Orthotlics

[amy1984]

I went to my skating pro shop to ask about my skates because my feet have been really sore this last month.  The skates are still strong, not broken down, and they were comfortable before.  The shop owner gave me a business card to see a physiotherapist who specializes in orthotics and makes them specially for skates.  She thought it was possible my foot beds (Jackson Matrix) were breaking down a bit and that was why I was noticing the lack of arch support or that the arches weren't matching up exactly with the skate.  As this has been an ongoing problem for me with several brands of skates, she suggested checking out orthotics.  She said the dude is really good at working with skaters and that she knows of several skaters who go to him.

I have a few questions.  First, I've used super feet and I didn't like them as they were literally hard on my feet as in they were plastic and uncomfortable.  I'm a little worried that orthotics will feel the same and I won't use them.  Has anyone had orthotics and had success with them?  Are they comfortable?  Second, I'm looking at putting $400 orthotics in skates I spend almost a grand on.  This is getting expensive.  Has anyone else tried to fix similar discomfort via custom skates (because they're seriously looking similar in overall price right now) and had success?  Is this a better idea?  Third, do they transfer into a new pair of skates or is this something I'm going to have to purchase when I get new skates? 

[rd350]

I'd love to know if you're in NYC (then would love the PT's name for their experience fitting orthotics with skates specifically).  My PT is great but she treats dancers primarily so skate boots are more of a challenge.

I have been having issues primarily in one foot.  Initially part of the issue was my old skates - high level skates in good condition but did not fit me well at all (too tight at the balls of feet and too wide in the heels).

I ordered custom skates (almost $1k) and fitter used yellow superfeet.  I have the same issue as you.  I don't do well with hard insoles.  I have tried very many over the counter and semi-custom orthotics and am in the process of PT treatment to address as best possible the issues in my foot/leg.  I HIGHLY recommend you do see the PT and let them assess you.  You want to FIRST get your body in the best position/function possible, before compensating for deficits with orthotics.

For me, I am still being treated but we did do a semi-custom orthotic (which is a good prequel to assess how you may do with customs) and although it wasn't too problematic in my sneakers - it actually stopped the arch cramping but I am getting metatarsal pain at an hour in each time (we even reduced some of the posts because sometimes you need to start at smaller corrections and acclimate) but in my skates it was the absolute worst arch cramping I've had yet and I didn't last 10 minutes.

I am sending my skates back to the manufacturer and they are going to make various adjustments based on our conversations, my foot/leg assessments and my symptoms and pain in the boots.  Difficult IMO because they are in another state.  It's been a really long road (since December) and I hit the wall yesterday with all this (after these orthotics failed) so back they go for adjustments.  And I've been paying out of pocket for a great PT so I am all in at this point at almost $3K and really frustrated.  So as you see, it's not always an easy answer.  For some it is though!

Technically, if orthotics are made correctly for you, they should feel good!  Getting them made just right is a whole other story but if you have a PT who's had success I would go for it!  Tell me if they are in NYC!  Although sounds like you may be in Europe?

Curious if you have supinated or have a neutral feet - many who do often do better with cushioning.  You can (if space is built in to the boot) have a thin cushion over your orthotic.

Another, way simpler thought for you is see if you can put in a new set of your Jackson insoles, since they were good and this may be way cheaper to see if it was just your current insole breakdown.

If that doesn't work, it would seem to lean more towards a change in your body/feet/alignment....

[amy1984]

I'm in Western Canada.  Not as far as Europe but still probably too far for you   The guy has a really good reputation but I'm still worried about paying so much money and then not being able to use to product.  I'm lucky because my employer has really good benefits.  So the actual physio part would be covered though I doubt athletic orthotics would be covered.  I also already have a physiotherapist so I'm thinking I may make an appointment with him and ask his opinion.  Maybe he can at least look at my feet and give me some sort of opinion.  I trust him already, so that might ease my mind.

It's too bad the customs didn't seem to work out as good as you'd hoped.  Hopefully they'll be able to make changes for you to make them a better fit.

I don't THINK I have messed up feet (pronate, supinate, etc.).  I think what's happening is that my arches aren't matching up with where they are in my skates.  My physiotherapist assessed my gait for a hip injury and nothing was mentioned about how I stand which I'm thinking would have come up.

The pro shop also suggested replacing the Jackson insoles but the ones I have are less than a year old.  I think I'd rather a longer term solution.

Riedell is by far the most comfortable for my arches (probably because of the lower heel??) but unfortunately, they don't fit properly everywhere else for me.  They don't grab my heel properly, etc.  I should also mention that I have never in my life really subjected myself to 'girly' foot wear, such as heels, so maybe I'm just a huge baby.

[rd350]

If your employer covers it see your current PT but I have a physical therapy background and can tell you that feet as a specialty makes a difference.  Feet are very complex.  I recently took a couple of Foot & Ankle courses and still learned a lot!

But start there and see.  Would be interesting to then see the skate specialist PT - especially if your insurance/work pays!  You don't have to commit to getting the orthotics.  Please report back!  Very interested to see you resolve this issue!!

[Neverdull44]

I have orthotics in both my sneakers and skates.  Insurance may cover the cost of the orthotics.  Check into it.

My orthotics are both hard, white plastic   But, they fit exactly to my feet.   When I use them, it's an instant "Ahhhhhh."  Without them, its pure hell.

[Query]

I've sent you a "private message" with a link to my webpage, which includes a section on modifying boots - in effect making your own orthotics.

[Doubletoe]

A few friends of mine swear by the Graf custom footbeds, even though they don't have Grafs.  One friend told me they cost $100. 
I think they might be these?
http://grafcanada.com/product-lineup/accessories/custom-hockey-pro-footbed/