13 replies to this topic

[updave]

Hello out there.

This is my first running post. I've only been running 4.5 months after cycling for 25 yrs (though I'm still thoroughly addicted to that). I'm slowly getting addicted to this running thing too! Esp. trail running!

Just a general question re after market inserts... does anyone use them? I've heard anecdotal evidence that "most insoles that come with shoes are rubbish" but surely that can't be right? I presume they are designed to work with and match the other qualities of the shoe?

Cheers,

upDave

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

Welcome to CoolRunning Updave,
You've gotta luuurve the trail running!
Great question, and one which I've been thinking about myself, since I've been seeing more of those heat moldable inner soles available in the shops recently. They're pretty expensive, though, aren't they?
I don't see any real reason to change the standard inner soles since I've never really had any problems with them.
I'm interested to hear of any other opinions.
Cheers,
ChookLegs.....

[updave]

ChookLegsMonkeyBoy, on Aug 13 2008, 08:43 AM, said:

Welcome to CoolRunning Updave,
You've gotta luuurve the trail running!
Great question, and one which I've been thinking about myself, since I've been seeing more of those heat moldable inner soles available in the shops recently. They're pretty expensive, though, aren't they?
I don't see any real reason to change the standard inner soles since I've never really had any problems with them.
I'm interested to hear of any other opinions.
Cheers,
ChookLegs.....

Thanks ChookLegs. I don't necessarily have a need myself but there's so many available. Hopefully there's an expert out there who can answer? Maybe it's just marketing hype? But then I'm a sucker for that... I love to shop for gear!

upDave

[FakePlasticTrees]

I've used a number of different after market insoles over the years and not really been impressed by any of them. Mostly they've made my shoes more cushiony but also less responsive. I'd stick with the insoles that come with the shoes.

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

updave, on Aug 13 2008, 01:29 PM, said:

...... Maybe it's just marketing hype?

Exactly my concern. Especially when a pair costs ~$70-$80.
Surely someone has used them and can give us an opinion. Anyone?

[ChookLegsMonkeyBoy]

FakePlasticTrees, on Aug 13 2008, 03:25 PM, said:

I've used a number of different after market insoles over the years and not really been impressed by any of them. Mostly they've made my shoes more cushiony but also less responsive. I'd stick with the insoles that come with the shoes.

Thanks for that FPT,
Sorry, I didn't see your post before adding my last one.
Cheers,
ChookLegs.....

[Wida]

ChookLegsMonkeyBoy, on Aug 13 2008, 08:13 AM, said:

Great question, and one which I've been thinking about myself, since I've been seeing more of those heat moldable inner soles available in the shops recently. They're pretty expensive, though, aren't they?
I don't see any real reason to change the standard inner soles since I've never really had any problems with them.
I'm interested to hear of any other opinions.
Cheers,
ChookLegs.....

When I was running in Salomon XT Wings I was having problems with rubbing under my right arch so I experimented with aftermarket insoles. After trying 4 different types, including Sole DK Custom heat moldable Footbeds I came to the conclusion that standard insoles were better for me. I even tried the DK insoles in my Mizuno Wave Ascends which suit my feet great but the heat moldable insoles just made things worse. Partially because of the excessive support they gave. In my opinion I think that standard insoles that were designed for the shoes are best. I've never used orthotics so I can't comment on them.

[updave]

Wida, on Aug 13 2008, 06:04 PM, said:

When I was running in Salomon XT Wings I was having problems with rubbing under my right arch so I experimented with aftermarket insoles. After trying 4 different types, including Sole DK Custom heat moldable Footbeds I came to the conclusion that standard insoles were better for me. I even tried the DK insoles in my Mizuno Wave Ascends which suit my feet great but the heat moldable insoles just made things worse. Partially because of the excessive support they gave. In my opinion I think that standard insoles that were designed for the shoes are best. I've never used orthotics so I can't comment on them.

Hey Wida. Interesting you should say. I've just bought Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra. I'm pretty new to running and trail running. I use Asics GT2120 on the road with zero probs but admittedly low k's. Avge 20-25kms a week with longest run 18km to date.

First run in the XA's last night, 4km bitumen and gravel and I've got rubbing pain under left arch. It's a two piece insole and it's where the join is... tried my Asics insoles and they felt completely wrong. What did you do? Feet harden up? Shoes broke in or did you have to ditch em?

