[jeffreyc]

I have just bought some replacement ski boots (in the sale of course) and chose a custom foot bed. With heat applied the bed moulds to the shape of the foot.
I wonder why some renowned shoe shops dont offer the same service - for an extra charge.

 

[eagle2250]

While I personally am not familiar with and have not experienced the custom foot beds you describe, I do hope you will let us know how your experience with such. They certainly sound like a good idea! :icon_scratch:

 

[jeffreyc]

A better description that I can manage is here -

As mentioned, well known for years in Ski boots, but I wonder why it hasent taken off in shoes. I have high arches and the Superfeet type of insole doesnt help as much.

 

[derum]

There are a number of issues with dress shoes, especially if you have high arches/instep.
The insoles tend to be thick, necessary to give the required support, meaning that your heel may slip out of your shoe.
You may have problems, or more problems than usual, wearing oxfords or slip ons due to increased tightness around the top of your foot due to the added elevation, and the fact that your feet will not spread out.
Due to their nature in supporting your feet and keeping them in the best shape, this shape will probably mean that your shoes will not fit, will be too long/wide.
So although they are undoubtedly good for your feet, not all types of footwear accomodate them well.

 

[Langham]

It's an interesting idea, but would the footbed be durable enough in shoes for walking in? Would it accommodate the changes in pressure and shape that a foot undergoes when we are walking (as opposed to a more static position, which is the case with a ski-boot)?
Some bespoke shoe-makers use something that resembles the footbed shown in the photo to take a cast of the foot, and from which a last is then made.
I imagine the shoes would have to be extra large, if they were to accommodate such a footbed.

 

[mhj]

I size up to accommodate my custom orthotics which I assume are the same custom footbeds. On the Brannock I'm an 11.5 B which aren't really wide enough to 11.5 EEE or 12 D which work well. This doesn't help for older shoes though.

 

[eagle2250]

A better description that I can manage is here -

As mentioned, well known for years in Ski boots, but I wonder why it hasent taken off in shoes. I have high arches and the Superfeet type of insole doesnt help as much.

That is a very informative video...I had no idea they did that. Thank you for sharing it with us.

 

[Oldsarge]

I wonder if such things would be of benefit in a shoe that doesn't have to withstand the rigors that a ski boot does?

 

[jeffreyc]

The company have different types for different applications - golf, running, cycling and general use. I assume it would be different thicknesses and more robust for those applications.
Thinking about the volume it would take in a shoe, if I take my example of high arches, this would be no extra volume just a space. If the beds were thin enough elsewhere but just gave support to the arch, it should help.

 

[fishertw]

I have had an orthotic for the past two years that uses this technology to create the shoe insert. While they do give a much better feel for my aging feet, I have had to go to a much wider and longer shoe size to accomodate the insert. Am currently having Rancourt make up a ranger moc in a 10.5 EE which is replacing a 9.5 E to accommodate the orthotic. Just beware, if you want to do this, like I did, you'll end up replacing an entire inventory of shoes..

 

[eagle2250]

^^Egad...
for some their entire shoe/boot inventory could prove to be a not insignificant undertaking...financially and logistically! :crazy: