For those of us with knee and hip problems, it seems that adding some kind of enhanced support and shock absorption under our feet makes great sense. I'm trying out the Dr. Scholls Active inserts but am open to better ideas. Just my opinion but I think that if I had been paying more attention to better foot support and cushioning, I wouldn't have the hip problem I have today.
Shock absorbing insoles?
- Thread starter harry47
- Start date
atatu
Legend
What kind of hip problem ? I'm asking because it seems like I just developed one myself, usually after long matches on hard courts. I bought a pair of "sole" heat moldable insets and they seem to help with support but maybe not too much cushioning. I'm going to try the spencos next.
I would not be too sure of that. I have found that when playing tennis and other activities where I land on my feet hard, the squishiness of several of the shock absorbing insoles I have tried cause a feeling of instability in my knees. Kinda makes them rock side to side so as to stress the ligaments and cartilage. Particularly true with Sofsoles.
I much prefer the firmer but more stable insoles like SuperFeet and Sole brand.
I much prefer the firmer but more stable insoles like SuperFeet and Sole brand.
You probably don't have my hip problem which is osteoarthritis or loss of cartilage over the years. Initial symptom is almost always groin pain making you think you have a groin pull. Playing multiple times a week on cement courts eventually takes a toll so my thinking now is too absorb as much shock as possible to prevent or postpone additional problems with the other hip.
I did and they claim to absorb 94.7% of impact shock. Sounds fishy to me plus they don't seem to have much heel support.
There are plenty of squishy ones the gel ones are the worst for high impact stops. The gel is fine for walking around at work but is quite hard if you stop hard, and they are very heavy I'd avoid gel inserts as they ruined my knees further. as they were too hard and they raised the height of the shoe making it more unstable. I prefer foam or just use the foam inserts from your previous shoe.
Fintft
G.O.A.T.
Those are the ones I love and I've tried about 4 other brands (except Superfeet).
BlueB
Legend
3 reasons:
1) So your shoes can cost $100 instead of $150;
2) Insole should be contouring and supporting your foot and/or correcting the posture, shock absorbing is way less important:
3) High end shoes are meant for a high end user. High end user knows that only custom made, or at least moldable insoles would perform the best.
For about 3 weeks I suffered from a tendon / nerve pain on the inside of both my knees.
I bought a pair of shoes one size too big. They are extra wide as well.
I made my own insoles out of old tabletennis rubber.This rubber provides exceptional cushioning.
First day I used only one,on top of the standard insole that came with the shoe.
It helped a lot but I felt I needed even more cushioning.
I now use two homemade insoles on top of the insole that came with the shoe.
My knee pain is gone completely!
You do need extra wide shoes to stabile the increased height though.
Otherwise your lateral balance will suffer.
My tennis shoes now weigh 520 g but I'm running faster than ever due to my knees and legs feeling no pain.
I also feel more agile.
Tomorrow,going to disregard the insole that came with the shoe and add another homemade insole---- to try and improve cushioning further.
I now believe strongly that the majority of lower body and back injuries are caused by not having sufficient cushioning insoles.
I bought a pair of shoes one size too big. They are extra wide as well.
I made my own insoles out of old tabletennis rubber.This rubber provides exceptional cushioning.
First day I used only one,on top of the standard insole that came with the shoe.
It helped a lot but I felt I needed even more cushioning.
I now use two homemade insoles on top of the insole that came with the shoe.
My knee pain is gone completely!
You do need extra wide shoes to stabile the increased height though.
Otherwise your lateral balance will suffer.
My tennis shoes now weigh 520 g but I'm running faster than ever due to my knees and legs feeling no pain.
I also feel more agile.
Tomorrow,going to disregard the insole that came with the shoe and add another homemade insole---- to try and improve cushioning further.
I now believe strongly that the majority of lower body and back injuries are caused by not having sufficient cushioning insoles.
Although I agree with the importance of correct support, I believe that shock absorption should not be taken so lightly. I use the analogy of a car with bad shocks. Going over a pothole with poor shocks will produce a bone jarring bang that reverberates throughout the car. Eventually that lack of cushioning will cause damage to the suspension, tires and just about every weld. It makes sense to me then that shoes with poor shock absorption will eventually lead to joint damage. This is just my opinion but I will always be looking to replace my insoles with any product that provides great support and cushioning.
I'm one of those guys who needs both support and cushioning. If I don't get enough support my feet hurt. If I don't get enough cushioning my knees hurt. The best way for me seems to be: 1) having a firm, supportive insole not one of those soft mushy gel insoles, and 2) having a shoe with lots of cushioning in the midsole. So for me, the best combination has been Superfeet Green or Sofsole FIT insoles with Prince T22 shoes (or Asics GR6 for something lighter but less cushioning).
BlueB
Legend
You've got it rigth! Cushioning from the shoe yes, extra from the foot bed is an overkill that may lead to more harm then good (loss of stability).
The car analogy is not quite right. Our body already has the active suspension - our joints and muscles. They need proper alignment to function correctly. Alignment starts at the foot level. If that is out, all the rest is out. Vast majority of population has some misalignment problems, without even knowing it.
What I'm trying to say, I'd rather trust a product that sells support, then one that sells cushioning. Insisting on the later, often means a lack of the former factor.
Or, you can always go see an orthopedic specialist and hear what he says...
movdqa
Talk Tennis Guru
I use New Balance Ultra-Arch Insoles - have been using them for about 15 years I believe. They provide support and cushioning. I don't need them for tennis with my latest set of New Balance Tennis Shoes though. I use them in my running shoes. My feeling is that athletic shoes are getting better and better in the cushioning department.
I typically pay aoung $35-$40 for tennis shoes from the factory outlet. The Ultra-Arch Insoles are $35-$40.
I typically pay aoung $35-$40 for tennis shoes from the factory outlet. The Ultra-Arch Insoles are $35-$40.
Some people run on the front part of their foot---- so don't need so much cushioning.
I tend to come down on my heel more than the front section of my foot so i feel the impact much more.
If you can feel the impact go thru your shoes into your body---- you need more cushioning for sure.
Quality insoles are the best way to prevent lower and upper body injury.
Using two high quality insoles for each shoe should be standard practice if you play on hardcourts.
But remember to choose a super wide shoe if you do this.
Shoes with very wide soles---- the ones that contour out at the sole---- are the best for tennis.
Much less likely to roll your ankle with this type of design.
I tend to come down on my heel more than the front section of my foot so i feel the impact much more.
If you can feel the impact go thru your shoes into your body---- you need more cushioning for sure.
Quality insoles are the best way to prevent lower and upper body injury.
Using two high quality insoles for each shoe should be standard practice if you play on hardcourts.
But remember to choose a super wide shoe if you do this.
Shoes with very wide soles---- the ones that contour out at the sole---- are the best for tennis.
Much less likely to roll your ankle with this type of design.
Povl Carstensen
Legend
Yes and the twist can transfer to the hips.
donquijote
G.O.A.T.
What is the difference between Dr. Scholl's Active Series and Sports insoles? Is the former really better for tennis in real life?
mikeler
Moderator
The Sports version fell apart quickly for me. I was not impressed.
Rozroz
G.O.A.T.
most sensible fact here.
