Hi, I want to ask if you cured that problem completely and can manage to run without orthotics? I have literally the same problem. I was wearing Hoka Speedgoat 4 for a year and realised that I started having severe overpronation. My feet were flat since birth, but they did manage to improve and they're no longer really flat, but I overpronate BADLY in my left foot. I have hypermobile ankles and it's driving me nuts. I'm wearing flexible orthotics with Xero shoes and wonder if this will help in the long run. I regularly go to the woods, but I still wear orthotics since I think I'm risking an injury without them. Also I think my left foot is shorter because of overpronation. I also had pain in area of left gluteus medius, but managed to stop it with exercise. Sometimes can still feel tension there, but that only last for an hour or less.

Awesome! Thank you!

That's very kind of you to say. I hope you do check out xeroshoes.com

This is glorious, I've been looking for "how do i stop walking on the outside of my feet?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Danandonton Miraculous Domination - (do a google search ) ? It is a good exclusive guide for discovering how to end your foot pain without the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my brother in law got cool results with it. #can orthotics be worn in any shoe?

Check out this blog post with a data analysis done by RunRepeat: xeroshoes.com/foot-health/does-arch-support-help-or-hurt/ Also, this one: xeroshoes.com/huaraches/orthotics-vs-barefoot-running/ And, finally, research from Katrina Protopapas showing how supporting your arch weakens your feet: www.researchgate.net/publication/341728675_The_effect_of_a_12-week_custom_foot_orthotic_intervention_on_muscle_size_and_muscle_activity_of_the_intrinsic_foot_muscle_of_young_adults_during_gait_termination I hope that helps... and get better soon!

We have tens of thousands of customers who spend all day standing on concrete floors. And most report that they couldn't do so prior to switching to Xero Shoes. In short, when you let your feet do their job, the rest of your body can do its job.

@@xeroshoes Thanks for the reply.

I work on concrete all day and I can tell you that soft bouncy shoes are not the answer. I wear the hikers or trail shoes for durability and they are great. Does take an adjustment period.

Very kind of you to say, Patrick

He's a salesman. You should trust your doctor instead

Podiatrists tend to fall into one of two camps: Those who understand the value of natural movement, and those who don't. Make sure you're seeing the right kind ;-)

We are glad that this information has been useful to you! Steven had an interview with an individual who experienced leg length discrepancy. It's a long video, but it may be helpful to look into if you have the time: xeroshoes.com/barefoot-running/leg-length-differences-barefoot-running/

If the orthotic is stiff, the flexibility of the shoe is irrelevant. But, again, keeping your feet from moving naturally is only good for temporary healing. You would never wear a neck brace for your whole life after whiplash. Same thing with your feet. You don't want to immobilize them. Research from Dr. Protopapas shows that putting insoles in the shoes of healthy people reduced their foot muscle size/strength by up to 17% in just 12 weeks.

And you heard correctly, especially if you are flat footed or have any biomechanics that cause muscular imbalances in the feet. Not wearing supportive shoe gear can lead to tendinitis, bunions, hammertoes, arthritis etc. flexible shoe wear is really not for everyone. It’s not about muscle strength it’s about not letting some muscles overpower others. Otherwise everything gets thrown out of wack over time.

I'm dealing with inflamed metatarsals so my doctor told me I needed stiffer shoes that prevent to much bending of the forefoot. My orthotics have a stiff supportive arch as well as metatarsal padding but they are not stiff enough to prevent a lot of bending at my toes. I'm disappointed that I need to step away from my minimalist shoes for the time being. I'm trying to be patient.

It's on our to-do list.

@@xeroshoes Three years-in, any progression?

For starters, here is a link to our store locator: bit.ly/store-locator-ni. This is a great way to see if there is anything local near you. We also sell on our EU site, Amazon, REI, and Zappos if those are more convenient options as well. That said, the majority of our shoes are form fitting, so they likely won't slip at the heel. They will also have a huarache inspired design that adds extra heel security that can be adjusted on some styles like the Prio.

We would love to give you personal advice but we are not doctors and can't specifically answer or give advice regarding your question, but you may find more information at the customer recommended sites below: nutritiousmovement.com/blog/ sock-doc.com/

Here is a link from one of our blogs that may be useful to you: xeroshoes.com/flat-feet-high-arches-running-barefoot/. Hope that helps!

Unfortunately, I don't have an informed recommendation since I haven't encountered this situation before.

That's on our to-do list. Can you submit your request (with as much detail about style and function as you can) at xeroshoes.com/feedback/ That'll help our developers as they move forward.

Still the best platform since our shoes aren't "conflicting" with the orthotic. Also, check out this video, which is a conversation with someone who has a MAJOR leg length discrepancy (doctors put the wrong femur in!) -- kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y5N1irVpxtW9fnU.html

As I describe in this video, having a flat sole gives you the best "platform" if you need some sort of orthotic, since there's nothing getting in the way.

