Gel insoles, heel cups or customised orthotics?

Discussion in 'Clothing & Footwear' started by justinwyyau, May 26, 2009.

  1. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Hi all,

    I have a pair of Victor VT-7000 shoe and it is a great pair for a shoe but it could do better with its insole cushioning (in my humble opinion).

    My situations are:

    1. I keep getting blisters only on my left foot, on the inside at the side of the ball of my left foot, though the severity of it has been reduced greatly by wearing Thorlo socks.
    2. My heels hurt (mostly my left side, I am right handed) after playing badminton. I play on Saturday 11-12+ pm and then again later at 4-6 pm. I may have another session on Sunday 8-10 + pm depending on my overall condition.
    3. I find that my feet rolls inwards, especially after I do a drop step.

    So my questions are:

    1. Will a different lacing system help with situation 1? I just tie the normal criss cross method and I have tried tying it tighter to the point I can feel it cutting onto the top of my foot but I still get the blister after.

    2. Would getting gel insoles or heel cups help with situation 2? I am guessing that gel insoles are better than heel cups in general? In addition, if the gel insoles have a higher arch, it might solve situation 3 (?). I have looked around in Penang, and I can't seem to find Super Feet Green or Softec Regular. I guess the only way is to order them in. However, I can source for Tuli's Gel Insoles in Penang and am wondering if they are a good enough substitute?

    3. Is it necessary to get customised orthotics? I live in Penang and as far as I know by browsing hospital consultants list and asking around, there are no podiatrists or foot specialists around. I think the only way of solving everything is to get a pair of customised orthotics.

    I have been taking my regular intake of vitamin C, multi vitamins, calcium tablets and glucosamine as a pre-caution so that my knee joints, ankle joints and cartilages are all healthy.

    And I weigh 75 kilos, 5 feet 7/8 inches. So I don't think it is due to my weight rrriiiggghhhttt? :)

    Would appreciate some comments on the above. Thank you.

    Justin
     
  2. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Can't edit my original post, but as an add on, if anybody can provide me with information and/or contact details of a podiatrist/foot specialist/orspecialised shops with good insoles/etc. relating to the above, I would appreciate it greatly!

    Thank you.

    Justin
     
  3. jymbalaya

    jymbalaya Regular Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2007
    Messages:
    977
    Likes Received:
    3
    Location:
    United States
    i concur with the idea that getting insoles will remedy that problem. i have no idea about your selection, but i feel any cushioned insoles will do.

    as for three, i think you should check whether you shoes have any ankle supports and what not. if they roll after you do a drop step, i find that disturbing, unless its you who is forcing it.
     
  4. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Hi jymbalaya,

    It doesn't excessively roll inwards, just a little bit. I think it could be due to my feet that causes the roll in, perhaps the lack of support for my arch causes my foot to 'collapse' or roll in?

    I will scour around for better insoles, but at the moment, Tuli's looks like the only option. Either that, or I will try to get someone to send me some SFG.

    Thanks!

    Justin
     
  5. bradmyster

    bradmyster Regular Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2008
    Messages:
    744
    Likes Received:
    1
    Occupation:
    Customer server network Support
    Location:
    Australia, Brisbane
    Your feet seem normal. 70% of people (rough estimate) roll in with their feet. Because we land on the outside of our heel and its forced to then swing in a tad. If your arches have collapsed and the rolling is severe you would no because the pain would be terrible.

    Victor shoes dont have an amazing amount of support so gel insoles would probably be your best bet. Custom orthodics are only worth it if you have some sort of significant foot related problem. EG shin splints, collapsed arches etc.

    Just make sure you dont get cheap insoles and make sure they have a decent arch support in them. Otherwise your wasting your money and time.
     
  6. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Hi bradmyster,

    Thanks for the really informative advice. Yes, I do agree that the Victor's insole don't provide much support. I was thinking of these Tulis, as these are the best so far that I can find here locally, period. What do you make of them?

    http://supports4less.com/tulis/footinsoles/tulis-energy-tracks.htm

    I am trying to see if I can source for Super Feet Green or SOLE Regular Softec, but the delivery charges from overseas to Malaysia is insane! 40 USD just on shipping alone :(

    I don't have collapsed arches, or shin splints etc, so I guess that throws out the idea of customised orthotics and saves my wallet :)

    Thank you bradmyster.

