Orthotics - Why Do You Need Them?

There was a time not too long ago where orthotics were thought of as the exclusive domain of persons who suffered with painful joint conditions, and found it difficult to walk.
Nowadays, anyone who has experienced the difference between specially formed support underneath their arches, and going "solo", prefers orthotics. Wearing orthotics is also recommended by foot specialists as a good way to alleviate back, neck, ankle and knee pain - as well as improve the wearability of footwear.
Today, a common problem is pronation-when the foot leans over to one side, causing wear-and-tear on the shoes, and on the foot. Another much-seen malaise of the feet is flat feet. Both conditions respond well to orthotics. The question is - which brand of orthotics one should opt for? A little research into the field yielded the following information on some leading manufacturers and providers of orthotics:
Aetrex
Aetrex, in sizes from 7M to 14 M, has five (5) models, ranging from their most athletic number, to their dressy style. The Full Length Sport has the maximum cushioning for top-notch absorbency of weight. The neutral heel cups and cushions. The arch support is gentle. The cost is around $60.00. The Aetrex Full Length Dress Leather doesn't offer as much support and looks a little thin, but seems perfect for golf or "dressy" shoes. It is durable. Also around $60.00.
The Aetrex Full Length with Metatarsal Support is more formidable, with its raised side, to relieve metatarsal (the five long bones of the foot.) Neutral heel cups and cushions, as does the Full Length Sport and the Full Length Dress Leather. It's $60.00. The ¾ Dress Length Dress does not restrict the toe area. It stops short of the toes, extending from the heel to the ball of the foot. It offers quality support for dressy shoes (like sandals) with a leather-look, for a great price. Just under $45.00. The Full Length Sport Posted is ideal for pronated feet. It is used for all footwear, but is excellent for sports shoes. This model offers maximum shock absorption and cushioning and a posted heel to realign the back portion of the foot. $60.00.
Walkfit
Walkfit claims to have conducted a scientific test which helped 90% of its participants reduce pain. It supports ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones. Realistically, most orthotics align your body-another claim made by Walkfit. What is impressive is Walkfit's Life-time replacement warranty. And rather than provide a separate model for dress shoes, the company provides sandal adaptors, which are adhesives that are applied to the device to keep it from slipping in open-toed shoes The orthotics is made of hard plastic. Men and women's sizes from 5 to 14 ½. $30.00 includes shipping and handling.
Foot Dynamics
Moving up to the other end of the price spectrum, Foot Dynamics has Sports Orthotics which are made for high-mileage and rough, athletic impact. This company sends an impression kit via Priority Mail. They require you to make a mold of your foot, and so don't provide sizes.
This company actually incorporates bounce-inducing cork in their Alpine and Running Orthotics' arch fill! The Running Orthotics are $160; the Alpine Ski Orthotics, $140.00. Borrowing from the old-school orthotics, these are semi-rigid, but more comfortable.
Foot Dynamics has a model for every sport - in addition to running. There's a Water Sports Orthotics (designed to be wet, with a nylon shell, for $150.00); a Cycling Orthotics (with a "floating" rear foot design for maximum ankle motion, for $140.00); a Skiing Orthotics (which increase power transfer to the ski edge, for $140.00-$150.00); and a Court Sport Orthotics (for cutting, jumping and quick starts, with HDC Foam for superior abrasion resistance, for $160.00.)
If golf is your game, "whether you walk or ride", says the Foot Dynamics website, the Golf Orthotics model, at $140.00, with rear foot stabilization and a melon shell, will improve your swing
Whichever sort of landing you your feet prefer-soft or hard-chances are one of the above-named Orthotics companies will meet your foot comfort and support needs.