Insole/shoe combo for knee/shin pains

[Lloyd Braun]

So I've been looking for shoes/insoles that will make skating less painful. Bit of back ground, so I broke my tibia and had surgery on my ankle 8 months ago and I'm just getting back to skating. Before that I was having a lot of knee pain and shin splints after less than an hour of skating. I mainly skate ledges, I don't jump down anything r ally.  I bought the FP king foam 7mm insoles. They didn't help at all, I actually had worse pain than my vans stock insoles. I was skating vans classic pros slip ins authentic etc. I am now skating new balance 868's they are a bit more support but in still getting the same knee and shin pain. So my question is has anyone had similar pain issues and if so what shoe/insole combo worked best? I'm thinking of trying the FP orthotics but don't want to waste $45 only to have the same pain issues.

Sorry for the long post but could use some help!

[Smartass]

From what it sounds like to me, possible Jumper's Knee? Definitely go get that checked out by your doc.

One thing I can for sure tell is that you were not getting enough arch support, and that's why the regular flat FP insoles were not doing jack. I recommend spending the cash on a pair of the Kingfoam Orthotics. They'll mold to your feet as you use them, give you that arch support you need, and are really comfy. Gamechangers are also good, but between the two I prefer the Kingfoam Orthotics.

You can pick up a pair of them from Daddies right now, use their coupon code to get 20% off, which brings the price down to under $30 shipped if you're in the US.

[roba]

+1 on the kingfoam orthotics, had a pair 2 years ago and they were amazing, great impact protection and really comfortable once they get fully broken in (takes ~a week). as for the shoes i’d recommend some mids such as halfcabs as the insoles are pretty thick and take up some space

[Paco Supreme]

+2 on the kingfoam orthotics

But really, see a doctor or a physio or some shit

[tzhangdox]

kingfoam orthotics, ideally gamechangers, and dunks

[Lloyd Braun]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feeback. For shoes I'm pretty much never going to skate Vulcs again, the vans are what I had the most pain in. Anyone tried both kingfoam orthodic vs gamechanger? Which is better for someone like me?

[roba]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feeback. For shoes I'm pretty much never going to skate Vulcs again, the vans are what I had the most pain in. Anyone tried both kingfoam orthodic vs gamechanger? Which is better for someone like me?

never had the gamechangers but heard from a fp rep that the difference between these two is not that noticeable and the orthotics are just fine for skateboarding.

[144p]

Sounds like arthritis/inflammation issues that can't be resolved with insoles alone.
Had a similar issue, tried everything. Swore by project BA, using vans might be the main culprit though, so thin with no support.
The board feel on thicker shoes is minimal, but at this point you can't skate without pain so why not keep trying things?
I use the flat 7mm kingfoam insoles, also used the kingfoam orthotic and the gamechangers.
Try an anti inflammatory diet, work out more, go for walks, get a foam roller.
I too thought there was a magic fix all, but it was a combination of things for me.

[Lloyd Braun]

Yeah I know shoes/insoles won't fix the issue by themselves. I'll research anti inflammatory diet, I'm starting to stretch more and ride my bike. I'm thinking the right combo of diet excercise stretching and shoes will help. I ordered the kingfoam orthotics, skating yesterday my arch was killing me. I think they'll help. Thanks everyone!

[GardenSkater77]

You may need a pair of real orthotics. I would not trust a skate company to make a good pair of insoles. I broke my tibia twice (same leg) and I have none of your problems, so whatever you have is probably genetic. If you have insurance go to a foot and ankle doctor and have sport orthotics made. They will cost $300 but you insurance will pay the majority and they will last for years. My other suggestion is to wear Andrew Allen compression socks and maybe leg sleeves like Kevin Durant wears. Gotta keep the blood flowing and compression helps. Also wear high tops. I have spent the last 13 years in high tops because they help keep your leg aligned with your foot. Yeah, I may look like an extra out of White Men Can’t Jump, but I am 40 and can skate for an hour without any pain. Hope you can too soon...

[tzhangdox]

You may need a pair of real orthotics. I would not trust a skate company to make a good pair of insoles. I broke my tibia twice (same leg) and I have none of your problems, so whatever you have is probably genetic. If you have insurance go to a foot and ankle doctor and have sport orthotics made. They will cost $300 but you insurance will pay the majority and they will last for years. My other suggestion is to wear Andrew Allen compression socks and maybe leg sleeves like Kevin Durant wears. Gotta keep the blood flowing and compression helps. Also wear high tops. I have spent the last 13 years in high tops because they help keep your leg aligned with your foot. Yeah, I may look like an extra out of White Men Can’t Jump, but I am 40 and can skate for an hour without any pain. Hope you can too soon...

