I've been having a lot of trouble with my feet recently, and to make a long story short, I went to a podiatrist and I have a moderate to severe case of flat feet and need custom orthodics. I'm having a pair made for my sneakers and skates. The podiatrist told me that I would have to have the orthodics made and then fit my skates (i need new skates anyway, perfect timing) from there. How exactly will this work? Has anyone had any previous experience with skates and orthodics?

Thanks!

I just had Harlick make the orthotics, by doing their foot mold. Their orthotics were built into the boots, but could be removed. They were glued in the last time we got them.

Of course the Harlicks were customs, and expensive. I guess I'd talk with whichever company you are going with for skates and get their advice.

Do NOT have the boot manufacturer make the orthotic. Have the physical therapist make it. It can be made narrower to slip into your boot. Then send it directly to the boot manufacturer when you're filling out your order and have them build the boot around it, because it's essentially a perfect copy of your arch.

I've done this for 4 pairs of customs and never had a problem.

I agree with manleywoman. I had my podiatrist make my orthotics so they could be used in my boot, and I'd recommend this. The boot company may be a specialist in making boots, but the podiatrist is the ultimate specialist in making orthotics for YOUR feet. My orthotics were full sole, meaning the short rigid part of it (the orthotic itself) was covered in a leather cover that extended beyond where the orthotic stopped, so it looked like a full length sole. (I hope that made sense.) That made it really easy to put into my boots. So get the orthotic first, then get the boots to accomodate it.

As an aside: I will admit that my last pair of custom Klingbeils had the orthotic built in, but I trust Mr. Klingbeil more than I would any other boot maker. He started out making corrective shoes, so I feel comfortable with him doing it. But I also flew to NY and had him look at my feet, in addition to taking the mold and the measurements.

We were quite satisfied with Harlick's orthotics. Our podiatrist had no clue how to accomodate us.

Thanks everyone! I'm getting the orthodics made and it should take no more than four weeks... but i'm also trying to schedule a skate fitting. Is usually an adjustment period, or should i make the appointment as soon as I can?