Question:
Hi, the insoles of my shoes are 9 3/4 inch long. Do you make 9 1/4 inch long Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat? Also, what is the width of the 9 3/4 inch plates at the widest part?
Answer:
The smallest size our Carbon Graphite Flat Shoe Plates come in is the Euro 37, which is 9 3/4" long. However, our Carbon Fiber Spring Plates start smaller, with a US Women's 5, which is 9 1/8" long. Also, our Turf Toe Plates come in shorter lengths.
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Question:
Is this plate heat moldable?
Answer:
Yes, but why would you want to change it's shape? The Flat Plate is designed to be just that: flat.
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Question:
My son is a toe walker. Do you carry children's sizes in the flat plate?
Answer:
We do not have children's sized Flat Plates.
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Question:
My husband has the front half of his foot amputated and his shoes start to bend up at in front. Will your stiff carbon graphite flat insole stop this from happening? Thank you.
Answer:
Thanks for your interest in our Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat for your husband. It certainly would help prevent his shoe from bending up in front, but only if his amputation is just of his toes. If he has a midfoot amputation or a mid-metatarsal amputation, he can still use the flat plate, but should use it in conjunction with a plug designed to take up room in the front of his shoe. Has he visited a prosthetics lab to have a plug made? According to our medical director, it is important to have a plug designed for his foot so that he doesn’t wind up with sores or ulcers from his foot moving around inside his shoe.
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Question:
For middle toe capsulitis the doctor gave me a post-op shoe to keep my forefoot from flexing. Would using the Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat be equivalent?
Answer:
Thanks for your interest in our products and your question regarding your capsulitis. First, let me point you toward our article on capsulitis, in case you wish to do more reading about your condition.
The as far as choosing the right product, I’d go with the Spring Plate instead. The toe spring in the spring plate will off-load the forefoot capsulitis a bit better than the flat plate. To go one step further would be to add a felt metatarsal pad to the top of the spring plate.
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Question:
I had a full metatarsal amputation, basically left with half a foot, due to injury during war. I am wondering if a spring plate or a flat plate will help on my partially amputated foot in walking (I have a shoe filler, but not really a prosthetic), with its rocker motion and also help with the curling up of shoe on amputated foot, which makes walking even more difficult. Also as a result the other foot is in need of help due to overuse and compensation, so I wanted to use spring plate in that shoe as well to help with joint pain.
Answer:
Hard to say whether a flat plate or a spring plate would be better. The flat plate might be a better choice in that it’s a tad stiffer.
Adding rigidity to the shoe is essential after forefoot amputation. By using a carbon graphite plate you’ll restore the lever arm that was once there with the foot. And yes, it’ll help to prevent the shoe from curling as described.
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Question:
I am 70 years old and a avid walker. I have severe Frieberg's infraction in the 2nd metatarsal of my right foot. I am having a lot of pain radiating up my foot and leg. I am looking at the Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat and the spring plate - carbon/graphite fiber insole and wonder which one would be better for me. Thanks
Answer:
Thanks for contacting us with a question about your Freiberg's infraction. If you haven't already, please take a look at our article on Freiberg's Infraction. The Spring Plate would probably work better in this instance than the flat plate. It not only can control long term pain by stiffening the shoe, but it also eases you through gait with its rocker sole.
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Question:
Hello. I am a fan of the carbon graphite shoe plate, however they fit only in tennis shoes. This is not functional as I have to wear dress flats to work. Is there any chance you are coming out with a more narrow version?
Answer:
It depends on what your diagnosis is, and what you are trying to correct. Our Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat are a full medium width that surely don't fit in a narrower dress shoe. We do also carry a carbon graphite Spring Plate, which is a bit narrower, and has a more slender mid-foot/arch area. If you are trying to correct issues with your big toe such as hallux limitus, turf toe, or arthritis, then our new Flat Turf Toe Plate would be perfect.