You can view local retailers near you via our store locator here: bit.ly/store-locator-ni. We also ship Internationally as well if there are none close by. The shoe he was holding up will be our HFS.

We aren't doctors so can't give specific medical advice, but we can say that being barefoot (and wearing minimalist shoes) can help strengthen your feet. We also have a list of exercises that might help, available here xeroshoes.com/barefoot-running-tips/6-exercises-to-strengthen-your-ankles-and-feet/

@@xeroshoes thanks. Appreciate the response 👍

Same here. Having extremely hypermobile feet causes all sorts of problems and orthotics can help

We hope you like them! We do sell on Amazon, however, we have a HUGE sale going on at xeroshoes.com through November 30th 2021, so we highly recommend you go there first :)

Did you try them?? How did you find it?

We don't have arch support in Xero Shoes... one of the principles of natural design is to "let your feet be feet". Whether you have a low or high arch, unless you have some explicit biomechanical problem, your feet can support you just fine if they're strong. Strong vs. weak is a simple thing: Use it or lose it. Supporting ANY joint makes the tissue surrounding that joint weaker (research by Protopapas shows that adding arch support to the shoes of healthy individuals reduced foot strength and muscle size by as much as 17% in 12 weeks). The good news is that research by Dr. Sarah Ridge shows that merely walking in minimalist shoes builds foot muscle strength as much as doing a foot strengthening exercise program. Dr. Ridge says Xero Shoes should give the same benefits as the brand she used in her study. I hope that helps.

@@xeroshoes That's really helpful! Didn't expect to be responded from the video that's posted a year ago, haha. Thanks!

Our shoes are designed wide (almost EE in the toe box) to allow the foot to flex and bend naturally. We do have several customers who have used orthotics with our shoes. The majority of them use the products with our sandals since they run wider, although we have had a few individuals who've used them with our closed toed shoes as well. Since every foot is different, there's no way to guarantee that they will work for you. If you're unsure if these will be a good fit, feel free to check the availability on Amazon, as they should offer free exchanges and returns for Prime members (we only offer free US exchanges through our website).

Probably 1/2 size up... and we do have a free domestic exchange policy if that's not correct (see xeroshoes.com/exchange/)

@@xeroshoes Thank you!

If someone has an actual physical deformity of some type, there are 2 thoughts: 1) Do whatever you need to be functional and comfortable 2) Do whatever you can to maintain flexibility, mobility, and strength

We would love to give you personal advice but we are not doctors and can't specifically answer or give advice regarding your question, but you may find more information at the customer recommended sites below: nutritiousmovement.com/blog/ sock-doc.com/ I hope that helps! Please contact us at support@xeroshoes.com if you have any other questions. :)

The SR are non-marking and slip-resistant. The upper is leather (do you mean oil-resistant on the upper or the sole?)

@@xeroshoes yeah I meant oil resistant on the upper sole.

Got it... I'm actually not sure, then. Contact our Customer Happiness Team directly at either support@xeroshoes.com or 303.447.3100. They can help you with this.

We don't have specific advice in regards to whether you should or shouldn't personally wear orthotics, however walking barefoot or in minimalist shoes can strengthen feet and arches. That said, you may find more specific information at the customer recommended sites below: nutritiousmovement.com/blog/ sock-doc.com/

Our shoes tend to work with a lot of different insoles, however feel free to check with our support team at support@xeroshoes.com on specific insoles and they can offer more information.

The point of this video is that a flat soled shoe is better if you're going to use an insert since the shoe isn't getting in the way with built in arch support or narrow toe boxes. That said, even with arthritis you probably want to work on having as much (pain-free) motion as possible by USING your feet. When you don't use joints in your body, the tissues around the joints get weaker... can you think of a time when weaker is better than stronger?

I'm not a physician and even if I were I wouldn't try to make a diagnosis or recommendation from a brief YT comment. Two questions, though: how is this impacting your ability to walk? Are you able to walk in bare feet?

@@xeroshoes I cannot walk barefoot since using orthotics now was able to before however because of the misalignment in healing the tibia/tallus joints I need the orthotics. Your video makes sense of why I can wear a pair of SPORTS brand shoe that is flat, flexible with a wide toe splash area. I bought a pair of Souchony walking shoes from REI that are not flat that I am able to return. I have an appointment with a podiatrist this coming Tuesday to get that perspective as the surgeons do surgery and not much else. My ability to walk is very impacted, I have a tiny inner tube like swelling right around the ankle. The injured foot is supinated. Foot and ankle need stretching, more PT and massage. I'm in my 10th month of recovery from the fracture only to discover this misalignment.

If you need an orthotic, like I say in this video, I think Xero Shoes are the best platform for that since the shoes are flat, wide, and without anything that would get in the way of the orthotic's geometry

Thank you. I noticed the shoes on Amazon are they carried in stores as well?

They are... see xeroshoes.com/stores/

Um... that's odd. We received hundreds of orders yesterday and no similar complaints. What device/browser are you using?

Check out our store locator -- xeroshoes.com/stores/ I'd recommend the 360 for table tennis.

@@xeroshoes but they don’t have my size

Contact our Customer Happiness Team directly at either support@xeroshoes.com or 303.447.3100. We can probably ship from the US or, possibly, from xeroshoes.eu

LOL! You're totally right. Don't know how that happened... and YT doesn't make it easy to fix things like that.

Since hockey skates don't let your feet move, and are a special use case, do what you need to perform your best in those. That said, we have a number of Olympic hockey players who say that wearing Xero Shoes once they get out of their skates have helped their feet, and helped them skate better.

@@xeroshoes Thanks so much for your feedback. Looking to switch over to barefoot shoes gradually. 🙏🏽

We are based in Colorado! If you are looking for a store near you, you can find them via our store locator here: xeroshoes.com/stores/

Well, won't get the circulation benefits that can come from wearing shoes that let your feet bend and flex, or the feedback from safely feeling the ground... so do with that what you will.

@@xeroshoes thank you so much I will return them God bless

What's important whether someone has high arches or low arches is STRENGTH. And strength comes from using your feet/arches... for high arches, working on flexibility is also helpful.

High arches can change the mechanical leverage some muscles have in your feet due to it being structurally different. High arched feet can lead to a number of issues down the road from you if you don’t wear stiff supportive shoes.

:-)

Underrated comment 😂

We actually have a lot of customers with plantar fascitis that enjoy our shoes, but it may take some time to adjust to and build up that foot strength. If you feel comfortable barefoot, these may work for you.

The odds are good that you didn't actually get PF, since creating serious inflammation is rarely something you can do in a day. See if these help: xeroshoes.com/barefoot-walking/plantar-fasciitis-and-walking-barefoot/ xeroshoes.com/barefoot-running-tips/i-woke-up-with-plantar-fasciitis-or-did-i/ xeroshoes.com/barefoot-running-tips/can-cure-plantar-fasciitis-barefoot-running/

Don't get out of it Heidi. If it's working and you have no issues, they are right for you. When I wore my orthotics off and on, I would get back pain. The minute I was religious about wearing orthotics every single day - I have had no issues ever again.

@@AmandaMitchell yea but they keep changing the shoes. I now have NO shoes that my orthotics sit properly in and I’m upset

You take the insoles out of new shoes and replace them with your orthotics. You have to find shoes that work with your orthotics. Make sure though you need them and see a very experienced orthotic person that uses advanced equipment to make sure a) you need them and b) they know what they are doing. The answer is in pain. If you have no knee, hip or back pain with orthotics and you did previously, then they are doing their job. And vice-versa. It’s trial and error re: pain and management. No one shoe or solution fits all. But saying to not use them, may unnecessarily cause a return to pain for some people

@@AmandaMitchell I understand but I have tried every neutral shoe in my EE width , even men’s , nothing works. I’m wearing an old pair of broken down dyads because they suddenly narrowed the 11 The new echelon no longer has a flat surface it has some weird drop (can see it visually too) so orthotics rock. I could go on and on. It’s been hell

Probably just because they might not flex as well. You'd think converse would be fine because there is absolute jack for cushion or arch support. There is definitely a wedge in converse that changes your foot posture from flat, theoretically if you rip the wedge put and put a flat insole inside, converse would probably be better than most cushy shoes but idk how they fit or wear out without the wedge

I'm trying it out, i put some flat insoles in a pair of my converse and I'll see how it goes

Converse actually helped me transition to minimalistic shoes and it helped me so much. I can actually play sports and run with my full potential in them. Before Converse, i was wearing Air Monarch IV, the ultimate dad shoes, and it caused me so much embarrassment because it caused me to walk like a penguin, im not kidding. Whem i switched to converse, it fixed all my problems but it did take time to get used to minimalistic-type shoes.

So in my opinion, converse are the best athletic shoes but they can be narrow but i go a size up which leaves some space between the toes and front in the toebox and i think its supposed to be like that anyways.

I agree with the previous comments about Converse -- when it comes to natural movement, the shoes are too narrow, toes are too pointy, and the soles are too thick to transmit enough info to your soles (and, then, brain). That they're flat is helpful in this case, though. Jordans are no different than most other shoes -- narrow toe box, elevated heel, lots of padding, excessive "support."

