Insoles - what would you choose?

[Power Player]

I have been using superfeet green for years now. Not sure they or my shoes are really great for me though. I have a few recurring issues (vapor 9.5 wearer) :

1: calf cramps on sudden movements (jumping into serve) and sharp lateral movement. I hydrate a ton and take Hammer electroytes. I am really good at that those things, but I wonder if this issue is more shoe related - maybe I am on my toes a little too much. Not sure. Very annoying though. Happens more often on clay than hard court.

2: "dead feet". I am not moving as athletically on the court. Much more tentative. I feel like this may be related a little to the shoes possibly being narrow on my feet and I am avoiding pain. I am a triple E width, but can wear double EE. Short story, it does not feel like I am running as freely as I should be.

My goal would be to have shoes that don't feel as if they are hampering my movement. I also want to protect my hips and joints,since this game is so side to side.

Currently I lace the vapors very loosely at the bottom so my feet are not too tight, but this can't be optimal and is probably causing issue #2.

Issue #1 may be helped with insoles. I may just be overusing my calves.

Anyone who has dealt with these issues, I would love to hear feedback on what you did to fix it and what shoes/insoles you prefer.

Tagging @TW Staff in case they have heard about these issues and have suggestions.

 

[dave t]

I have same kind of feet (at least from description). most tennis shoes are definitely too narrow for me. I can use cage 3s very comfortably if i go a half-size up from normal. They fit short/snug, so this combo seems to work for me. Asics continue to get longer and narrower and are no longer an option for me. Just to try, I'm ordering the newer diadoras and kswiss - just because I'm curious. I'll share my findings... But the cage really feels perfect for me. They're also not a bad deal on sale - and they have a 6 month guarantee.

For insoles, I need some arch support. I'm using the superfeet flex insoles in cages and like them. fairly low profile and a bit of extra cushion. Cadence are good (good support/cushion but heavy/high volume). Spenco are decent (cheap, decent support). I've also used the more substantial superfeet insoles (blue) and think they're a good product.

 

[Power Player]

I have same kind of feet (at least from description). most tennis shoes are definitely too narrow for me. I can use cage 3s very comfortably if i go a half-size up from normal. They fit short/snug, so this combo seems to work for me. Asics continue to get longer and narrower and are no longer an option for me. Just to try, I'm ordering the newer diadoras and kswiss - just because I'm curious. I'll share my findings... But the cage really feels perfect for me. They're also not a bad deal on sale - and they have a 6 month guarantee.

For insoles, I need some arch support. I'm using the superfeet flex insoles in cages and like them. fairly low profile and a bit of extra cushion. Cadence are good (good support/cushion but heavy/high volume). Spenco are decent (cheap, decent support). I've also used the more substantial superfeet insoles (blue) and think they're a good product.

Very cool, thanks. So The Cages are wider than the Vapors then?

 

[dave t]

At least to me they are. The wide point of my foot seems right at the bunions - the vapor (and most shoes) pinch there for me. No pinch/pressure in cages.

But I really think everyone has different feet so definitely worth trying on some different options.

 

[Power Player]

At least to me they are. The wide point of my foot seems right at the bunions - the vapor (and most shoes) pinch there for me. No pinch/pressure in cages.

But I really think everyone has different feet so definitely worth trying on some different options.

Definitely. And I am in the same boat when it comes to width. I see that Adidas makes 4E Barricades. I never heard of 4E width before, that may be too much.

I will definitely try on same Cage 3s.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

This is what I wear,,,, in alll my shoes
http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/SofSole_Athlete_Mens_Insoles/descpageSOFSOLE-MSSATHL.html

happyfeet were hard feeling, hated them right away.. even worse when running and landing hard on my feet

these are like walking on pillows,,, aaaaaaaaa,
now my feet are truly happy

 

[Al Czervik]

It never occurred to me until the last few years that there are diminishing returns on cushioning and at some point you need support. The Nike Zoom Vomero running shoe used to be the perfect shoe for me, but it is too cushioned now and I have plantar fascia problems. But, the Air Pegasus is what I need at this point. Superfeet insoles are expensive, but can remedy problems with some shoes. But, there are just certain shoes that don't work well for you. The Vapor 9/9.5 was perfect for me. The Vapor 6 was a beautiful shoe, but I could never wear it without pain.

 

[tdhawks]

I have same kind of feet (at least from description). most tennis shoes are definitely too narrow for me. I can use cage 3s very comfortably if i go a half-size up from normal. They fit short/snug, so this combo seems to work for me. Asics continue to get longer and narrower and are no longer an option for me. Just to try, I'm ordering the newer diadoras and kswiss - just because I'm curious. I'll share my findings... But the cage really feels perfect for me. They're also not a bad deal on sale - and they have a 6 month guarantee.

For insoles, I need some arch support. I'm using the superfeet flex insoles in cages and like them. fairly low profile and a bit of extra cushion. Cadence are good (good support/cushion but heavy/high volume). Spenco are decent (cheap, decent support). I've also used the more substantial superfeet insoles (blue) and think they're a good product.

Which Diadora? I am interested in the Blueshield 2 but have't pulled the trigger.

 

[bigserving]

I have been going through a similar process lately. The common recommendation from MDs and physios has been extreme stretching as an aid. It certainly has helped.
I was also recommended to use a device while sleeping called Night Splints. It is kind of a splint to wear while sleeping to keep some muscles and ligaments aligned. I have not tried it yet.

 

[Nashvegas]

Don’t mean to hijack the thread but didn’t want to start a new thead about inserts. Has anyone experienced an insert causing shoes to wear out? My SS2’s have all worn through on the inside at the back of the heel. It seems like the inserts may have pushed up my foot enough that the bone at the achilles rubs a softer spot in the shoe and degrades it... pretty quickly. I didn’t notice much wear in several pairs of shoes until I started using inserts. Now three pairs are done.

May be totally off on this but the timing seems suspicious.

 

[Power Player]

I have been going through a similar process lately. The common recommendation from MDs and physios has been extreme stretching as an aid. It certainly has helped.
I was also recommended to use a device while sleeping called Night Splints. It is kind of a splint to wear while sleeping to keep some muscles and ligaments aligned. I have not tried it yet.

Can you give examples of extreme stretching?

 

[dave t]

Which Diadora? I am interested in the Blueshield 2 but have't pulled the trigger.

The Blushield Fly - they're waiting for me at home

 

[rogerroger917]

Get custom orthodics. They work better for your food and leg issues. The superfeet are good as I have used them but custom have less pain overall. I have the same issues you stated.

 

[bigserving]

Can you give examples of extreme stretching?

She recommended a program that stretches the arch of the foot as well the front of the foot (toe box area) and the heel and achilles areas. Also stretching the calfs, hamstrings, glutes and quads. She recommended doing each of all three or four times per day plus before and after tennis.

 

[mikeler]

I never felt fully confident in my movement with the Superfeet insoles. Just my 2 cents.