Does anyone have any recommendations for a good person to make both running and cycling orthotics in the SF North Bay (Sonoma County) area? I have running orthotics made by the St Francis Center for Sports Medicine in the City (SF) that are ok, although very worn down, and a set of cycling orthotics made by a local podiatrist that are a constant source of irritation. The cycling orthotics have solved the plantar fascia pain that was the reason I got them, but have introduced a host of other issues. Plus, the two different orthotics are made from different castings of my feet and switching between them causes horrible foot cramping at times. The current cycling orthotics that I have are basically a thin standard orthotic- half length and rear-foot posted. I’ve read that real cycling orthotics should be full foot and fore-foot posted.
I’m looking for a competent podiatrist/physical therapist/chiropractor/whoever that can make both cycling and running orthotics. Someone who is reasonably local and takes health insurance is also a plus. I’m sick of dealing with the crap shoot of orthotics makers and would like to find someone who is experienced with serious runners and cyclists.
Dr. Doug Ehrenberg is fantastic - I have probably had 50+ clients use him over the years for orthotics, and he does both running and cycling. He is in Corte Madera (central Marin County). 415.385.7587.
Thanks Chris. I was hoping you’d respond. I had the pleasure of riding with you a couple years ago with Chris R - Cavedale, Oakville Grade, Siverado, Calistoga and Franz Valley. Thanks for the contact number and hope you’re doing well.
I second Doug Ehrenberg. Got both cycling and running both very good. The running are very light compared to what I had before and do not interfere with “pose like” running for me.
Doctor David Hannaford is a legend in Marin County running circles. I don’t know how he is with cycling orthodics but I know that he has been a life saver for at least 5 close friends and is an ultra runner himself. He is a bit hard to get in to see (he travels extensively) but well worth the wait. You can find him through google, or white/yellow pages. Office is in San Rafael right next to Northgate Mall. Good luck.
Also had Hannaford’s orthotics before getting some from Erhenberg. Very good guy as well but only for running.
In my case I went to Hannaford first, a few years ago, when I got back into running after knee surgery. I was a heel striker then and he made me custom orthotics that I used in Motion control shoes. It was working OK. I then decided to change my running gait to a mid foot strike and went to lightweight trainers and racing flats with no orthotics for about 6 month.
I then went to Erhenberg for cycling orthotics after my PK Racing bike fit, he does great carbon fiber orthotics for cycling. When I was with him I asked him about running orthotics, it was I think $100 more to get both cycling orthotics and running orthotics.
Since then I am now running “pose like” with Erhenberg orthotics, which was not possible with Hannaford’s orthotics but mostly because they were made for a different running gait in the first place. I am not sure what Hannaford would recommend for me today with my mid-foot strike
Hannaford is well known for running - for cycling his orthotics tend to be a bit bulky, and not quite as clean as Ehrenberg’s.
Jeff, I remember that ride. It was a dark day for me on the bike! I hadn’t been training at all and was expecting some 2 to 3 hour ride, and ended up with that monster we did. Ah, the joys of being out of shape!!