Let’s say you already recognized the fact that you need arch insoles. Perhaps you were examining your shoes one day and saw how worn they are and realize it’s time for new insoles, and you know you feel better when you wear arch insoles. Or maybe you were on the job and heard a discussion in the lunchroom of the top executives discussing their industrial/work insoles.
Whatever the reason, arch insoles are a support for feet that aren’t perfectly made. Wearing them can reduce foot fatigue that leads to overall body tiredness, lack of endurance, and the development of serious foot disorders such as plantar fasciitis or bunions. Arch insoles will boost the foot up in the medial area of the foot and make it easier for you to walk straight with your foot bones in alignment. And if you have flat feet, you know that each step you take results in your foot splaying outwards. This doesn’t happen when you wear arch insoles. The foot splaying is a result of the bones of the arch of the foot collapsing as you walk. When you want to purchase a new pair of arch insoles, there are three primary steps of the process: 1. Know what type of arch you have. 2. Know the other needs of your feet. 3. Match the needs of your feet to the brands of corrective shoe inserts on the market, as they vary quite extensively.
Step 1. Know What Type of Arch You Have
Your arches could change at different times of your life. Arches in the feet develop as you are starting to learn to walk in life. However, in some people, they don’t develop and the feet remain flat. This is easily determined by your wet footprint on the floor. Examine the footprint. If the arch is flat or low, more of the foot will touch the floor with each step. Thus, the mid-section of the footprint will be wide. On the other hand, a high arch is one where the bones of the feet that make up the arches are too high. It’s as if the person’s foot is being lifted off the floor. Fewer touch points on the footprint would be seen. And of course, when the arch is neutral, meaning that it developed as it should have developed, then the footprint will look as a footprint should – a ball of the foot touch point, touch points for the toes, midsection and heel. The midsection isn’t too sparse and isn’t widened. If you’ve put on weight recently, your arch may change. If you have developed a neurological disorder, your arch may change. Diabetes is another cause of arch changes.
Step 2. Know the Other Needs of Your Feet
Have you ever had a foot professional – a podiatrist – examine your feet? Looking at your own feet, it’s easy to miss any newly developing flaws. You may believe that your feet look like everyone else’s and miss the development of a hammer toe or bunion. You may not pay attention to your feet much and miss the development of a heel problem. So here’s where a podiatrist examination can come in handy. However, if you’re determined to examine your feet without a podiatrist, look for bunions, open sores, hammertoes, Morton’s neuroma, calluses, and tender spots. Any and all of these indicate that a newly developing foot condition is in process. Arch insoles are made now not just to boost the arch but to also correct some of these newly developing foot conditions. That’s why podiatrists have put their stamp of approval on different brands of arch insoles. Look for the stamp of approval that will say “Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association”. Does your job demand not only your intellectual gifts but also put a strain on your feet? If so, the industrial/work insoles are an answer for you. These are built for shock absorption, have built in arch supports, and are designed in a way that the bones of your feet are going to stay in alignment.
Step 3. Match Your Needs to The Brands on the Market
Once you know what your foot needs and your arch type, you’re ready to select an arch insole. Make sure you do purchase the correct one for high arches if you have high arches and the right one if your feet have a low arch. It can mean the difference between feet that ache all day long and happy feet ready to go dancing after work.