Question:
I had a Jones fracture 5th metatarsal surgery over a month ago. A screw was inserted. I am supposed to get a carbon plate for my shoes and use it 9 weeks after surgery. My question: How does that help my healing process? and will that effect the bones around the screw? I am currently using a high length walking boot, in about four weeks i have to make the switch.
Answer:
A carbon graphite plate is a good choice, as it's purpose is to act just like the shank of the shoe but even better. As force from the calf travels to the ball of the foot, it will be carried by the graphite insert and not the foot. Basically, it acts as a splint or brace in the shoe for the midfoot. The flat carbon graphite plate is going to work best with a lace up shoe like a traditional Oxford.
Question:
I have wide feet (flat), do these come in different widths and lengths or does one size fit all?
Answer:
Flat carbon graphite plates only come in medium width, but each size is a different length. You'd be safe to try a pair. It's easier to fit a wider foot to a medium width vs a narrow foot to a medium width. When necessary, the flat carbon graphite plate can be put to a grinder to thin the width.
Question:
I have a plantar fibroma in my right arch. Is there an insert that could help? I would love to wear my boots and dress shoes again.
Answer:
Plantar fibromatosis can be tricky to treat with orthotics. The science behind treating the fibroma with an insert is to simply try to decrease mechanical load applied to the plantar fascia. I'd steer you away from the rigid flat type of inserts and start with something semi-rigid with a softer top cover like our casual and sport carbon graphite inserts. They have a molded arch and a soft top cover.
Question:
I am a tennis player with newly diagnosed mid foot arthritis from an injury about 7 yrs. ago. My question is, since the flat plate would be best, and I assume for walking it would be fine, would you recommend I get the spring toe one for tennis to have more action where normally it would need to be avoided bending the toes? I can't see playing tennis with too stiff a foot. What do you suggest? Since my podiatrist recommends his personal orthotic device for 400 bucks, I wonder if I can get the heel hugging I need and stiffness by combining over the counter with these for enhancing decent but not medical Rx walking shoes?
Answer:
I agree that playing tennis on a rigid flat carbon graphite shoe insert would be difficult and counter productive to the agility needed while playing tennis. The Spring Plate would be an option but ought to be worn under a soft insert, say what came with the tennis shoe from the manufacturer.
Question:
I was told I have repetitive motion arthritis in my left big toe. I play recreational tennis and running can sometimes be painful. I had custom orthodics (covered by medical ins.) But they have worn out. I no longer have insurance They were stiff to minimize bending my toe and very light. They worked really well. Will your Orthotic - Carbon/Graphite do the same? Are they also stiff and light?
Answer:
Rather than a flat carbon graphite plate, I'd guide you to either our Turf Toe Plate or the Hallux Trainer. Compared to the flat plates, I think you'd find that the turf toe plates are more comfortable in your shoes and much more specific for hallux limitus. The difference between the turf toe plate and the hallux trainer is that the turf toe plate is a bit stiffer without top cover.
The flat carbon graphite plate is a great insert for more pedestrian activities. We recommend them for problems like lateral column syndrome, cuboid syndrome, midfoot or forefoot fractures and midfoot arthritis. The flat carbon graphite plates function much like a stiff splint in the shoe.
Question:
I have hallux limitus (left big toe). My podiatrist recommends a flat carbon-graphite-shoe plate to go under my orthotic insert for that foot. But I also saw that this site has a carbon-graphite-turf-toe plate. Which product would be best for me in light of my three lingering concerns: (1) ability to run with a plate in, (2) compatability with my orthotic inserts, and (3) compatability with dress shoes (which tend to be narrower than my other shoes)?
Answer:
As a runner, I don't think that you're going to find the flat carbon graphite plate compatible with running. It'll really knock the jazz out of your gait. Consider the flat carbon graphite plate more of a pedestrian insert used to stiffen the midfoot and forefoot. We recommend the flat carbon graphite plate primarily for problems like midfoot arthritis, Frieberg's infraction or metatarsal stress fractures. The best product for your needs would be our flat turf toe plate. The flat turf toe plate could easily be worn beneath your orthtoics.
