Low-cost relief for stressed feet

Although tennis shoes have become much more sophisticated in terms of design, materials and construction, some people still have foot pain, often the result of an abnormal or irregular walking pattern. Since running, jumping and even walking can put a great deal of stress on the feet, many people opt for orthotics -- shoe inserts that can make doing these exercises less painful.

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Sole Defense: This new orthotic from Acor is one step below a custom-made orthotic, which can run as much as $500. Acor’s orthotics come in a variety of shoe sizes and three types of arch height: flat, standard or high. The orthotic can be heat-molded in the oven for a closer fit. Having correct arch support is important, says Jeff Binczyk, Acor’s vice president of sales and marketing, “because if something isn’t coming in contact with the arch, other parts of the foot are taking excessive amounts of strain and weight to support the body.”

While this type of orthotic may stop or prevent pain, it might not be enough, according to Dr. Bob Baravarian, assistant clinical professor at UCLA Medical Center and co-director of the Foot and Ankle Institute of Santa Monica. “Each person’s foot has certain requirements,” he said. “You have to find out what part of the foot is unstable, and build an orthotic to accommodate the spot. Sometimes you need to add padding in a certain area to make an orthotic do certain things.”

Sole Defense, $40, is available at www.soledefense.com, or call (800) 705-4533.

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-- Jeannine Stein