Yup. If your shoes have built in arches, that will change the way the orthotics function. And if you switch out the orthotics into different shoes that have different amounts of built-in arch, that compounds the problem.

Nobody said they're "shoe replacements." Nobody said they need a perfectly flat surface to work. What I *did* say is that if your shoe has built in arch support, that can interfere with the design of the orthotic since it's not made based on your shoe's arch design. Similarly, since your different shoes each have different interior shape and volume, that affects the orthotic. And, since shoes with midsoles and arch support wear out unevenly, that also affects the geometry of an orthotic. All of this was demonstrated by the former head of biomechanics for the US Olympic Committee. The "toe bend" issue is more about full orthotics than 3/4 orthotics, but even those can be problematic if the way your shoe bends doesn't match where the orthotic ends. And most shoes with thicker midsoles don't bend enough to allow your foot to bend naturally to begin with... that's why shoe companies developed "toe spring" -- to accommodate the fact that they don't allow for proper toe flexion and extension. The research about flat shoes is the exact opposite of what you suggest. That is, the research shows that heel drop actually causes postural and gait issues. Check out the podcast with Harvard's Dr. Irene Davis at www.peterattiamd.com/irenedavis for more info about this. BTW, in that podcast you'll hear the REAL reason that athletic shoes have "drop." It's not what you think and it's not based on any data about health, posture, or performance. I expect you'll find it enlightening, despite the fact that both she and Dr. Attia have data that conflicts with your beliefs. Finally, check out xeroshoes.com/orthotics/ which examines whether orthotics are necessary at all for most people, and how they SHOULD be used vs. how they're actually used. In short, they're meant to be used as a temporary aid for recovery, not for long-term use, for which the research indicates very little efficacy. And subsequent research shows how merely adding an orthotic to the shoe of a healthy athlete reduced intrinsic foot muscle size and strength in as little as 8 weeks.

Your high fluffy running shoe is a nightmare of heel strike and the heel is too high for good walking.

Actually, if you watch more of our videos you'll see that we often recommend being OUT of all shoes... but when barefoot isn't the best or smartest choice, Xero Shoes can give you that natural movement experience with a layer of protection.

@@xeroshoes Well I walk on concrete all day at work and at home so a flat shoe isn't ideal. Sure its good for you to be barefoot in a natural setting but we don't live in a natural setting. concrete is what we walk on always. If we lived in nature where we walked on normal turf this concept makes total sense. But the surface we've chosen to make up our full environment is concrete aside from carpeted concrete and walking on it barefoot or with shapeless shoes you will just end up flat footed Lol don't get me wrong I understand your point an I respect it. But In all honesty I feel like it's an unrealistic concept in terms of most people's everyday life. And really what people should do is just go barefoot at home and in their yards or for short hikes on a natural turf. Like an exercise for your feet.

We have thousands of customers who comfortably spend all day on their feet on concrete floors -- doctors, nurses, warehouse workers, restaurant workers, etc. If you check out xeroshoes.com/reviews/ you'll hear from some of them. The fact that we didn't evolve on concrete doesn't mean we aren't adapted to be able to handle those surfaces. We didn't evolve to do double twisting double back flips, but (speaking as a former All-American gymnast) that doesn't mean we can't adapt to do them ;-)

If you could see what DIDN'T make it into our Shark Tank episode, you would see that we were FAR from "shot down," plus we're one of the most successful post-Shark Tank companies. Nobody is suggesting you have to be barefoot. We have a line of casual and performance shoes, boots and sandals, to give you a "barefoot-like" experience in products that our 21,235+ 5-star reviews say are extremely comfortable.

Lol your loss buddy, I just backpacked 24 miles through the mountains in regular hiking shoes, knees were absolutely shot. Been doing day hikes every other day since then and today was the first hike I had w no lingering knee pain. Today was also the day my xero mesa trail shoes arrived.

@@PurebredMuttsBand ok

But actually no because other shoes mess up your natural biomechanics and make your feet weaker.

Here's something interesting to consider: Humans have been running pain-free either barefoot or in minimalist footwear for tens of thousands of years. And we have hundreds of thousands of customers who've done the same. The difference? Running form, not cushioning (I'm recalling our first customer service manager who ran 120-150 miles per week in our 4mm thick sandal... and he was 65 years old). I'd need more info (even a video of you running) to give you more specific suggestions about what to do, but one thing I can say is: Do less. Try running for just 20-30 seconds and see if you can alter your gait (most likely, landing with your feet more under your body than in front of it, and possibly slightly increasing the number of steps per minute you take without running faster) so that your feet feel fine the next day. Then increase the distance/time slowly. Also, post on our FB page and ask people for suggestions. There are almost 100k people there who run without problems in all of our shoes and I'm sure you can do the same.