[Wida]

updave, on Aug 14 2008, 02:57 PM, said:

First run in the XA's last night, 4km bitumen and gravel and I've got rubbing pain under left arch. It's a two piece insole and it's where the join is... tried my Asics insoles and they felt completely wrong. What did you do? Feet harden up? Shoes broke in or did you have to ditch em?

I actually had a pair of XA Pro 3D's (not the Ultra's) and didn't have any rubbing with them but I did with the XT Wings. I moved onto the XT Wings because I'm a heavy bloke (90kg) and needed more cushioning. I loved the feel of the XT Wings but they gave me the blister under the arch no matter what I did, so yes I had to ditch them which was a shame because I did like them.

[73Robbo]

updave, on Aug 12 2008, 10:49 AM, said:

Just a general question re after market inserts... does anyone use them? I've heard anecdotal evidence that "most insoles that come with shoes are rubbish" but surely that can't be right? I presume they are designed to work with and match the other qualities of the shoe?

Cheers,

upDave

Welcome !

I have Sole heat moldable footbeds in my giant orthopedic running shoes (clearly not in my lighter shoes as there isn't enough space).

The reasons I switched are twofold.
- Firstly, I got a lot of blisters on my arches and heels from 2 pairs, switched to the sole ones and they went away (and I've not had a blister in nearly a year now).
- Secondly the new ones have a slot for your Nike stride sensor if you're into all that so it doesn't have to go on the outside of your shoe.

What they don't do is give you a great deal of additional support, only comfort - my pod confirmed that when he looked at one recently. His view was that if you can push the arch support down with 1 finger then with 70+kg coming down on them from a height then they'll be doing next to nothing (cf orthotics). As it happens I don't need orthotics so I was sure he wasn't rubbishing them so he could sell me something else. The same criteria would apply to stock insoles I guess multiplied up.

Short story, if it's comfortable, then they are doing what they are supposed to. If you need control, get orthotics or a different type of shoe (with medial support features built into the sole for example).

[Wida]

I suppose the thing to remember is that similar to how one shoe isn't suited to all runners, the same applies to insoles. Although they didn't work for me they work for others. The only way you'll find out if they do or don't work for you is if you try them for yourself.

[updave]

Wida, on Aug 14 2008, 09:19 PM, said:

I suppose the thing to remember is that similar to how one shoe isn't suited to all runners, the same applies to insoles. Although they didn't work for me they work for others. The only way you'll find out if they do or don't work for you is if you try them for yourself.

Fair points. After 10km this morning and two huge blisters on each arch I'm a little worried. At $70-80 for the insoles that's a gamble. I could sell my Salomons for ?? $100-120? Then get some Asics Gel Trail Sensor or Trabucos and not be any worse off $$ wise. At least I can get those from a specialist fitting shop like Active Feet. There's really not a lot out there to try on in trail shoes.

Lesson learned!

Remembering I'm a newbie and don't get any blisters in my road shoes do you think I should persist with the Salomons? Will my arches toughen up or should I cut my losses?

Thanks!

[Wida]

updave, on Aug 15 2008, 10:07 AM, said:

Remembering I'm a newbie and don't get any blisters in my road shoes do you think I should persist with the Salomons? Will my arches toughen up or should I cut my losses?

I had the exact same problem. I had run literally thousands and thousands of k's in Kayano's and then struck trouble with trail shoes.

I personally don't think it sounds like your arches will toughen up if there is that much rubbing...I may be wrong though. It's expensive but I'd probably suggest to try another shoe. I think that I spent around $450 before I found the trail shoe that was right for me

[updave]

Wida, on Aug 15 2008, 04:04 PM, said:

I had the exact same problem. I had run literally thousands and thousands of k's in Kayano's and then struck trouble with trail shoes.

I personally don't think it sounds like your arches will toughen up if there is that much rubbing...I may be wrong though. It's expensive but I'd probably suggest to try another shoe. I think that I spent around $450 before I found the trail shoe that was right for me

Thanks. I think I'll flog the XA's on ebay and try a hybrid for starters like the Asics Trabuco or Trail Sensor... maybe Mizuno Wave Ascend and take it from there. I've already done some pretty rocky/techy stuff in the GT2120... it's mainly the off road grip that's a problem so I should be fine.

Ok. No more from me. This has turned into a trail shoe discussion.. there's another thread for that! Sorry!!

The insole question is still an interesting one though.