Question:
I was diagnosed with lateral column syndrome and was told to avoid high arched insoles and told to lay off running for awhile. In the interim I still experience pain and inflamation in my foot along the lateral column and was looking for a product to help diminish the pain and help the healing process. Would it be reasonable to expect this carbon graphite shoe plate to limit my foot motion to help with this syndrome? Are there better alternatives?
Answer:
The primary contributing factor in lateral column syndrome is the force of the calf on the lateral column. Weakening the force of the calf will decrease the load applied to the lateral column. Although stiffening the shoe with a carbon graphite plate may help brace the lateral column, the first step you ought to try would be to raise the heel with a shoe with a simple and inexpensive heel lift.
If you gain a little benefit from the heel lift but still have problems, I'd recommend going with the carbon graphite spring plate instead of the flat carbon graphite plate. The spring plate has a slight rocker forefoot that will enable you to roll off the forefoot a bit easier. Think of this rocker action much like that of a clog or walking cast with a forefoot rocker sole. Rocking off the forefoot will also decrease the force of the calf. You might be wise to run these ideas past your doctor for approval just to make sure that they jive with his or her treatment plan for you.
Question:
I am interested in buying the flat carbon graphite shoe plate. However I am not sure what size is best. The arched one has foot length but the flat does not. Also, how does your product compare to the higher priced one my doctors would get for me. If the size is not right can I return them.
Answer:
The Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat are sized according to shoe size. And sure, you can return any product on our site as long at it does not show wear. I'm not sure what your doc might prescribe for you so it's hard to compare.
Question:
I was wondering if the Glass Fiber Shoe Plate - Flat is heat moldable. Also, is it ok to wear just one (on the injured foot) and not the other when walking/running, or must both always be worn to 'balance' each other?
Answer:
They are heat moldable with either a heat gun or oven. We send the alteration instructions along with your plates. It's not unusual to wear just one. In a limited number of cases, lumbar pain may result from changes to gait by using just one flat shoe plate, but that'd only be seen in cases of pre-exising lumbar disc disease.
Question:
I have painful osteoarthritis at the base of both of my greater toes and am on my feet most of the day wearing work boots. Of your 3 plate insert products, which would work best for a person with very flat feet? I notice that your turf toe plate has very pronounced arch support, which would probably be painful for me.
Answer:
If you think you need flat inserts with no arch at all, then the Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat would be your best choice. However, if you benefit from moderate arch support, either the Turf Toe Plates or Spring Plates could be helpful. Even if you find that the arch is too pronounced, they can both be modified with either a heat gun or the oven. Alteration instructions are included in your order.
Question:
I have arthritis in my right big toe and the podiatrist suggested getting some of the low walking shoes (like what skeechers makes, but a better quality shoe) I tried on several but too big - I have narrow/medium feet with a very high arch. I tried on a pair made by Finn Comfort - very nice/very expensive but still the problem with toe, so the sales person had me try a carbon plate which felt good the short time I tried it. The carbon plate he said sold separately for $75.00. I already have specially made orthotics and notice you don't suggest wearing a flat plate with orthotics - he thought it would be okay?
Answer:
Our Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat are thin enough to be worn with your custom orthotics. Since they have no profile, or arch that would take up room in your shoe, they should easily fit underneath your orthotics, or any insole you use.
Question:
I have a strained/torn ligament in my toe next to the big toe. I have Rx orthortics with a pad in the mid-foot and a channel leading to the damaged toe (same on both sides), so I'd like to incorporate them into a solution. My Dr wants me to buy stiffer shoes, but I'm wondering if I can put the carbon fiber flat plate underneath my orhtotics and use them with all my current shoes.
