Norman Janick, Jr.
Retired construction union executive, Palolo, Hawaii

"My wake-up call to take better care of myself happened this past summer. My doctor said I had reached the maximum dosage recommended for treating my diabetes and that the next step would be to switch from pills to insulin shots. My Dad went through the same thing: first the pills, next the insulin shots, then dialysis. Along the way, Dad's right leg was amputated. A few years later, his doctor recommended amputating the left leg, but diabetic complications followed and Dad passed away. I knew that unless I did something, I would be traveling down the same deadly path.

"I had to make some lifestyle changes. I'm finally taking charge of my health. After 25 years with construction union Local 368, I retired -no job stress anymore, no excuses for not having time to exercise, I change my diet - I eat less rice and cheese and more fruit and salads. And I decided to start walking. Why It's easy to do. It's interesting, I can go to the park, to shopping malls to window-shop. There are so many places to see and explore.

"But at 6 feet 1 inch tall and 360 pounds, I wanted to make sure I could walk comfortably. I needed the right type of shoes. I didn't want sore, swollen feet (after walking). Driving along Kapahulu Avenue, I saw The Shoe Doctor sign and went to investigate.

"The custom insole Russ made for me feels like wearing a glove around my foot. I like the firmness and support in the arch and heel. The insole makes my shoes feel like they're natural extensions of my feet. So I'm walking comfortably, and now even my wife and son have Russ' insoles."

Ray Woo
Owner, Runner's Hi, and marathoner (40-plus races)

"For me, once I wore a custom insole, I wasn't satisfied with the generic, over-the-counter ones. There's no comparison. It's like driving a Mercedes and changing to a Toyota. They're two different machines, two different insoles. But my advice is to look at both to see which works for you. People wear orthotics for two reasons: for an injury or to prevent one. Find out which orthotic works best in your case. Is the orthotic for sports? For everyday? Ask questions and do your research.

"I found that hard plastic insoles (made from castings) aren't as comfortable. I like Russ' (The Shoe Doctor) new computer-aided method (of analyzing your feet). There's less hassle and it's quicker than doing a casting. Also, Russ' insoles can be adjusted; hard plastic ones can't (be changed). I'd say Russ' shoe inserts are light, flexible and very comfortable. They're sports-specific, but also great for everyday.

"When you buy shoes have both of your feet measured. Your right and left feet could be different (sizes). Start by buying the proper shoe, then customize it with an insole. I'm a true believer in wearing orthotics. I began 15 years ago (wearing them due to an injury). I tell everybody I'm really lucky to have a job that lets me wear running shoes (and custom inserts) every day".

Arnold Young
Postal Worker

"For several years my feet began to hurt from standing all day on the job. My feet ached so much I went to a podiatrist who did a foam box casting to make a hard plastic orthotic. The doctor said it was a matter of getting used to it (wearing the plastic insole). But I wasn't satisfied.

"I wandered into the Running Room (looking for a better solution), and happened to see Russell doing a computerized foot analysis. Why not see what Russell can do? (I thought).

"It took just days to adjust to the custom insoles, not weeks. I wear the insoles every day now. Standing, walking - no problems. No aches and pains like before. Now I can't use foot pain as an excuse for not exercising!

"Russell helped my son, too. Chris loves hiking and running, but he always complained about his sore knees. No wonder! Russell's computer showed Chris' feet were completely flat. Chris was skeptical that custom insoles would solve his knee problem. He thought just finding the proper-fitting shoes was the answer. But even my (former) podiatrist said a high percentage of people need some kind of orthotic, some kind of foot support.

"Chris' knee pain disappeared (using the insoles). We know there's a big difference between getting a custom insole made and buying something off the rack. It's very important to have comfortable shoes and pain-free feet."

Juliette Tom
Retired teacher, Alewa Heights, Hawaii

"Taking care of my feet is a big priority. I have plantar fasciitis (arch problems) and diabetes. I know first-hand how traumatic diabetes can be: my mother recently had her right leg amputated because of diabetic ulcers.

"Dr. Earl Wong, a podiatrist at Kaiser, referred me to Russell Pate, The Shoe Doctor. So far, he's made me three pairs of custom insoles.

"A customized insole lets your foot fit the shoe, not the other way around. You're able to wear shoes as the foot wants you to. How do I feel (wearing insoles)? It's wonderful to know I won't have foot pain. I've gone twice to China and I walked for hours.

"Younger women might sacrifice comfort for fashion. As you get older, you realize you have to be practical. You look for attractive, comfortable shoes with good arch support and room for your toes. You want shoes that put a smile on your face."