Power Lacing and Other Options for Adding More Support to Foot Orthotics

So often in clinical practice, we have either designed orthotic devices, or are evaluating previously made orthotic devices, and we find that the stability could be improved to help the patient. Four simple options for improvement are: supporting the arch, adding a temporary Kirby skive, changing to more stable shoes, and power lacing those chosen shoes.
 
Power lacing was designed in the 1980s, by a runner, for better stability while running. It was at a time when everything started with the word “power;” power lunches, power meetings, power walks, etc. Power lacing gives excellent rearfoot stability, in my opinion, making “grade B” shoes function like “grade A” shoes, and stability shoes function like motion control shoes. Many of my patient who need cushioned shoes for shock absorption can add orthotics and power lacing, and I find gain the same benefits, in my observation, of a stability shoe with more shock absorption. My personal estimate is that power lacing adds 10-20% more stability for prontation and supination control for most patients.
 
To see photos illustrating power lacing, click here.
 
There is one more lacing tip that is not actually part of power lacing, but is worth mentioning. When you are ready to tie the laces, instead of making one loop and then tying the bow, try 2 loops. This allows for less lace loosening while exercising. This can be very helpful in long-distance events, or at least in activities that are more time-intensive.

Dr. Blake is in practice at the Center for Sports Medicine, which is affiliated with St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco. He is a past president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. Dr. Blake is the author of the recently published book, “The Inverted Orthotic Technique: A Process Of Foot Stabilization For Pronated Feet,” which is available at www.bookbaby.com.

Editor’s note: This blog originally appeared at www.drblakeshealingsole.com. It is adapted with permission from the author.

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