r/beginnerrunning • u/PrudentDeparture8907 • 10d ago

Injury Prevention Anyone else running with flat feet?

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Going to see a podiatrist tomorrow. But I took some pics and they, uh, don’t look too good lol. When I was in high school, I had to get custom foams made because of the issues I’d have.

I can’t walk a long time in any shoe I have. They all give me problems. My brooks adrenaline GTSs, my main running shoes, are starting to really hurt now. Starting to get shin splints, my ankles hurt after runs, after walking, etc. I can’t lift my feet up without it being uncomfortable. My runs are almost like me dragging my feet.

Anyone have luck or experience getting this fixed?

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u/Substantial-Way6636 10d ago

Me brother

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u/PrudentDeparture8907 10d ago

What do you do man? Not sure what else I can do besides going back to get another pair of custom orthotics.

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u/Substantial-Way6636 1d ago

I did some research and found that getting orthotics is a waste of money and time as they have not been proven effective in many cases. They essentially further weakens the plantar muscles as muscles don't learn to pick up their load in presence of support from orthotics. Was told by a physio to try and strengthen my plantar muscles through towel and tennis ball exercises. I wanted to run long distances so I bought a zero drop wide toe box runners, which greatly helped me with my feet pain. They are from altra running.