Im still testing these in some boots, but I did not like them in my running shoes. They did not feel natural in the heel area, they did not offer enough arch support, and did not offer the comfort that my two successful models offered. (see review below). They also stink something terrible which I have no idea why, but they are made from a very stinky material. They may however work in boots so I am still testing these out. I really wanted to write an in depth helpful review so that I could actually try and help people find some relief for their foot, back, and knee pain that they might be experiencing like I do. Before I start, let me say that from my research and testing of many different OTC orthotic insoles and arch supports I do not think they are all bad or all good. I think they have to be matched to the type of foot you have. Having said that, it can be frustrating to continuously spend money on insoles that offer no help. I have not tried everything on the market, but I have tried many and here are the results that have helped me. First, I have a size 10 foot that is wide. My foot actually measures 9.5 and E in width on a brannock device but through experience I always buy a 10 2E running shoe. Even then certain styles might be a bit snug in the width for me. I am 5'11" and weigh 194. So over the years from gaining weight, being on my feet all day in the medical field, and being pretty active, my arches have fallen. Until I found out they had fallen, I never understood why after being on my feet all day the pain in my feet, ankles, and knees, was downright terrible. Then I started trying the different inserts and some helped but most were a waste of money. You can research on the net how fallen arches contribute to this pain. For my condition, I tend to need a higher arch support that will not collapse when running and staying on my feet all day. So began my search. For my type of condition, the two best products that have worked for me are the blue colored powerstep pinnacle and the Dr. Scholls # 430 insert sold on the foot mapping machines at walmart. I do realize that these are not custom inserts, but I am trying to avoid the expensive orthopedist route as long as I can. So the powerstep pinnacle has the right amount of the medium to high arch support that I require. I can feel the lump under my arch as some have complained about, but this seems to be exactly what I need to feel relatively pain free after being on my feet all day or running my miles each evening. These do take a day or so to get used to, but they have helped me very well for the most part. Do I feel like I'm 18 and problem free again....no, but its the best I've felt yet short of spending a fortune and going the custom route. I have worn these insoles two ways. On shoes that run big I have placed them on top of the factory insole which gave just a little extra cushion and I have also removed the factory insole and used just the powerstep insole by itself. These are strictly running shoes that I have tested these in, but I have no doubt they would work in boots as well. I do not think they would fit in dress shoes. As a side note I also tried the maroon colored pinnacle max but the wedge on the bottom of the orthotic over compensated too much for my level of pronation and it was uncomfortable for me. I use the blue inserts in a stability type running shoe and this has been the best combination for me. The other insert that worked well for me was the 430 Dr.Scholls on top of the factory insole as these are 3/4 length. So for my type of foot, I have tried the green super feet which did not offer enough arch support but were very comfortable for someone who may require less support. The pinnacle maxx were great except for that square plate underneath which over corrected my pronation and was uncomfortable. I tried the Dr. Scholls arch pain relief which were terrible compared to the other 430's. They did not fit well in any shoe and the arch support while high, did not ever seem to fall in the right position for my foot. I tried the envelop 3/4 orthotics and these did not work well either. They too just never fit in the shoe right or felt natural. I tried the VIVEsole 3/4 length and these felt like they had no arch support at all and were so narrow they kept shifting around in the shoe. I am still waiting to receive some spenco's and some prolab p3 semi customs to try and see how they do. I will rate the pinnacles at a 4 because they feel about as good as my #430 Dr.Scholls and they do help a lot, but I'm sure compared to a custom they can only do so much. They were by far the best OTC I have come across in my testing so far. So if you need the higher support from fallen arches like I do, these may help you. Remember, you will feel the highness under your arch which you get used to. and you should wear them intermittently the first few days to adapt to them. Don't be afraid to try them with or without the factory insole left in place.
