The Best Way To Choose Insoles
While wearing insoles is an easy decision to make, choosing them can take a lot of time and consideration. This is because of the different types and brands of insoles available in the market.
With many options, it can be quite difficult to select a pair that will work best for you.
This is why it is necessary to have a mental checklist ready when you’re going out shopping for insoles.
It will help you choose the right pair of insoles for your feet while getting the most out of your purchase.
You'll also know which type of insole will best suit your condition.
Having a mental checklist can help you choose the right pair of insoles.
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In case you decide to go unprepared, you might end up buying insoles that either don’t fit you properly or are unable to support your feet in a manner that is required for treatment.
Sometimes this can even lead to serious consequences. For example, if you have diabetic feet, wearing insoles with rigid top covers can increase your chances of developing ulcers.
The same applies to bunions because wearing stiff insoles will only restrict movement of the big toe and not promote healing of the bunion.
So, let’s take a better look at some of the factors you need to consider before making your final purchase.
Checklist for insole purchase
1. Is the insole capable of treating your foot condition?
2. Does your insole have a well-defined arch?
3. Are your insoles suitable for your arch type?
4. Can your insoles support your feet during sports?
5. Do the insoles fit your feet well?
Let’s go through each of one these in more detail so you’re able to get a better idea of what type of insoles you need.
Foot condition
Your foot condition is a key factor in determining your choice of insoles.
Most foot problems such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, etc. can easily be treated using insoles that are available in pharmacies, footwear shops or on the internet.
However, there are certain conditions for which ready-to-wear, or off-the-shelf, insoles are not recommended. This is because treating such conditions would require a high level of personalised support that can only be delivered by custom insoles.
Custom insoles will also work best for those who have obesity-related foot problems.
This is because the insoles need to be sturdy enough to sustain the additional weight without collapsing over time; off-the-shelf inserts are unable to withstand excessive weight.
Pregnant women often develop swollen feet and flat arches in the last trimester of their pregnancies.
Since these symptoms are often temporary, you can opt for a pair of ready-to-wear insoles to ease the pressure off your feet during this time.
If foot symptoms persist after delivery, then you can either continue using ready-to-wear insoles or switch to custom insoles instead.
Insole arch
A major physical feature that you need to look for in your insole is a strong arch.
The problem with most insole arches is that they easily collapse under the weight of the body. You’ll find this especially true in insoles that are made of a soft material or have a gel-like filling.
A quick way to test this is by pressing your thumb down on the insole arch. If it pushes down without much of an effort, chances are your product will flatten easily and will not be able to optimally support your arches.
Without this support, you will observe no real change in your foot movement patterns or your overall posture. Your feet will continue flattening on to the ground each time you walk, making you vulnerable to painful foot conditions over time.
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This means, the ligament will have no chance of healing and your foot pain may either remain the same or possibly become worse.
By raising the arch to its desired level, a good pair of insoles will prevent overstretching of the plantar fascia and promote a smooth recovery from the condition.
Arch type
Some of the most common foot conditions are often linked to extremely flat or high arches.
By identifying the type of arch problem you have, you can easily decide on which insole to purchase for treatment. Flat arches can be treated with ready-to-wear insoles whereas high arches require customised insoles.
If surgery is not recommended, then using custom insoles can help in reducing much of the pressure on the heel, forefoot and outside region of a high-arched foot.
Additionally, insoles (custom and ready-to-wear) help promote an even distribution of weight in the feet, regardless of whether you have flat or high arches.
Combined with arch strengthening and stretching exercises, insoles can help you get successful results in rehab programmes for arch problems.
These exercises are designed by physical therapists to build strength in arches and also relieve any muscle tightness that could be causing you arch problems.
Insoles for sports
Maybe you’re an athlete looking for a way to protect yourself from foot injuries on the court, field or track.
Here, you will have to consider the nature of the sport you’re involved in.
For example, if you’re a weightlifter, ready-to-wear insoles will not be able to support your feet sufficiently during lifting activities.
You will require insoles that can bear the load of weighted bars or dumbbells, in addition to your own bodyweight. This will involve a high level of customisation to ensure the insole does not collapse as you lift weights.
Otherwise, your feet could be exposed to repeated stress that can gradually turn into injuries or foot conditions over time.
Ready-to-wear insoles can also be helpful if you enjoy playing tennis, basketball or football. A lot of this has to do with the sharp movements involved in each sport.
With foot posture problems such as flat arches, your feet can become highly vulnerable to injuries while performing complex foot movements during a game.
This is why it is a good idea to purchase insoles as a preventive measure against foot problems.
Insole fit
Your insole needs to fit you well in order to produce a functional change in your feet. If the insole cannot support your entire foot, it will not be able to regulate the movement of your feet.
Having an insole that doesn’t fit you well can actually lead to the opposite of what good insoles achieve.
An easy way to determine the fit of an insole is by first comparing the length of your shoe insole to the insole. If they don’t match, you can trim your insoles (if ready-to-wear) to make sure it fits you properly.
When placed inside the shoes, the insoles need to have the right volume so that your feet do not feel compressed. The thickness of the insole material will depend on your foot condition and the kind of insole purchased.
For example, soft thick insoles with extra cushion support are often the best for preventing the formation of ulcers in diabetic feet. This is achieved by reducing friction at the bottom of the foot that can make you vulnerable to blisters or wounds.
If the insoles are recommended by a foot specialist, you can try switching to a comfortable pair of shoes that can properly accommodate the insoles.
Relief from foot problems
The many benefits of wearing insoles make them an ideal part of rehabilitation programmes that are designed for treating painful foot conditions.
If you’re looking for a way to get some relief from your plantar fasciitis pain or the pain from your bunion, insoles can help you on your way to recovery.
Foot Pain Relief, Injury Prevention, Better Posture and Sports Performance in One Insole buy now
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