While some may, most high tops don't do anything to help align your leg with your foot. Matchcourt highs, ctas highs, sk8 his, blazers etc do nothing to help align your foot to your leg, its basically a flimsy vulc low top with often paper thin canvas sidewalls that are slightly extended further up. Alignment is done mostly by the midsole and insole. While a custom orthotic will align you perfectly, it often is rock hard and uncomfortable to skate in, or align you feet in a way such that your ankles are rolled slightly outwards, leaving them vulnerable to sprains. Footprint orthotics, and the gamechangers more so do quite a good job of aligning your arches whilst still being very skateable and comfortable.

[Lloyd Braun]

Expand Quote

You may need a pair of real orthotics. I would not trust a skate company to make a good pair of insoles. I broke my tibia twice (same leg) and I have none of your problems, so whatever you have is probably genetic. If you have insurance go to a foot and ankle doctor and have sport orthotics made. They will cost $300 but you insurance will pay the majority and they will last for years. My other suggestion is to wear Andrew Allen compression socks and maybe leg sleeves like Kevin Durant wears. Gotta keep the blood flowing and compression helps. Also wear high tops. I have spent the last 13 years in high tops because they help keep your leg aligned with your foot. Yeah, I may look like an extra out of White Men Can’t Jump, but I am 40 and can skate for an hour without any pain. Hope you can too soon...

[close]

While some may, most high tops don't do anything to help align your leg with your foot. Matchcourt highs, ctas highs, sk8 his, blazers etc do nothing to help align your foot to your leg, its basically a flimsy vulc low top with often paper thin canvas sidewalls that are slightly extended further up. Alignment is done mostly by the midsole and insole. While a custom orthotic will align you perfectly, it often is rock hard and uncomfortable to skate in, or align you feet in a way such that your ankles are rolled slightly outwards, leaving them vulnerable to sprains. Footprint orthotics, and the gamechangers more so do quite a good job of aligning your arches whilst still being very skateable and comfortable.

I would tend to agree about most high tops especially vulcanized. Maybe dunks would help align. I think my main issue is that I don't have arch support and honestly my legs are super weak. Planning to start strengthening them by riding my bike to work, hitting the gym eating better and stretching/foam rolling before and after skating. I haven't gotten the pain like I did before I was hurt yet, but I haven't skated as much yet either. Ordered a pair of game changers we will see how they help. But I am thinking that's just one part of my issue. Hopefully in a few months ill have strengthened my legs enough to skate pain free. I'll keep everyone updated. Thanks for the help Everyone.

[GardenSkater77]

I meant dunks. Crank the laces and after a day of skating you will feel the difference. I replaced the insoles with a pair of Superfeet. You can buy them at Dicks Sporting goods. They are stiff and have built in contours to widen the shoe because I too have flat feet which ruins me for most skate shoes. Riding a bike is good just don’t over due it and buy a good bike with a good seat or you will develop hip issues if you are anything like me.

[Heather Chandler]

Sounds like arthritis/inflammation issues that can't be resolved with insoles alone.
Had a similar issue, tried everything. Swore by project BA, using vans might be the main culprit though, so thin with no support.
The board feel on thicker shoes is minimal, but at this point you can't skate without pain so why not keep trying things?
I use the flat 7mm kingfoam insoles, also used the kingfoam orthotic and the gamechangers.
Try an anti inflammatory diet, work out more, go for walks, get a foam roller.
I too thought there was a magic fix all, but it was a combination of things for me.

As much as I hate going to the gym, at 45, fat, and 2 ACL surgeries (one on each) in the bag...I have reluctantly given in to the necessity of lifting weights and elliptical machine when not skating.  As far as insoles, I like the lunarlon with a rite aid single insole cushion thing.

[In A Jar]

Yes, this thread is about my life for the last couple years.  I have tried so many combos and struggled with plantar fasciitis and jumpers knee.  The best things for my knee have been going to the gym, doing PT style balance exercises and swimming.  To my surprise switching from stiff cupsoles (I tried the 868 too) to flexible vulcanized shoes has helped me.  But I wear the expensive custom orthotic insoles.   My feet pronate badly and as much as I try to strengthen them to stop, I can't skate without orthotics.  I think if you can avoid becoming dependent on orthotic insoles you are better off.  I wish I didn't need them.  In my experience Gamechangers do nothing compared to real orthotic insoles. 

[GardenSkater77]

I have been using a really great insole in my Nike Dunks HT that I thought I would share:

https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/insoles-and-sandals/flexmax

I have wide/flat feet and these insoles help to widen the hi-top dunks so I no longer feel the outsole bumper that made the dunks painful for my feet. I also cut the extra material off of the ankle (ankle strap?) to make the shoe more of a slim. This allows me to really crank the laces down, so the shoes are no longer as bulky. My ankle pain and my foot numbness on my bad leg is starting to go away and my feet are no longer sore after skating. Just thought I would share a nice combo for my feet/ankles/leg/etc.