    Justin
     
  7. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    I have checked the Tuli's Energy Tracks gel soles and it is not adequate enough. Sure, it has the gel cushioning so it will help with the cushioning only but hardly any arch support as it is almost flat.

    So now I am sourcing for others and looking online for SFG or Softec soles with proper arch support.

    Justin
     
  8. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    So after scouring Penang island for a bit, I have came up with these few options:

    1. Tuli's Gel Energy Track insoles - http://supports4less.com/tulis/footinsoles/tulis-energy-tracks.htm
    2. Crocs Silver insoles - http://shop.crocs.com/pc-1467-4-silver-insoles.aspx?navcategories=2,127

    Initial impression inspecting them is that the Tuli's was flat, no arch support nada. Quite a let down to be honest. The Crocs was much better, was squeezing it etc and it had a decent arch, quite comfy etc and it was substantially cheaper than the Tuli's. So at the mean time, I will most likely get the Crocs insoles unless others have better advice?

    In the mean time, I am sourcing for SFG or Softec soles from OZ from friends, but I don't know how long it'll take so the Crocs will do for the mean time.

    Justin
     
  9. Koinoniakw

    Koinoniakw New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2009
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Occupation:
    Sales Support Executive
    Location:
    Malaysia
    Dear Justin,

    I encourage you to get TuliGel Energy Tracks link --> http://estore.websitepros.com/18227...ath/22250744/start/11/total/26/Categories.bok

    But I think it will be very costly. May be around Rm100++. But need to get Shop to order for you. If penang got sale it please let me know the shop name and price and contact number.

    or

    ASICS Shoe with Gel (around Rm 250) and add Tuli's Gel Heel Cups (around Rm 80)
    (I using it rite now with some of my friends)

    or

    Any badminton shoes + Protech Gel Insole + Tuli's Gel Hell Gups
    (U can take out the Shoes Insole and replace Protech Gel Insole)


    I hope it might help. I personally using Asics Shoe Gel with Tulips Heel Cup and it really give me very comfortable and more energy to play a longer hours even in Cement floor or Rubber Court. I have recoment to my friend and most of them feedback that they feel the same and even knee is doesn't have pain anymore.

    Another point you might to prevent Knee pain. You have to check your footwork when you landing is your knee always cross over your feet especially when you taking a net shot. If Yes, then you might need to remind yourself that you have with you knee position 90 degree straight down to ur knee and more cross over. You can see most of the Professional player always do it.

    I hope information above could help. Althought I am not sure I did answer your question.
    But I know the other gel insole is very expensive. If i am not mistaken got one Germany brand also got special Gel Insole cost around RM500 ++. Specially make for you and they will do some scan and check up on your foots before they recommend which Insole for you to use. I just know at Curve in KL got one shop. Other place I am not sure. I can recall shop name.

    All the best for you.

    Regards
    Enoch
     
  10. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Hi Enoch,

    You can get the Tuli's Energy Track insoles at Bestech Trading, on level 3 at YMCA Penang, opposite Island Hospital. I think it is less than RM 100. They are also selling Pro Tech Gel insoles and Tuli's Gel Heel Cup there. If I remember correctly, all are retailing for less than RM 100.

    One thing I noticed about the Tuli's Energy Track and Pro Tech Gel insoles is that they don't have arch support at all, that's why I was preferring the Crocs Silver insoles cause they have. The Tuli's and Pro Tech insoles are quite flat, and you can clearly see it from the pictures too.

    Maybe I will look around more and share back my findings for all to read if there are better insoles with decent arch support.

    Justin
     
    #10 justinwyyau, May 28, 2009
    Last edited: May 28, 2009
  11. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Hi all,

    Those looking for more options in insoles with arch support should check out Formthotics and Footscience brands. Formthotics is imported from New Zealand.

    Saw a shop in Penang (Penang Medical Supplies at Pulau Tikus) carrying the brand and its insoles and from initial touch and feel and inspection, seems better from the rest of the Protech, Tuli's and Crocs. I may be wrong but you should check it out.

