Superfeet

After having a week or so's worth of pain in my left foot, I finally went to the doctors yesterday and oh joy of joys, I have Plantar Fasciitis, which can last for months. Only one problem, I'm off to the Swiss Alps for some Via Ferrata and walking in less than two weeks!

 Now the doc has given me some super strength anti-inflammatories, and some very gentle stretching exercises, but resting the foot is the main treatment. He also said to get some orthopedic insoles that would support the arch and cushion the heel, so to my question, does anyone out there have experience of Superfeet insoles and would they fit the above requirements? There's a outdoor shop not too far away from me (Lockwoods) who I'm pretty sure are Superfeet stockists, but I wouldn't mind some independent advice. Thanks

I like superfeet a lot although I know there a few peeps on here who arent that keen. The superfeet green insoles definitely make my feet much less tired and sore after gruelling hike. They also make my boots fit better by taking up more volume than the brasher footbed.

 A quick search on the superfeet site brought this up. Super feet, Plantar thingy

Hope this helps.

Just re read the last bit of your post.

The super feet support your arch and allign you heel up but dont really "cushion" so much. I think they work more by supporting the foot and lining up the bones/joints etc. If its cushioning for the heel maybe something by sorbothane would be better? if its more for support I'd go for the superfeet.

Have to agree, I think Superfeet may even make it worse. They are very hard and you need something soft and springy.  Sorbathane does sound like a good option but there are several similar on the market.

Blacks do one thats very soft.

I use superfeet as a matter of course and I do quite like them, but for cushioning, sorbothane is excellent, they are quite high volume though and might change the fit of your boots.

The problem with Sorbothane insoles is that they don't support the arch or keep the heel in place. If over-pronation is a cause of the plantar fasciitis then Superfeet should help by stablising your feet. If you don't over-pronate they won't be much use. Whilst Superfeet don't cushion in themselves by preventing the heel pad from spreading they allow the natural fatty pad under the heel to provide cushioning. Combining Superfeet with footwear with good shock absorption might be the best solution. I had plantar fasciitis many years ago and it is painful. I found gentle stretching exercises did help, as did well-cushioned footwear and Superfeet.

Thanks people. Well I made a trip out to Lockwoods and had a word with one of their Superfeet "specialists" and he said as much as Chris had, that the cusioning effect is achieved by "holding" the heel. They seem to support the arch quite well, so now I'm £35 lighter! Thanks again all.

Chris, I'm not going to ask how long it took for the condition to improve as we all heal (pun intended) differently, but did you just go with the stretching exercises or did you do any additional physio? I ask because I have the chance of seeing a sports physiotherapist.