Answer:
Absolutely ~ we often suggest customers use our flat plates underneath custom orthotics. You then get the best of both worlds: you can still have the benefits of your custom orthotics while creating a stiff shank to protect a strain, fracture, or arthritis.
Question:
Research presented in March 2012 at the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists (AAOP) annual meeting in Atlanta suggests that initially treating children with a rigid footplate rather than a more restrictive ankle foot orthosis (AFO) may help them more easily adopt a normal gait.* My 5 yr. old has Idiopathic Toe Walking (ITW) and I wanted to try this option before moving on to a more restrictive and intrusive AFO if need be. Would it be better to use the flat shoe plate for an active kid or would you suggest another product (turf toe or carbon spring plates)? I noticed the sizes of the flat plate are in Euro/metric and inches. To determine the proper size for my son, should I measure the shoe or the foot? *Sources: Geil M, Herrin K. Is a rigid footplate as effective as an articulated AFO in controlling idiopathic toe walking? Presented at the 38th Annual Meeting and Symposium of the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists, Atlanta, March 2012. Herrin K, Barner K, Geil M. Clinical outcomes after orthotic treatment of idiopathic toe-walking: AFO vs FO. Presented at the 38th Annual Meeting and Symposium of the American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists, Atlanta, March 2012.
Answer:
Thanks for the reference. I’m only familiar with the concept due to the fact that we’ve had two other contact requests for information on pediatric carbon graphic plates. I think the jury is still out on whether the use of a rigid flat plate is going to be sufficient to control toe walkers. But like you say, it’s an easy starting point and worth a try.
To determine the best size, we always suggest that you measure an insole from a shoe you normally wear. If your son's tennis shoes have a removable insole, take that out and measure it from the tip of the toe to the back of the heel. You would want to order the carbon fiber insole that is just slightly shorter than his shoe insole, to make sure that it fits. The Spring Plate might be easier for your son to adjust to than the Flat Plates (since they have a rocker sole), but if his own shoe insole has a firm shank that won't conform to the shape of the Spring Plate, then the Flat Plate would work better.
Question:
I wear a U.S. women's size 8.5 to 9. What size orthotic should I order (since your sizes are given in European sizing)?
Answer:
We strongly suggest that you go by the measurement of the Carbon Graphite Shoe Plates rather than the size, since they can't be bent to fit into your shoe. It is best to take an insole out of a shoe that you wear a lot and measure it from the tip of the toe to the back of the heel. Then order the size of orthotics that is slightly shorter than your shoe insole's length. For example, if your current insole measures 10 1/2 inches, you could order the size Euro 39 (Ladies' 8: 10 3/16 inches long).
Question:
My son wears a size 13 shoe. Can you accommodate?
Answer:
The largest size the Flat Plates are made in are a size 12, which are 12" long. We always suggest that you measure an insole out of a shoe he wears all the time to see if the length is close. If his insole measures 12 1/2" or so, I think these would work fine underneath the insole. We do have one other rigid insole that come in larger sizes, so take a look at our Spring Plates-Carbon Graphite.
Question:
Hello. I called your company yesterday looking for a flat carbon graphite plate the has the morton's extension for turf toe. I have Hallux Rigidus and am currently using Sole OTC insoles which I find very comfortable. I want to put a flat rigid piece underneath the insole to prevent the big toe from bending. I was told you have no such insert. I just read on your FAQs that your turf toe plates can be modified with heat to flatten the arch. I purchased a pair of turf toe plates last month from Footsmart, which look exactly like the ones you are advertising. Do you sell on Footsmart also? I was wondering if I could modify these like you are suggesting to modify yours. Footsmart says these are acrylic polymer. Please help. Footsmart is not very helpful. If I knew the manufacturer of this product I would contact them. I'm hoping it's you!
