In the past I have experienced ITB issues while running. I currently have a 3/4 length orthotic that I wear in my every day shoes. I tried running in them but found that they caused a pretty bad blister at the end of the ortho. For my running shoes I ended up trying a control shoe (Stabil 6) and a Spenco Arch Cushion Insoles. That seemed to work pretty well for me doing short runs <= 5mi. Now I am experiencing some issues again since my distance is increasing. I am wondering what type of shoes I should try along with a new insole. My problem is that I am not sure what combo I need, ie. neutral shoe + structured insole, control shoe + cushioned insole, etc. I am fairly athletic and a svelt 181lbs 5’11.5". The pediotrist that perscribed me my orthotics told me that I have pretty bad pronation even while in standing position. My arches are normal but collapse while standing and running due to foot pronation. I was thinking about trying a neutral shoe like the Brooks Ghost and a structured insole like superfeet orange. Every time I go to a local running store I get some noob who has no idea what combination I should get and just points me to the popular/expensive shoes. It seems that running in control shoes alone doesn’t fix my issue since my foot still pronates and collapses, hence the arch support insole. I would assume my problems now are due to the cushion of the shoe combined with the cushion of the insole being too much cushion and over correcting the issue. It works for short distance, but with longer distance is coming to bear. Thanks in advance!
My doc told me to get a neutral/lightweight shoe and use a insert. A control motion shoe + insert is over-correcting the problem too much. I also go with the green Superfeet.
Also, you should use inserts in your cycling shoes if you cycle as well!
My bike bit guy basically wedged my Specialized TriVents with some synthetic material to support my arches and inserted a shim in the toes of my one shoe. Basically I think he was “creating” an insole.
Hmmm…I use insoles from superfeet for the bike also. I have specialized shoes also…I just trimmed the superfeet (I think yellow) against the original bike shoe insole. also, the problems you are having could be from lack of strength and flexibiltiy. I try to do exercises and stretching to help with my issues (tendonitis). I try to ice as well at night and that helps as well. I wouldnt just bank on the insole as the only solution. So if you are in need of some tips, here is a pdf I posted a few days ago…
With the amount of Valgus curvature you show in the picture the green superfeet MAY help. The deeper heel cup CAN help cradle the heel and prevent it from moving in the x-axis. Shoes are designed to prevent pronation in the y-axis (up/down) if your pronation is being caused by your heel sliding out towards the outside of your shoe and you arches dropping over the edge of the shoe, you MAY need something to help support your heel.
This is all conjecture based on stuff I do at the store and have been taught by our doctor. I would need to do a number of other tests to confirm this but it may at least be a place to start for you.
By support I meant supporting the heel from sliding out. The heel cup in the superfeet will help cradle the heel when it tries to slide outward on contact.
The rear photo is helpful. You have some pretty bad heel valgus, but no apparent forefoot abduction. Need an X-ray to see where your deformity truly is, but it isn’t likely in the transverse plane. Definite frontal plane issues and possible some sagittal plane issues. Is ITBS your only main complaint with running?
A deep heel cup is likely a good idea (whether OTC or custom) with a good neutral or light structural shoe to start.
In that case, is the superfeet green or orange the better OTC solution? EDIT: I did some searching and it looks like the greens have a deeper heel cup.
Superfeet OTC orthotics are all designed with a deep heel cup and are “sold” on the size of your foot (or more specifically your heel) by many local running stores (they are “trained” to do this). This is AFTER their initial use query (i.e. running shoes vs. dress shoes, etc. as they are very different). The colors are based on that (green, mint green, berry, etc.)
