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Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,249
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

Almost every time the Orthaheel comes on I order the shoe. I just have tried, I promise you, all but maybe 3 styles!! I try so hard to walk in them but they kill my feet. I walk around the house, little bits at a time! They hurt so bad. I have a terrible back so I thought these would help. I would love to have normal back pain. I guess I'll order them once again to see if this stylle with Mary Beth is on. Do any of you have trouble wearing them? I keep thinking maybe it is just the style that bothers me. Anyone have trouble in the beginning and eventually could walk in them? Thank you ahead of time for any input.
New Member
Posts: 1
Registered: ‎07-23-2015

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

I am asking myself the same question about orthaheels.....they hurt my instep a lot, and I have worn them the way Liam instructs...here is what I have found: when I tried to wear them with the thong style, the pronation is corrected as long as I don't move my foot...but the minute I move my feet and walk, my heel slides to the outer rim of the shoe, and is almost totally off the footbed....in other words, I am supining in an exaggerated position, instead of ronating....so which is worse for the feet , knees and back?.....my feet wobble all over the place in the Vionic Tide, and when I take them off, I go aah!..so maybe you and I are in the minority regarding these shoes, but I find Skechers and Crocs to be much more comfortable.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,102
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

I am afraid to try the Orthaheel....Remember when the Q. sold Birkenstocks....so many of you said you love them....best shoe around...have 20/30 pair...etc etc...

 

I would buy them...and not be able to walk in them...no matter how much time I spent "breaking" them in...I tried all styles..even the soft footbed...none of them were comfortable...

 

I sent many of them back..and I gave my freind many pairs...thats how many I had purchased....

 

So I am not going to take the chance on the Orthaheel...even though my next door neighbor swears by them....

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,615
Registered: ‎07-29-2014

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?


@Annabellethecat66 wrote:
Almost every time the Orthaheel comes on I order the shoe. I just have tried, I promise you, all but maybe 3 styles!! I try so hard to walk in them but they kill my feet. I walk around the house, little bits at a time! They hurt so bad. I have a terrible back so I thought these would help. I would love to have normal back pain. I guess I'll order them once again to see if this stylle with Mary Beth is on. Do any of you have trouble wearing them? I keep thinking maybe it is just the style that bothers me. Anyone have trouble in the beginning and eventually could walk in them? Thank you ahead of time for any input.

 

 

That's it EXACTLY.

You shouldn't ever  have to keep trying.

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 77,950
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

I have flat feet and absolutely cannot wear any of the shoes with the high molded arch support like Vionics or Birkis.  It's like having a boulder in my shoe.  I have discovered Alegrias which has good support but a much gentler arch.  I got my first a year or so ago and have never looked back.  I get most of mine at the Alegrias company website where they have free shipping and discounted prices.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
Posts: 8,061
Registered: ‎12-24-2010

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

High arch here and I bought a pair when they first came out.  I relate to the discription of a boulder under your arch.  My foot rolled off to the side and it really hurt, I was limping.  Gave $65 shoes to charity and still wonder if these might actually be bad for your total body. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 20,143
Registered: ‎04-18-2012

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

many years ago when I first bought Birkenstocks ( not on QVC) it did take me awhile to get used to them, plus you do have to break them in so they can mold to your feet. After that though I never had problems. When I bought new ones they did have to get broken in with wear but by that point it didn't bother me as much. 

 

I never had a break in period with Vionics as they have a different type foot bed. I don't own any of the thong types though, as I hate thongs. I have four pairs of slides and two pairs of tennis shoes. 

 

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval
Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,062
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

I do not pronate but have a high arch and thought the orthaheel would work for me but it does not.  I could get used to the Birkenstocks with the soft footbed and they actually were comfortable but the high arch on Orthaheels is just too much.

Visitor
Posts: 2
Registered: ‎02-15-2012

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

[ Edited ]

It may just be possible that you don't suffer from your feet pronating (pronation.) Here is an excellent article on helping you deterimine if you pronate or supinate.  This might help you realize why you are uncomfortable in Orthaheel footware.

 

Identifying Pronation and Supination and then choose the right shoes to support your foot type just click on the following link, by Brad Walker, on your computer or copy the link and paste in your computer Browser:

 

http://stretchcoach.com/articles/pronation-supination/

 

Photo of RIGHT foot Pronation.

==================================================================

 

Photo of same RIGHT foot Supination.

================================================================

You can have the some of the same aches and pains in your feet , ankles, legs hips and back caused by either condition.

 

Not all shoes will solve the same problem.  Be sure you know your problem otherwise you might be purchasing the wrong shoe or orthotic for your foot.

 

This maybe while the Orthaheel causes you pain.  A consultation with a Podiatrist might be very helpful in correcting any problems with foot structure and gait motion.

 

It is not a one size fits all solution.  I hope this helps you or puts you in the right direction

for solving your foot problems.

 

New Member
Posts: 1
Registered: ‎03-03-2016

Re: What am i doing wrong with the Orthaheel?

I love shoes! I miss the fact that QVC doesn't have many or any Birkenstocks anymore...They work so well for me..I have at least 15 pairs..

I've tried Vionic at least 3 times and just can't wear them! They really hurt my feet...and they are sooo cute! 

Would love to see Birkis again😞😄