Whether you need insoles to address the foot pain you're having, you want to improve your biomechanics for better athletic performance, or maybe you just feel like your shoes aren't giving you enough support, you have plenty of options. But sometimes that's the problem. Where to start? Here's everything you need to know to pick the right insoles.
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It seems like it would be easy enough to buy a pair of insoles. I mean, they sell them in the drugstore, right? But the truth is there's a little more to it that you need to consider. Because those drug store insoles aren't going to help your feet the way you expect. In fact, they really won't help at all. Get your insole purchase right the first time by knowing what to look for.
Your shoes probably felt good when you put them on the first time. That maybe even be why you bought them. But spend more than a couple hours in them, especially if you're on your feet a lot, and they don't feel so comfortable anymore. In fact, you're feet are sore and your legs are tired.
It turns out, most shoes have the same problem - they're made to please as many people as possible. And while that may not seem like a bad thing, it is when it comes to giving your feet the support they need. The majority of shoes are made with minimal support which leaves your feet crying out for more.
While flat shoes probably won't cause you injury, they also won't provide you with all-day comfort. And if you're already dealing with certain foot issues like plantar fasciitis, they'll only exacerbate the pain. Luckily the simple fix is adding firm support to your shoes.
But for first-time insole buyers, the options can be confusing. As Jamie Mieras, a Colorado podiatrist says, "There are a wide range of inserts, all the way from something to cushion your foot to something that's going to change how you land."
Great question. "Inserts", "insoles" and "orthotics" tend to be used interchangeably. Most basically, an orthotic is any device inserted into a shoe designed to provide comfort and support for the foot. There are different types of inserts and insoles including over-the-counter shoe inserts and custom orthotics (also known as orthopedic insoles).
Over-the-counter, or aftermarket, shoe inserts are available without having to go to your doctor or podiatrist. They come in short-length and full-length.
Also called "partial" shoe inserts, short-length shoe inserts come in a wide range of products with varying quality. The most common partial shoe inserts include heel cups, heel lifts, metatarsal pads and short insoles:
Full-length insoles also come in a wide variety. The main types you'll find include:
Most podiatrists agree that arch-support insoles are key to providing comfort and preventing injury. But you can't go halfway with your support. As podiatrist Jamie Mieras says, "If you can press down the arch, it's not stable enough."
Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom orthotics (also called orthopedic insoles), are prescribed by a doctor and constructed for your feet. There are two types of custom shoe inserts:
Beware of mail-order custom orthotics that have you to take an impression of your foot in a box of compressible foam. You're essentially making a 3D model of your foot with these kits, however it takes a podiatrist or pedorthist to successfully create a 3D model that does not build in your biomechanical problem.
Now that you know about all the different types of insoles available to you, it's time to sort out which one is best suited to your needs. Should you buy an over-the-counter insole or do you need to see a podiatrist to get a custom orthotic?
When it comes to custom orthotics, you want to be sure you really need them as they're quite expensive and not typically covered by health insurance. Who should be getting custom orthotics? People with diabetes, high-performing athletes, and people with serious biomechanical issues and reoccurring injuries.
While research has proven that shoe inserts can prevent injuries, scientists have not found a significant difference between over-the-counter shoe inserts versus custom orthotics. For many people, after-market insoles like Tread Labs work just as well as orthopedic insoles for a fraction of the price.
That said, deciding which over-the-counter insole is best for you can be made easy by asking yourself the right questions.
cyclist
,
skier
,
tennis player
, or golfer who wants better control, more power, and improved comfort.
Here's what they all mean:
– A treatment that's used to help keep your shoe stink factor down. Some go by brand names, some don’t, but you'll want it regardless.
– Friction creates heat, heat creates moisture, moisture creates lots of problems for your feet, including blisters. You'll want low-friction top covers on your insoles to keep everything running smoothly.
– The whole reason you're looking for insoles is because you want better arch support, so insoles that only come in one arch height don't make sense. Look for
insoles that are available in multiple arch heights
so you can get a semi-custom fit.
– The whole reason you're looking for insoles is because you want better arch support, so insoles that only come in one arch height don't make sense. Look forso you can get a semi-custom fit.
– Most insoles (and all custom orthotics) can be trimmed in the front to fit into a particular shoe so there's no bunching up at the front.
Bulk Sizing
– Some insoles cover a range of sizes (for example, 8-9.5) while others cover a whole size (8-8.5). Some of the least expensive options are one size fits all. Generally, the more sizes offered, the better the quality of insole and the fit to your foot.
– Some insoles use this semi-liquid material to help mitigate the shock of heel strike. While it's great at absorbing the shock, it's heavy compared with other materials so it's used sparingly.
– Metatarsal bones are the ones that fan out from your ankle to the ball of your feet. They need support too, but you need to make sure you get the proper placement. If you have forefoot pain and aren't sure where to place your
, see a podiatrist for guidance.
– Metatarsal bones are the ones that fan out from your ankle to the ball of your feet. They need support too, but you need to make sure you get the proper placement. If you have forefoot pain and aren't sure where to place your metatarsal pads , see a podiatrist for guidance.
There is a huge array of insoles and orthotics available, with testimonials flying in every direction. If you’re looking for an economical solution that’s available over the counter, stick with firm, medical grade arch supports. You’ll get true biomechanical support, long-term comfort, pain relief, or enhanced performance in your favorite sports.
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Questions? Drop us a line at hello@treadlabs.com. We're here to help.
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