Spenco Total Support Original Insole, Men's 12-13.5

An ex-football player past his prime (6'3", 360 lbs, size 13D, medium arch), I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. My orthopedist recommended daily stretching exercises and Orthoheel slippers to wear indoors (no more walking around in socks). What a difference! The slippers and exercises lessened my symptoms from the start and, over time, eliminated most of my discomfort, so I decided to find some orthotic inserts to improve my street shoes. So far, I've tested: 1. Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Extra Support 2. Aetrex Copper Medium Arch 3. Spenco Polysorb Total Support 4. Superfeet Copper DMP 5. Powerstep Pinnacle 6. Powerstep Pinnacle Pro each for two hours' total walking time over a few days in two pairs of my favorite shoes: New Balance 606 hikers and Cole Haan loafers with Nike Air. Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Extra Support: Advertised for big & tall men, they didn't do much for me. While the extra cushioning helped at first, it helped less and less the longer I walked on them. I mentioned this to my orthopod and he told me the key to managing PF is not cushioning, it's support. Grade: D Spenco Polysorb Total Support: Remembering my doc's advice, I chose these for the rigid heel cup and arch support. Though quite comfortable overall, the arch support was a bit too low for my medium-high arches and the heel cup was insufficient support for weight. While they worked reasonably well for me, I believe they would a be better choice for lighter individuals with lower arches. Grade: B Aetrex Copper Medium Arch: Promising better arch support, these felt very similar to the Spenco insoles even after walking around the block. I then swapped one of the Aetrex insoles for one of the Spenco insoles and walked around again. Only then could I tell them apart. The Spenco offered a little better support for the mid- and fore-parts of my foot, the Aetrex offered a little better support for my arch. Grade: B Superfeet: I was in an Allen Edmonds store and noticed the Superfeet insoles. The clerk said many men my size have good success with them. I tried the Orange and the Copper DMP versions in the store. Finding the Orange too high for my arches, I got a pair of the Copper DMP. These are easily the most rigid of the insoles I've tried...and easily the best. Superfeet arch support sits farther back on the insole than other brands. This made a real difference in the support and comfort I felt walking long distances. I also found the medial post support in the heel did a better job than other insoles in combatting over-pronation. Grade: A [Update: I have since tried Superfeet Black in dress shoes that couldn't accommodate the Orange insole. They work well but are not as supportive as the Copper.] Powerstep Pinnacle: While it seems well-made and offered good support, it simply did not work for me. The gel-based arch support sits too far forward and in the middle of the insole. The insoles felt like I had lumps of clay underfoot. After a few blocks of brisk walking, my feet began to fatigue as if I were walking barefoot in sand. Again, these may work for some people but they didn't for me. Grade: C Powerstep Pinnacle Pro: Other wearers commented that the Pinnacle Pro differs markedly from the Pinnacle, so I tried a pair. I barely made it a block before heading back home. Though more rigid than the Pinnacle and with a better heel cup, the Pinnacle Pro was too inflexible through the arch and ball of my foot. These were the only insoles I tried that truly caused me pain. Of course, it could just be the contours of my feet, and for others the Pinnacle Pro might be great. Grade: F

Background: I have flat feet; had plantar faciatis in my right foot a couple of years ago and currently fending it off in my left foot. I need a firm, high arch support for walking, hiking, volleyball, and spending time on a ladder, which does the most damage. Without support I'm debilitated when I wake up in the morning. I PURCHASED two arch supports for comparison, both Spenco products. First, the Spenco Rx OrthoticArch: This system has a firmer, longer base; its arch is not as high as the Total Support; as less-pronounced heel cup; and while softer to the touch, my foot seems to slip on it more compared to the other model. The problem is that the arch support goes all the way across to the lateral arch, so it is like standing on a rigid bar. Now, the outside of the foot needs support, but not raised so much. I will try and heat the plastic so I can flatten the appropriate sides. 3-STARS. Second, the Total Support: This is a "semi-rigid" insole, but provides lots of support; it has a higher, firmer arch which for me, works better; it has a more-pronounced heel cup and the fabric less "slippery" so I don't slide around on it; it also has added shock absorption cushions in the heel. I didn't even realize it, but after wearing this for a day I woke up without pain in my feet the next day. This model works best for me---and it's half the price! 5-STARS.

Finally! Started doing fairly high intensity, higher impact workouts in March in an effort to get in shape. Anyway, I felt like one of my biggest limitations was my feet hurting. Of course, the workouts are tough - but by time I got half way through my feet would be killing me limiting my ability. I'm ok with getting tired and worked, but I don't like not being able to do the work because my feet are killing me. So I sought out to rectify this problem, pointing at the flimsy paper thin insoles in my expensive Nike shoes. Tried a lower end from a competitor first (not spenco), it helped quite a bit but still left my feet killing me. Then tried a higher end orthotic insole, that came at a much higher price too. I was excited to try it, but quickly disappointed when the result was exactly the same as the cheap-o insole. Then I found these, tried them, and did my first workout without insufferable foot pain. I think mainly the difference is that these add noticably more arch support, I don't think I have a particularly high arch but it has finally helped me. I think I may do better with the "Total support MAX" versions, with more rigidity - but didn't really wanna spring over $30 for another insole if it wasn't going to solve my problem. Only thing is, I wear a men's 12. Ordered the mens 12-13 version. I had to trim a pretty substantial amount off the front of it. I'm pretty sure they're designed to be trimmable, I just lined it up with my old one and cut around where your toes would be. The width was correct, thankfully - I don't think you could really trim these to be any narrower.

As a longtime user of custom orthotics, I can recommend this insert as a good way to address both support needs and to not sacrifice performance. Like many runners, I have suffered with lower leg/foot issues (shin splints, morton's neuroma, etc.) as a result both over-pronation, flat feet and sometimes poor mechanics. I have run for several years using custom orthotics from my podiatrist. Custom orthotics have great support (once broken in), however, they add weight (8 oz each foot) and can feel like boards under your feet. After considerable reading on the topic of natural running, I decided to ditch the heavy orthotics and go 'bare' so to speak with a new pair of NB with stability. Once back to the standard foot liner, I instantly felt free and felt a more natural spring in my step; but alas, soon began to suffer shin splint pains while building up miles for a recent marathon. I tried going back to my old orthotics, but that proved painful and heavy - so I began looking for an alternative. These inserts looked interesting, and turned out to strike the ideal balance of support and agility. You will immediately notice the arch support and small padding under the ball of your foot, but it won't feel 'built up' like the custom orthotics do. Also, the heel cup gives you a very secure feeling and seems to help control over-pronation. There is also a nice flat feel, without the elevated heel of the traditional orthotic device. I just ordered a second pair, and intend to also try their sandal / slippers. I highly recommend these inserts for any runner who has struggled with pronation issues or shin splints due to lack of foot support.

As described