Runners spend millions of dollars on insoles and orthotics every year, however many runners never wear those. Why? because they can not find good running sneakers that can fit their foot and orthotics comfortably. I wrote this to help point out what to look for in an orthotic friendly running shoes. There are many brands and types that meet the criteria.
First, and by far the biggest requirement is a removable insole. If the shoe does not have a removable insole that shoe is not orthotic friendly. The other traits you want is a shoe with the depth to fit both your foot and your orthotic. Below I have listed some examples of what I believe are orthotic friendly men’s running shoes:
ASICS Men’s Gel Contend– This running shoe features a removable insole and as a bonus has the gel in the heel for extra protection from ground forces. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis and that is the reason you have the orthotics this is an ideal sneaker for you to have, combing the removable insole with the gel technology in the heel.
Saucony Men’s ProGrid Hurricane 12 Running Shoe– This shoe features pro grid technology that brings added comfort from heel strike to toe off, as well as a removable insole. If your issue is a high arch this would be the running shoe for you that is orthotic friendly
ASICS Men’s Contend Running Shoes– I cannot lie. I love ASICS’ gel technology as well as their removable insoles. If I had flat feet this shoe is probably the one I would choose.
Reebok Men’s SmoothFlex Cushrun 2.0 running shoe– I included this shoe to give a more mainstream shoe a recommendation. This shoe does feature a removable insole and has the proper depth.