Pain on the balls of my feet

[BATTLEBORN]

I was hoping someone would have some experience with this and maybe even a suggestion on how to fix it or what is going on. My issue is the bottom or balls of my feet. Basically When I am wearing my Lowa Rangers after about 3 miles I begin to get a sharp pain on the bottom Balls of my feet. This does not happen when I wear my light hiking Merrell's. I have a wide, high volume foot so I do not have much room to put a thick sole in my boot. With that said I do have an after market GEL sole in the boot right now but I still have this issue. I love the layout and flexibility of the Rangers and was thinking that maybe a stiffer boot would help my gate so I don't strike the ground with so much force. Does anyone have any advise? Is it may Gate? If so why don't I have this issue with the Merrell Moabs? Would a stiffer boot help? I would wear my Merrell's year round but they are more of a hiker than a boot and not suitable for heavy loads.

Also, I always wear high quality Merino socks and do not get any hot spots or hell lift.

Thanks in advance

 

[Akicita]

That type of pain is often caused by over pronation when the arch collapses causing the ankle to roll inwards. You may be subconsciously compensating for this driving more pressure on the balls of your feet while wearing these boots. It could be relieved by supportive arch insert or custom foot bed. My recommendation would be to try insoles from your Merrells and see if there is a noticeable difference. If so look for a quality thin insole with good arch support or spend some money on custom foot beds. There are some good 3/4 length arch support insoles that will not crowd your foot in the toe box.

 

[bhylton]

That type of pain is often caused by over pronation when the arch collapses causing the ankle to roll inwards. You may be subconsciously compensating for this driving more pressure on the balls of your feet while wearing these boots. It could be relieved by supportive arch insert or custom foot bed. My recommendation would be to try insoles from your Merrells and see if there is a noticeable difference. If so look for a quality thin insole with good arch support or spend some money on custom foot beds. There are some good 3/4 length arch support insoles that will not crowd your foot in the toe box.

I got the same thing in my Wesco work boots with flat leather insole vs my asolo 535's with a "sole" arch support insole. just put the "sole" insoles in my wescos to see if it helps. You seem pretty knowledgeable about it... do you know if this is a bigger problem for high vs low arch feet?

 

[Tim in Wa.]

I have the same problem and have for years.I think I've tried a dozen different boots and about every footbed known to man.I'd be willing to try Lathrops fitting but for that much money I'm not willing to risk doing it with pictures so I have to wait until I can do it face to face
Good Luck
Tim

 

[KClark]

Have you tried these? They're available with different height arches to better support your feet where they need it.

The Perfect Insole | The Perfect Insole / Shop Insoles

 

[Akicita]

I got the same thing in my Wesco work boots with flat leather insole vs my asolo 535's with a "sole" arch support insole. just put the "sole" insoles in my wescos to see if it helps. You seem pretty knowledgeable about it... do you know if this is a bigger problem for high vs low arch feet?

It is more common with low or collapsed arches.

At the risk of sounding presumptuous I do have a lot of experience with boot R&D for a few big name mountaineering boot and ski boot manufacturers through real world experience and use. When debriefing and reporting I meet with some very knowledgeable Podiatrist and Orthopedic specialist while discussing design flaws and hits. I typically have a few custom foot beds made for me that I can swap in and out of all the boots I personally use and own. The difference between them are just the size of the boot they go in - 10.5, 11 and 11.5. They cost from $90 for my hiking and mountaineering boots to $150 for my ski mountaineering and touring boots. I replace them every few years.

 

[cbeck36]

Same problem, same model boot. The leather footbed caused my to try 3 different insoles. Needles to say, I just purchased crispis.

 

[BATTLEBORN]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I do not have a special insole in my Merrell's, just the standard ones that come with them. I do s little running and have been told I am a neutral runner with medium arches. Maybe I will try the 3/4 arch support. If that doesn't help I feel like a stiffer boot may help me strike the ground further back toward my heel and elevated the pounding on the balls of my foot. Maybe that is backwards thinking as my Merrell's are opposite of stiff.

 

[Owenst7]

I had what sounds like a similar problem with the schnees beartooth. I tried a thicker insole with a lot of cushion and it helped with the bottom of my feet, but made the boots too small. I coincidentally was driving through Bozeman and brought them with me and stopped in to schnees last minute on the way up to Alaska. The guy there put a pair of Superfeet Carbons in there and had me try them. I've done about 30 miles of backpacking in steep terrain since then and my feet feel great. I didn't think the Superfeet would work because they are so thin, but they really don't need much cushion if they are cradling your entire foot properly.

 

[Akicita]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I do not have a special insole in my Merrell's, just the standard ones that come with them. I do s little running and have been told I am a neutral runner with medium arches. Maybe I will try the 3/4 arch support. If that doesn't help I feel like a stiffer boot may help me strike the ground further back toward my heel and elevated the pounding on the balls of my foot. Maybe that is backwards thinking as my Merrell's are opposite of stiff.

A stiffer boot may transfer pronation problems from the balls of your feet to your toes. They are great for heavy loads and steep and unstable terrain. I only wear stiff boots in these conditions. I would try some Superfeet insoles before jumping on the stiff boot boat unless you will be under heavy loads in mountainous terrain.

I had what sounds like a similar problem with the schnees beartooth. I tried a thicker insole with a lot of cushion and it helped with the bottom of my feet, but made the boots too small. I coincidentally was driving through Bozeman and brought them with me and stopped in to schnees last minute on the way up to Alaska. The guy there put a pair of Superfeet Carbons in there and had me try them. I've done about 30 miles of backpacking in steep terrain since then and my feet feel great. I didn't think the Superfeet would work because they are so thin, but they really don't need much cushion if they are cradling your entire foot properly.

I run the Superfeet carbon in a pair of Scarpas. . . They work as well as any custom foot bed I have. Thick insoles are not always better. . . It has more to do with fit, heel lock and proper conditioning of your foot to the boot. If thick soles help with boot last comfort but make them snug there are lacing techniques that can relieve some of that and still offer fit and support to the rest of the boot.

 

[BATTLEBORN]

I will grab a pair of Superfeet and see how it goes. I always overlooked them because they were so thin. I thought my problem was padding in my insoles. I will report back with results.

Thanks guys

 

[BATTLEBORN]

My Superfeet Carbons came in today. Ill go for a hike this weekend and report back.

 

[daddie63]

I'm curious how the carbons work out for you. I have the L&S footbeds In my Rangers and have been happy with them.

 

[BATTLEBORN]

Ok, I did about 3 miles of trail this evening with Superfeet Carbon insole. I can't believe how comfortable they were for how thin they are. Although I cant say I did not have any discomfort I definitely had MUCH less than with the other insoles I had. So far I am impressed, time will tell how they hold up.

Thanks for the suggestion guys, I think they will help alot.

 

[Akicita]

Ok, I did about 3 miles of trail this evening with Superfeet Carbon insole. I can't believe how comfortable they were for how thin they are. Although I cant say I did not have any discomfort I definitely had MUCH less than with the other insoles I had. So far I am impressed, time will tell how they hold up.

Thanks for the suggestion guys, I think they will help alot.

Great news! Let me know if you want some lacing ideas to fine tune the fit after you have the new soles and boot liner packed out a bit.

 

[daddie63]

I'd like to see a few of your lacing techniques Akicita if you dont mind. Thank you. I saw your last video and that helped me so thank you.

 

[BATTLEBORN]

^^^ definitely, please share id like to get as dialed in as possible.