Looking for the best insoles? Finding the right one isn’t as easy as you might think. It’s not as simple as choosing one that matches the color of your shoes. You need insoles that will get the job done – no matter what they look like.
Most of the shoe inserts that come with our shoes are thin and don’t really do their job well. They pinch and they sink, which leaves your feet feeling miserable at the end of the day.
What if you wanted to replace those standard insoles that come with your shoes? How can you make sure that you choose the best insoles?
Why Would You Need New Insoles?
Under normal circumstances, you really don’t need the extra cushioning that insoles give you – especially if you don’t walk around too much and the heel of your shoe is stable. Some of us need a little extra arch support. Other people have painful foot conditions, and insoles can help alleviate that discomfort.
What types of conditions can insoles help with?
Over-Pronation and Over-Supination
Over-pronation occurs when your foot rolls too far inside when you walk. Over-supination is the opposite – the foot rolls too far outside when you walk.
Over-supination puts a lot of pressure on the entire foot.
Unfortunately, over-supination and over-pronation are naturally-occurring conditions – you can’t cure them. But you can correct them with the right pair of insoles.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis affects a lot of people. Most of you probably know this condition as “flat foot.” Instead of having a natural arch, people with flat feet have what’s called a collapsed arch.
The area of the foot that stretches from the toe to the heel is flat, and it’s forced to support your body weight.
All of that pressure can cause unbearable pain if you’re walking or standing for a while.
There are other issues that require insoles and can cause foot pain, such as:
- Standing on your feet for long hours
- Playing sports
- Differing leg sizes
It’s important to remember that different insoles have different purposes. Some are designed for arch support, while others provide shock absorption or cushioning for comfort.
How Do You Choose the Right Insole?
The right insole for you will really depend on the issue that you want to address. The size of your foot and your arch type are important things to consider, but what’s most important is the condition that you’re trying to address.
Knowing the problem will also help you determine whether you need to consult with a podiatrist.
But how do you know your arch type?
That’s a great question, and it’s one of the most important parts of choosing an insert. There are many YouTube videos out there that can help you figure out what type of arch you have.
If these videos aren’t helpful, a podiatrist can help you determine your foot type. A podiatrist will measure your feet, and also perform an analysis to determine if you have any underlying medical conditions. They’ll also recommend the ideal type of insole, which will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Different Types of Insoles
There are a wide range of different insoles on the market today. Some, like Mindinsole inserts, are designed to provide overall comfort and pain relief. Others are designed to address certain foot conditions.
One thing I can tell you – any insert will be better than the standard ones that come installed in your shoes. Most standard insoles are too thin. If you have to be on your feet all day, you’ll be uncomfortable.
Whether you want your work shoes to feel more comfortable or you want to add some stability to your high-heels, insoles can help.
Cushioned insoles are designed with a cushy material that’s well-distributed throughout the shoe. These types of insoles:
- Distribute your weight evenly
- Alleviate pressure on the foot
- Absorb shock when you walk on hard surfaces
I’m going to be honest – if you’ve never worn inserts before, they may feel uncomfortable at first. That’s only because your feet are used to the thin inserts that come with most shoes. Having that thick, extra padding in your shoe may feel strange at first.
Cushioned insoles are the most common type of insert you’ll find. In fact, you can even find them in the health sections of most grocery stores. But they cater to a general audience (i.e. they don’t address a specific foot condition), and they aren’t customized to your foot size. That means that you’ll have to trim them to fit your foot.
Sizing and Trimming Your Inserts
Cushioned insoles cater to the mass market, so they are sold in shoe-size ranges. They’re never sold in single shoe sizes. Instead, you’ll find options for sizes “6-8” or “10-12.”
Because they come in size ranges – not specific sizes – you’ll have to trim the insert to match the size of your foot.
You’ll find insoles in two sizes: 3/4 length and full-length. The 3/4 length insoles are placed on top of your regular insoles and on the part that needs support.
How Long Does It Take for Insoles to Work?
How long does it take for insoles to start working? You should start feeling some relief right away. The cushioning should feel great on your feet, and most inserts are made with easy-to-conform material.
Unlike orthotics, it shouldn’t take long for you to get used to wearing your inserts.
Insoles usually last about six months before they need to be replaced. You’ll need to buy a new pair of insoles at this point because your feet will have grown used to having the extra cushioning.
What are the Benefits of Insoles?
There are many benefits to wearing insoles, including:
- Improved balance
- Better stability, especially if you wear high-heels
- Better gait and posture
- Better weight distribution for pain relief
- Heel and arch support
If your shoes are the right size but they’re still leaving you in pain at the end of the day, it may be time to buy a good pair of insoles. Your feet will thank you.