Footwear FAQs

What is Gait Analysis?
Gait Analysis is purely analysis of how you stand, walk and run. Usually performed using video capture software.

 

What is the difference between gait analysis and Profeet Biomechanical Analysis?
Other running shops use basic video capture software to look at your feet and try and determine what type of shoe you need – i.e. neutral, guidance or stability.

 
However, feet and ankles are only part of the story because the knees, hips, back all influence how the lower body moves. That’s why at Profeet our team of technicians have relevant qualifications and why we look at the whole of the lower body and in far more detail.

 
We also use High Definition cameras enabling us to capture more detail, and professional gait treadmills allowing you to run more naturally.

 

What are the common injuries that custom insoles and correct footwear can help with?
80% of our clients come to us with some sort of pre-existing injury or pain. We can help to prevent this from occurring/reoccurring. Common injuries that we can help with are:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Shin Splints
• ITB Syndrome
• Runners Knee
• Patella tendinitis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Hip/Lower back pain
• Blisters
• Pulled Muscles
• Ankle Sprains
• Stress Fractures

 

We also work with active individuals who want to take steps to reduce the risk of these injuries occurring in the first place. Custom insoles play a large part in injury prevention.

 

Why do I need a Custom Insole?
Simply, custom insoles improve performance, increase comfort and reduce injury! Custom insoles and orthotics have been widely used to treat foot, ankle and lower leg problems and injuries for years. Increasingly, custom insoles have become standard equipment for elite athletes including; runners, football, rugby, tennis, hockey players, cyclists and more as a way to improve performance, increase comfort and reduce injury

 

If I have the correct type of shoe will I still need insoles?
Although manufacturers now make shoes for different types of walking/running gait, foot width etc. the shoes are still mass produced. A custom insole customises the fit and performance of the footwear to the individual user.

 

Likewise, as manufacturers know that insoles are a regular upgrade they spend as little as possible on the insoles that are provided in the shoes as standard.

 

If I have custom insoles, then don’t I just need neutral shoes?
No, our custom insoles are built to work with the shoes and both insole and shoe perform different roles to support the foot and body as you walk, run and move.

 

How long will my new running shoes last?
Performance and premium running shoes should last approximately 350-500 miles (550-800 kms) depending on your weight and style of running.
 

The EVA foam midsole which provides the cushioning and control in running shoes is a more important indicator of wear than the rubber sole or fabric upper and it can be hard to tell how worn this is.

 

We would therefore recommend more frequent runners change shoes every six months and occasional runners every year. Don’t forget that walking and using shoes in the gym will also wear the EVA and reduce cushioning and decrease the life of the shoe.

 

What size shoes do I need?
Manufacturers make their footwear based on different sizing systems (UK, USA, French and Mondo point) and may use different conversions from onc size to another.

 

Then they may apply the chosen scale to the shoes last, the internal space and either an average or maximum foot length for manufacturing.

 

In order to help you choose the right size we use a Brannock measuring device and a check the feel of the shoe in the toe and around the foot, as well as relying strongly on your feedback. Remember sock thickness will also affect the size you wear and the fit of the shoe.

 

Why can’t I just wear cheap shoes?
Cheap running shoes and sports footwear will offer less support when new and will only last about half the distance/time, due to the inferior materials used.

 

How long will my Profeet custom insoles last?
Profeet custom insoles should last about three pairs of shoes or approximately 1,500 miles but this depends on your sport, weight, technique etc.

 

Everybody wears out their insoles differently, so we recommend a six monthly check up and new insoles at a maximum of two years.

 

Insoles used for sports other than running, i.e. tennis, will normally wear faster due to additional lateral loading and wear to the surface materials, although we can add reinforced material to help.
 
What’s the difference between insoles, custom insoles, footbeds and orthotics?
Insoles and footbeds are the same thing and a basic foam insole is found in nearly all sports footwear as a way to finish the shoe and provide a soft surface to stand on.
 

Profeet custom insoles are moulded to your feet, fitted and adjusted while you wait. They directly replace the standard insole or three-quarter length insoles can be made for shoes without insoles.

 

Orthotics are generally rigid devices designed to control a foot that suffers major patho-mechanical dysfunction. They are generally made by a podiatrist who typically takes a non-weight-bearing mould of the feet in a ‘neutral’ foot position. The casts are then sent off to a laboratory where the orthotic is made and where they will need to be returned for adjustments.
 
Why are your insoles so expensive / so cheap?
Profeet custom insoles are generally far cheaper than traditional rigid orthotics but more expensive than the non-custom and more basic custom insoles available through general sports stores.

 
If you have any questions that are not covered here, then please contact our sports lab team at info@profeet.co.uk