Answer:
Thanks for your question. The Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat would work well under your OTC insoles, since they are completely flat. If you only have Hallux Rigidus on one foot, then you can flip the other flat plate over and use it in another shoe. You can also modify our molded Turf Toe Plates (with heat), but you may prefer to keep things simple by using these flat ones.
Question:
Hi, I have been diagnosed with a plantar Plate tear. It was suggest I try using a carbon graphite shoe plate instead of wearing a walking boot.Would adding a metatarsal pad be of any help. The majority of my pain in my fourth toe.
Answer:
Both a carbon plate and a metatarsal pad would be helpful but I might switch your approach a bit. Plantar plate tears are somewhat unusual at the 4th metatarsal phalangeal joint. The more common diagnosis might be Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma can many times be treated with just a metatarsal pad. You might want to start with just the metatarsal pad and see if just the met pad would suffice in treating the symptoms. If indeed it is Morton’s neuroma we see 7/10 people respond very favorably to just the met pad. Save yourself a couple of bucks and start with some felt met pads. You can always come back at a later date to pick-up a carbon graphite plate. If you do choose to do so, don’t get the flat plate, opt for the carbon spring plate.
Question:
Hello. I have foot and big toe drop due to CMT. I Dance Zumba 6 days a week and am irritated that I need to modify a few of my dance routines because of this. I would like to try one of the CG foot plates, I was leaning towards the spring vs the flat thinking that that might help in keeping my big toes up. Any suggestions?
Answer:
The cases I see of CMT have a distinctive set of foot characteristics that include a high arch, hammered hallux (great toe), and often contracture of the posterior ankle and Achilles tendon. Does this sound like your case? If what you’re trying to manage is the posterior ankle/Achilles contracture, I don’t think that either of the carbon graphite plates would be the best solution for you. Posterior ankle/Achilles contracture would need to be managed by use of an AFO (ankle foot orthotic).
Question:
I have a somewhat odd question. I ride BMX and wear a size 13 shoe. I'm a pretty big guy so having a stiff sole has been very important to me in the 13 years I've been riding. The problem is that shoe manufacturers don't really make anything stiff enough these days. I was wondering if these would supplement the lack of stiffness that is lacking in these shoes. The main need would be to prevent upward bending of the sole a fair bit, but still maintaining some measure of feeling of the pedal or peg that I usually stand on. Basically, if I were to stand on a 1.5 inch diameter pipe with these in my shoes, would there be a considerable reduction in flexibility? I tried a set of fiber board inserts, but they haven't really done much in the way of reducing flexibility.
Answer:
These Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat are truly flat rigid plates that you put inside your shoe, usually underneath the insole. They would definitely limit flexibility of your forefoot ~ it does not bend at all.
The Turf Toe Plates are different in that they have built-in arch contouring and the carbon fiber extension only goes under the big toe, but not the 4 lesser toes. Because it is contoured, it takes up more room in your shoe, and I'm not sure that having just the stiff big toe area would be enough rigidity for your riding.
Question:
Hi, the insoles of my shoes are 9 3/4 inch long. Do you make 9 1/4 inch long Flat Carbon Graphite Shoe Plates? Also, what is the width of the 9 3/4 inch plates at the widest part?
Answer:
The smallest size our Carbon Graphite Flat Shoe Plates come in is the Euro 37, which is 9 3/4" long. However, our Carbon Fiber Spring Plates start smaller, with a US Women's 5, which is 9 1/8" long. Also, our Turf Toe Plates come in shorter lengths.
Question:
I dance ballet and have been having trouble with maintaining my pointe position. Do you have any products that would help to stiffen my shoe for ballet?
Answer:
Any device that you put in the shoe may add or detract from your performance. While a Glass Fiber Shoe Plates - Flat may stiffen the shoe I'd think that it would inhibit your other positions. Also any device in the shoe will shift towards the heel in pointe since it is not adhered to the foot. I don't think that any of the devices we offer are going to help with your pointe position.
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