@Tactim: this Panda has never had a problem with the Polysorb Total Support squeaking. That reviewer most likely "achieved" the squeaky problem by heating the insole. Though Spenco says the insole is heat moldable this Panda would not do it. The foam of the insole is not dense enough to take heat molding, at least not for any effective heat molding. Not like Softec Ultra insoles which are very heat moldable. Best just to let the foot create a natural mold over time. Relative to other supports, the only problem Panda has is the thin silver, plastic heel support piece breaking at the edge. Even when broken, you won't notice and the insole still performs. Panda still thinks the Spenco Polysorb Total Supports are the best overall insole for badminton, especially for the price.
The Victor 8000, 8500, 8600 and 9000 are all first-rate badminton shoes with a stock insole. Couple them with the proper aftermarket insole and they are best in-class (in this case Spenco Polysorb Total Support). 1) The heaviest but most comfortable and most cushioned is the 8000. It's best for heavier players and/or players with wide feet. 2) The best overall combination is the 9000. 3) The 8500 and 8600 are for normal feet.
I currently am using the VT-7000 Victor shoes, and those were pretty narrow for my feet I had to wear them around the house to make them stretch enough before I used them for badminton. Granted I do wear ankle supports so that also increases the width of my feet. I'm not sure if you've tried them but is the 8000 wider than the 7000? My shoe size is 10.5 in U.S. size
Never tried the 7000. The 8000 is the widest badminton shoe I have tried. It's for sure wider than the 7000. Victor no longer makes the 8000 width because it was too wide for most people.
I was about to buy a set of the Spenco's online until I realized that I already had a pair of them sitting in my running shoes! I just stuck them into my SHB-101's and will try them out on court tomorrow, but I can already feel that it's going to be good.
Hi DinkAlot the panda, Have you tried Li-ning shoes? the new Hero model looks very good. Any thoughts on them or other models? Or Any BCers have tried please share your thoughts Thanks a bunch
Been playing with my SHB-101's with the Polysorb insoles since I last posted about it, and the shoe performance is way better. Another recommendation for those.
Just got a pair of these Spenco Total Support insoles... very nice and cushiony, but still not so pillowy that it slows down my footwork. For my flat feet, the arch support could be a tad more rigid. But I guess I'll have to try the upcoming Total Support Max available July 1... suppposed to have a more rigid arch support that I'm looking for.
Lol dang it, I just got the Total Support Orginal two days ago, Oh well its still good. the best insole I have so far
Panda is actually going with the Total Support Thin because the shoes are a bit small. OK, Panda's getting both the THIN and MAX... http://www.spenco.com/blog/?p=610
Panda thinks all should try the original first, if good/ideal, then that's it. If a heavier player (200lbs. or more), try the MAX. Panda should use the MAX but it's probably too thick. The 9000ACE are already a bit too small for Panda so he needs to try the THIN.
I think the only difference between Max and Original is the type of arch support, rigid vs semi rigid. You can see the difference in the structure of the medial arch EVA layer and the support casing. Thickness of both looks to be the same. Whereas the Thin is visibly thinner. It'll be up to Panda to report back to us in the next little while when he gets to compare them.
On another note, reporting back on the Original after 10 hrs of use. Excellent for hardwood floors. Cushions and supports very well. Better than Sole, Superfeet, or the OEM insoles. However, on matted floors, the extra cushioning turns out to be too much (if there is such a thing...) because my split step and footwork gets bogged down just a tad. Not much but enough to noticeably affect response times when playing competitive games. So, it seems like I'll be using my thin custom orthotics under the OEM insoles from my SC5EX shoes for matted floors, and saving the Spenco's for playing on hardwood floors. Oh, I should add that I'm 155 lbs, 5ft 6in, with flat feet.
Wondering if anyone can update with a review on the Total Support Max? How is the arch support for flat feet?
Panda has now tested the Spenco Total Support Thin, Original, and Max. Clarification: +Prior to August 2012 the only insole available was the the Original, originally called "Spenco Polysorb Total Support". +Spenco has other Polysorb insoles that are gel based which made it confusing (which are less expensive and lesser performing) so since August 2012 have changed the name to just Total Support. +Total Support has (since August 2012), in addition to the ORIGINAL, now THIN and MAX. Results: THIN: for walking, comfort and minimal support, the THIN is the way to go. They are still excellent for badminton for those needing only minimal support. Panda uses the THIN for walking and daily use footwear. ORIGINAL: relatively speaking medium support. They are excellent for badminton for someone who needs moderate support. Also probably best to try the ORIGINAL if you are unsure which insole fits your needs. MAX: the new best insole Panda has tried for badminton. Couple the MAX with Victor 9000 ACE, we have the best combination of badminton shoe and insole this Panda has tried by a good margin. The MAX insole is very supportive without being harsh.