    Anybody have experience with Formthotics as I am quite interested, although the price is quite steep, RM 140 - RM260 for a pair.

    Justin
     
  12. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    So I took the plunge and bought myself a pair of Formthotics Blue (firm density) insoles. Cost me quite a fair bit, but I won't skimp on anything for my feet.

    [​IMG]

    So far the heel pain has gone and hopefully this will turn out to be money well spent for the better well being of my body.

    Justin
     
  13. BennyC

    BennyC Regular Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2007
    Messages:
    351
    Likes Received:
    2
    Occupation:
    N/A
    Location:
    Ottawa, Ontario
    Before i had ankle and heel pains from using yonex shoes (lower end). I also have flat feet so that was prolly the cause but then I bought Superfeet green ( athletic and maximum shock absorption adn this thing really does wonders. Only thing about them is breaking them in..because they ahve some pretty stiff arches and my flat feet had to press them done. I got a few blisters but after about 2 months, it all felt fine. Pains are gone and havent felt them for over a year now.
     
  14. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    I am currently using the Formthotics insoles and was wondering would it be possible to use a thin gel insole with it; i.e. the Formthotics goes in first and I layer it with a thin gel insole (e.g. Tuli's Energy Track insoles).

    Would this be advisable?

    Thank you.

    Justin
     
  15. DownUnder

    DownUnder Regular Member

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2008
    Messages:
    12
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Zealand
    Hey Justin may I ask why you got the Blue ones? On their site they recommend the "Dual Density Green" for court use..Check below.
    http://www.formthotics.co.nz/mgdpro...d,21/?FSI_ID=7a4d3e8b573e5808fa847fe0e404f4da

    And did u get the insole custom mould it to your feet?
    http://medical.formthotics.co.nz/the-formthotics-system/functional-assesment-6-steps/

    I had pain in my hip, knee and now ankle (been off court for 4 weeks) so just ordered some superfeet blue and Sole Custom Footbed Regular insoles.
    If can you post some feedback on how u find the Formthotics later it would be great.
    I will post how I find the ones I just ordered after I tried them out for few times..
     
  16. findecano1

    findecano1 Regular Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2008
    Messages:
    306
    Likes Received:
    0
    Occupation:
    Customer Service Exec
    Location:
    KL
    I am currently with a pair of Victor SH805D with Tuli's Energy Track insoles underneath the original insoles. The shoes have a much tighter fitting now. Have yet to try it actually after an injury with the shoe's insufficient cushioning.
     
  17. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Hi DownUnder,

    I got the blue one as they only had blue, red, dual red and dual blue red at the store here. That is why I got the blue instead. I did have it 'customised' to my feet, so yea it is all good.

    So far, my heel pains have reduced significantly but I am still thinking of a thin gel insole to go on top of my Formthotics to better cushion the impacts. Was thinking of Tuli's Energy Tracks as that one is quite thin but I do not know if it will be disruptive instead.

    I tried getting Super Feet Green or Sole, but we don't carry it here in Malaysia :( Hope they do good for you! In addition, you should take a healthy dose of vitamin C, multi vitamins, fish oil and glucosamine for healthy joints.

    As far as my Formthotics, I am glad I switched out the stock Victor in sole.

    Justin
     
  18. justinwyyau

    justinwyyau Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2008
    Messages:
    346
    Likes Received:
    8
    Occupation:
    Husband and Dad
    Location:
    Melbourne AU
    Cool, let me know how it goes for you! I was thinking of that in addition to my formthotics insole, or just a Tuli's Heavy Duty Gel Heel Cup.

    Justin
     
  19. Cheung

    Cheung Moderator

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2002
    Messages:
    23,818
    Likes Received:
    4,791
    Occupation:
    wannabe badminton phototaker
    Location:
    Outside the box
    I had customised orthotics done. Mainly because of a knee injury, there was residual discomfort. My rationale for orthotics was that the forces in my knee would be better. I went to a podiatrist.

    Knee pain has improved.
     
  20. Pete LSD

    Pete LSD Regular Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2002
    Messages:
    6,297
    Likes Received:
    13
    Occupation:
    Soul Searching
    Location:
    Canada
    Custom-made orthotics get super-uber material and perfect fit. :D My knee pain is a lot less now.

     

Share This Page