1. Running shoes come in three general classifications- neutral, stability, and motion control. As your custom orthotic is your custom “motion control”, do not get a motion control type running shoe. Some running shoe companies also make “minimalist” shoes. Minimalist shoes are not supportive, and we recommend avoiding these. Many running shoes have started putting excessive foamy-looking padding on their shoes. Avoid these models ( particularly noted with the Hokas and Brooks MAX models, but is becoming prevalent across the industry).
2. A neutral running shoe tends to be more cushioned but still gives good support. If you weigh more than 170, a neutral shoe is probably not supportive enough for you.
3. A stability running shoe tends to be more supportive, and is firmer, but still has some cushioning. If you weigh over 170, you want to be in this type of running shoe.
Some recommended running shoes (Remember, the best walking shoe is a running shoe):
1. New Balance - they do not name their shoes, rather they number them. These numbers change regularly. Based on your weight (see above), try their neutral or stability models. For example, currently, the 880 is a quality neutral shoe, while the 860 and 990 are quality stability shoes.
2. Brooks - Neutral - Ghost, Glycerin Stability - Adrenaline, Addiction, Glycerin GTS
3. ASICS - Neutral - Gel Cumulus Stability - Gel Kayano, Nimbus
4. Altra - (good with bunions, hammertoes due to wide, deep toebox) Neutral - Torin Stability - Torin ST
5. On Cloud - Stability - Cloudrunner
6. Hoka - Stability - Arahi
Recommended Trail Shoes (* indicates waterproof models available): Altra Timp and Lone Peak, Brooks Cascadia (*) and Ghost Trail, Hoka Speedgoat GTX (*), Salomon Ultraflow GTX(*) and XA Pro 3D (*)
Hiking Boots- LaSportiva Raptor, Hoka Kaha GTX, LaSportiva TX Mid GTX, Merrell Moab, Lowa Renegade EVO
Women’s dress shoes that can work well with custom orthotics - Aravon by New Balance
Men’s dress shoes that can work well with custom orthotics -Dunham by New Balance
Our physicians and surgeons are kind of like Imelda Marcos in that they have many different shoes. We have tried many of these shoes/boots, and really like them. Shoes and boots must, however, feel good to you. Don’t just buy it because we said it works well, make sure you try it on for a while, test it out in your home, or on a treadmill to make sure you like it. If you don’t love it, return it before you get it dirty.
