What Do I put my Custom Orthotics in?

My favorite Shoes for Custom orthotics 2020

A common question I get from patients, family, and friends is what shoe do I choose? Admittedly the choices when entering into a shoe store can be dizzying and for some intimidating. The models and styles change almost every 2 version and sometimes it feels like bells and whistles are added every 6 months which can alienate even some of the most dedicated stylists. For example the Brooks Adrenaline made a huge change about 18 months ago where the overall response has been very positive as one of the top running shoes in the world both by sales and reviews. But in this process the runners and walkers that were depending on the Adrenaline to deliver it’s consistency in terms of control, stability, and a little arch were now displaced and now roaming the slat all at their favorite running store or even more disorienting scrolling with their thumb in bed on their smart phone.

All those items being said here are my favorite shoes for fitting orthotics in 2020. How was my list compiled? I fit or recommend nearly 500 pairs of shoes a year to runners and walkers. These are the shoes that “did no harm”, fit and orthotic nicely, allowed for a variance of foot strike styles (heel strikers and mid foot strikers), and allowed for foot deformities due to the mesh upper.

What I typically recommend is coming in whether it be for a gait analysis or an orthotic fitting with 2-3 pairs of shoes. My most common suggestion is to go to our local running speciality store, Everyday Athlete and keeping the receipts. We will do a full fitting and try out all the pairs on the treadmill. It is one thing for me to recommend it is another experience to put each on and spend 10-15 min walking, squatting, and running in them.

Ben’s Favorite Shoes for Orthotics 2020

• Asics Nimbus

  • PRODUCT FEATURES

    • FOREFOOT: 14mm HEEL: 27mm (13mm offset)

    • WEIGHT: 9oz

    • FLYTEFOAM® PROPEL TECHNOLOGY

      ASICS energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.

    • TRUSSTIC SYSTEM® TECHNOLOGY

      Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.

    • GUIDANCE LINE® MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY

      Vertical flex groove decouples the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.

    • REARFOOT AND FOREFOOT GEL® TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING SYSTEM

      Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.

    • ENGINEERED MESH UPPER

      Multi-directional mesh material improves ventilation and stability.

    • SPEVAFOAM™ 45 LASTING

      Employs 45 degree full length SpevaFoam™ 45 lasting material for a soft platform feel and improved comfort.

    • LIGHTWEIGHT AHAR™ OUTSOLE

      Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Lighter weight material placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.

    • GENDER SPECIFIC TRUSSTIC

      Specifically designed trusstic system to cater to the differences in male and female biomechanics

• Brooks Adrenaline

  • Product Features:

    • MIDSOLE DROP 12mm

    • WEIGHT 9.4oz

    • ARCH Medium, High

    • EXPERIENCE TYPE: Cushion

    • TECHNOLOGY: GuideRails, DNA LOFT, BioMoGo DNA

    • USE: Road Running

    • What’s New in 2020:

      1. Integrated, streamlined GuideRails offer smoother transitions.

      2.  Improved structure in the mesh upper shaves weight.

• NEW Balance 1080 Fresh Foam

  • Product Features:

    • Offset: 8mm

    • Weight: 9.5 oz

    • Fresh Foam X provides a plush, but stable ride for high mileage.

    • A sock-like knit upper keeps the foot locked down without feeling restricted.

    • Responsive and somewhat firm cushioning

    • rocker shape, allows for faster paces.

    • Relatively lightweight for the amount of protection compared to other max cushioned models.

• Kayano

  • PRODUCT FEATURES

    • FOREFOOT: 11mm HEEL: 24mm (13mm Offset)

    • WEIGHT: 8 oz

    • REARFOOT AND FOREFOOT GEL® TECHNOLOGY CUSHIONING SYSTEM

      Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.

    • DYNAMIC DUOMAX™ SUPPORT SYSTEM

      This evolution of DuoMax® system enhances stability and support, with reduced weight and increased platform support.

    • SPACE TRUSSTIC™ TECHNOLOGY

      Reduces the weight of the sole unit while providing stability and retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.

    • GENDER SPECIFIC TRUSSTIC

      Specifically designed trusstic system to cater to the differences in male and female biomechanics

    • EXTERNAL HEEL CLUTCH

      External heel counter delivering better overall fit and targeted support

    • ORTHOLITE® LASTING

      This lasting material features plush underfoot comfort while providing excellent moisture management and a high level of breathability (Ortholite is a registered trademark of ATP Manufacturing LLC.)

    • AHAR® OUTSOLE

      Acronym for ASICS High Abrasion Rubber. Placed in critical areas of the outsole for exceptional durability.

• BROOKS GLYCerin

  • PRODUCT FEATURES

    • SUPPORT: NeutralMIDSOLE

    • OFFSET: 10mm

    • WEIGHT9oz

    • ARCHMedium

    • TYPE: Cushion

    • TECHNOLOGY: 3D Fit Print, DNA LOFT

    • USE: Road Running

    • What’s New

      1. Reconfigured midsole allows more DNA LOFT cushioning underfoot for extreme plushness.

      2.  Full length, green rubber outsole enhances the midsole cushioning while also improving traction and decreasing weight