheelhouse as the Launch 2. 8mm drop which should be no issue for you and light.
It’s essentially a Kinvara with a 8mm offset.
Thanks Dave, I appreciate the advise!
I will probably order from Running Wearhouse. I tried a shoe comparison search on Google with no luck. So thanks for the Saucony recommendation also.