Is there such a thing as too much arch support for your feet?

Question

I have a motion control shoe for running, but I also have some shoe inserts that I have run a marathon with them on, but I've also taken them out sometimes. When I put them back in my arches ache which I'm sure is just a soreness from them just being in there but the soreness will go away eventually. So I just wonder what is best to have the inserts in or out? I do have flat fleet.

Answer 1

If you have motion control shoes you should have little or no arch on your foot so you shouldn't need any arch support.

Answer 2

Too much artificial arch can cause just as much discomfort as having not enough arch support.  They key is to find an amount that is good for you.

I too am flat footed and if the decision were to come down to inserts in or out I do better with them out.  However, I had custom made inserts for my feet and they work wonderfully.

Answer 3

With flat feet, having inserts means putting material into a space in your shoe that is already taken up by your foot which tilts the outside of your foot closer to the ground than the inside, which not only makes you slower, can cause more injury, but that's just my experience, some people prefer them. Do what ever feels more comfortable for you.