******
- Verified Buyer
I had never worn orthotics before I retired and started a part-time job that had me on my feet, on a hard surface for 5-6 hrs at a time. I eventually got to the point that I could barely walk at the end of my shift because my feet hurt so badly. After searching the internet for answers, I found a post where a podiatrist actually recommended these before spending the big $$ on custom orthotics. When I first tried them, I was leery, as they seemed to put unusual pressure on different areas of my feet. I figured this would just cause a different sort of pain (which they basically did, for a while). But after powering through for a few weeks, my arches had strengthened and formed to these orthotics and THEY FELT REALLY GOOD. I have since purchased 4-5 sets of these, and have them in all of my shoes. They really are a lifesaver for me; without them I would have had to quit my job and find something that didn't keep me on my feet all day. I now don't go anywhere without them!I spend far more time on my feet than I should, and about 5 years ago began developing a problem with a callous point on the ball of my foot at the neck/head of my 3rd metatarsal which would quickly go from painful to debilitating if I remained on my feet. Already using heavy duty professional inserts, having very high arches, and grinding off the callous every 10-15 days I still found no relief, until now. Purchased 2 months ago, and worn continuously ever since, and still on my feet 16-20 hours a day, I've not once had any further callous build-up, and no more pain! Now, you may read a number of reviews mentioning that the metatarsal pad of these inserts is in the wrong place, too high towards the arch and not under the ball. In looking at buyer photos and the ad it appeared to me that way, too, however it occurred to me that the placement of the extra pad was possibly not supposed to be added cushioning but instead worked by levering the mid metatarsals upwards a little so that pressure was spread more evenly over the entire width of the ball. Added cushion right on the point of pain would probably feel like an even bigger rock in my shoe and only make things worse. So I made the purchase and hoped for the best. Whether my theory was correct or it works on another basis, the important thing is that is has worked, incredibly well, where no other product I've tried had any effect at all. While I feel like they are over-priced, the results have been worth every penny. In reading reviews ahead of time, I also noticed a few comments mentioning the fit of this insert being more suited to a man's foot, and I can't help to answer this, as I am male and have a large foot, wearing US size 13 extra wide shoes.So far these are noticeably better than a regular orthopedic insert if you have Morton's/Metatarsalgia. My problem is the pain (yet), but the pressure and the weird feeling the Morton's causes and makes me walk off balance. I've had these for 24 hours. Walked 3+ miles in them yesterday. They do need a break-in period and I don't think I'm totally there yet. However, the met pad on these helps a lot in keeping me on-balance. So if this is your problem, this should work adequately. I'm still trying others as these seem stiff where I don't need them to be. Other than that, as advertised.Definitely reduces ball of foot pain.For people with flat feet the arch support feeling will be somewhat annoying, since we're not used to that pressure, but that nuisance I will take if the ball of foot pain is reduced - which it was. Plan to buy at least one more of these to have in other shoes.These were recommended from the pros I buy my shoes from. Absolutely love them.Great product. My third purchase. I put these into my tennis shoes. It is better to cut the insole to fit the shoe not the length of your foot. I cut a tad too short and feel the end of it in the shoe, but no big deal. Err on the side of leaving it a little bit longer. I wear size 8 women's shoes. The size 8 to 8.5 works fine. I can also wear thinner socks with the inserts in my shoes.They fit ok. I ordered 3 different kinds and these were best. I have achilles tendonitis so there really isn’t a insole support that works for that. Sadly!as soon as i put them under my feet i was comfortable and felt better.Working wellI would imagine these might be great if your issue is needing more support in the heal and arch but they did not help at all with my metatarsal pain. The pad is positioned too far back. The arch support is very pronounced. It caused me significant pain while walking. The heel support is also aggressive. It puts your foot in a forward slant. (Think high heeled shoe but not as drastic). The entire insert is also thick from the middle of the foot back. It puts you higher in the shoe which causes other issues.The metatarsal support is very much welcomed by my tired and achy 60 year old feet and toes. Have been using Power Step for a couple of years. The Pinnacle Plus is very helpful for feet with low arches without causing the terrible heel calluses that my custom made orthotics did.Having tried several brands to ameliorate my metatarsalgia, I found this product to be the best. I do not like the price tag of these insoles as they are mass produced, but aside from that, they seem to be helping. If there is another brand that offers a better, more lasting metatarsal pad, I'll be buying them.I bought these so I don't have to keep swapping my expensive orthotic between shoes. The metatarsal pad is not as predominant as I was hoping but they are suitable for walking. I wouldn't attempt high impact sports using them. I would buy again for other non sports related shoes. Construction seems good.