[Lloyd Braun]

I have been using a really great insole in my Nike Dunks HT that I thought I would share:

https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/insoles-and-sandals/flexmax

I have wide/flat feet and these insoles help to widen the hi-top dunks so I no longer feel the outsole bumper that made the dunks painful for my feet. I also cut the extra material off of the ankle (ankle strap?) to make the shoe more of a slim. This allows me to really crank the laces down, so the shoes are no longer as bulky. My ankle pain and my foot numbness on my bad leg is starting to go away and my feet are no longer sore after skating. Just thought I would share a nice combo for my feet/ankles/leg/etc.

Thanks for the reply. I don't have wide feet and I like dunks but can never find them in my size. I'm also weary of becoming dependent on high tops, been focusing on doing ankle strengthening stretches/excercise. I got a pair of FP game changers and put them in my new balance 868s. I really like this combo so far. Been able to skate for a good bit without being overly sore. The shoes are super stable which is nice I don't feel like they are gonna get all floppy. Time will tell

[sweet son of a bitch]

Expand Quote

I have been using a really great insole in my Nike Dunks HT that I thought I would share:

https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/insoles-and-sandals/flexmax

I have wide/flat feet and these insoles help to widen the hi-top dunks so I no longer feel the outsole bumper that made the dunks painful for my feet. I also cut the extra material off of the ankle (ankle strap?) to make the shoe more of a slim. This allows me to really crank the laces down, so the shoes are no longer as bulky. My ankle pain and my foot numbness on my bad leg is starting to go away and my feet are no longer sore after skating. Just thought I would share a nice combo for my feet/ankles/leg/etc.

[close]

Thanks for the reply. I don't have wide feet and I like dunks but can never find them in my size. I'm also weary of becoming dependent on high tops, been focusing on doing ankle strengthening stretches/excercise. I got a pair of FP game changers and put them in my new balance 868s. I really like this combo so far. Been able to skate for a good bit without being overly sore. The shoes are super stable which is nice I don't feel like they are gonna get all floppy. Time will tell

I have been using redwing powerstep insoles for 4 years now and make I a huge difference also they have a nice high arch . I recommend taking tumeric pills or powder for joint inflammation .

[Chaos Acoustic]

New here.  Anyway I had the same knee/ankle issue plaguing me for a year. I went to the chiropractor and found my tibia was out of place by 1/4 of an inch causing muscle atrophy. Also two bones on either side of my arch were displaced. It’s been less than two weeks since having the realignment and pain has decreased by 75% and still improving. I literally created this profile because after reading this thread I had to share. I hope this helps.

[Lloyd Braun]

New here.  Anyway I had the same knee/ankle issue plaguing me for a year. I went to the chiropractor and found my tibia was out of place by 1/4 of an inch causing muscle atrophy. Also two bones on either side of my arch were displaced. It’s been less than two weeks since having the realignment and pain has decreased by 75% and still improving. I literally created this profile because after reading this thread I had to share. I hope this helps.

Damn! So did that require surgery? I'm hoping my issue isn't that severe. I have an appointment with a physical therepist nextbweek. I think I have plantar facitis. Still having the same pains although not as severe. But I can only skate about an hour at a time. Appreciate your reply

[pizzafliptofakie]

What's the difference between the Kingfoams and the Gamechangers?

[Chaos Acoustic]

Didn’t require any surgery. Actually my chiropractor just popped everything back into place! The knee was done by hand and the foot with some special spring loaded gun. I go to this place that only charges me $60 a month I get 4 adjustments. No X-ray no bullshit. I go every weekend now.

[Lloyd Braun]

Didn’t require any surgery. Actually my chiropractor just popped everything back into place! The knee was done by hand and the foot with some special spring loaded gun. I go to this place that only charges me $60 a month I get 4 adjustments. No X-ray no bullshit. I go every weekend now.

Damn that's sick! I'm gonna look into that in my area. Is this just a regular chiropractor?

[Paco Supreme]

What's the difference between the Kingfoams and the Gamechangers?

From my understading, kingfoams shape to your foot from pressure and weight distribution over a couple wears, whereas gamechangers are heated up to become soft enough to mold directly after it cools

[Chaos Acoustic]

It’s just called The Joint. It’s a chiropractor chain. 👍

[Willie]

Late to this thread and apologies if you are already on this program but NEVER WEAR SKATE SHOES UNLESS YOU ARE SKATING.


Wear highly padded neutral running shoes all the fucking time except when you are dating and don't want to look like Sienfeld. That's my time travel message to 25 year old me.

[The Woodsman]

I don’t have much recommendation with the gear but I can tell you that having an 8 month rest with your injury should have cleared up a good bit of your problems but it will be easy to redevelop them if your body is not working properly (flat feet, weaker muscles than necessary is certain areas, etc.) id follow Dr Kyle Brown on Instagram, he’s a physical therapist who also skates and posts a lot of skate specific excersises to combat prominate skate injuries.