So, what do my custom made running orthotics actually look like?

Having written many posts about why I needed running orthotics, and also about what I’ve gone through since getting them fitted, I thought I should post an article that actually shows you what they look like. The main reason being that when I first heard of orthotics, I didn’t have a clue what they were. So, hopefully these pictures may help you…

Here are both of the orthotics

In this picture you can see how I’ve already made my mark on the coverings to the orthotics. These coverings are leather and simply glued to each orthotic.

You can clearly see my toe marks, but you can also see the curve and height of the arch. You can also see a slight lip on the outside of each orthotic. This is the part I had trouble with that my podiatrist sorted out a couple of weeks ago… when I placed the orthotics in my new New Balance running shoes they were squeezed too much behind the arch, which meant that this lip was too big.

A good view of the contours of the left orthotic

This picture hopefully gives you a much better idea of the height of the arch. It’s surprising how firm this arch still is even after about 2 months of daily wearing.

Beveling of the arch

In this picture you can see where my podiatrist has beveled the edge of the arch. It’s amazing how just a small amount being shaved off of this area can make such a difference. This is the part that came back very roughly from America when the orthotics were first made (based on the contours of my feet). My podiatrist used to do this whole thing manually - from a single block!

Heel risers

Here are two heel risers that my podiatrist made for me yesterday. These slip into the back of the trainer and then the orthotics rest on top. This material is very bouncy, and should hopefully reduce my shin pain.

How the orthotic looks in my running shoe

It’s a bit hard to see in this picture, but hopefully you can get an idea of just how high the orthotic’s arch is when it’s in my shoe (this is the left shoe). This may also give you some idea of the effect using orthotics in other shoes gives you. If you have a pair of shoes that is already quite well fitting, once you put the orthotics in there’s a lot of loosening of shoe laces that needs to take place!

How long should the orthotics last?

This is a key question I’ve asked my podiatrist. Obviously, the orthotics aren’t cheap and it’s taken a lot of tweaking to get this far… so I won’t be happy if they only last a few months. The good news is, they should last at least 18 months. Phew!

We shall see just what effect they have on my running!