Common Reasons for Buying an Insole & Recommended Products
Below are several of the top reasons we have seen for why our customers are buying insoles, as well as tips for buying an insole best for that reason.
Plantar Fasciitis & Arch Pain
When seeking relief from plantar fasciitis and foot arch pain, you’ll want to look for an orthotic arch support with good cushioning. A foam orthotic arch support with either a semi-rigid footbed or rigid footbed works best. For first-time buyers, we recommend trying a semi-rigid orthotic arch support for a good combination of support, flexibility, and comfort. For those who have worn orthotics before and are seeking more aggressive arch support, we recommend choosing a rigid orthotic arch support. If you have room in your shoes, a layer of foam cushioning will help further alleviate pain, otherwise look for low-profile insoles to accomodate tighter-fitting footwear. Visit our Plantar Fasciitis Insoles page for a full list of insoles best for plantar fasciitis and arch pain relef.
Over-Pronation
Pronation is natural and refers to the natural inward roll of the foot when taking a step. Over-pronation deals with the condition of the foot rolling too far inwards when taking a step, which can often lead to instability and foot pain. To correct over-pronation, seek either a semi-rigid or rigid orthotic arch support to help keep the foot aligned and supported at all times. The combination of arch support and heel support that you will find in an orthotic arch support will naturally help to correct over-pronation. For first-time buyers, we suggest a semi-rigid orthotic arch support; for those seeking aggressive arch support, we recommend a rigid orthotic arch support.
Standing
Anyone who spends long periods of time standing typically suffers from foot pain. To prevent this, seek a cushioned arch support, which will help keep the foot gently supported throughout the day and relieve pressure off the foot. Foam insoles work best to alleviate pain from standing. Visit our Insoles for Standing page for a full list of insoles that work best for alleviating pain from standing.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a burning, tingling, or sharp pain felt in the forefoot and is typically caused by a compressed or irritated nerve in the forefoot. If you suffer from Morton’s Neuroma, you will want an insole or insert with a metatarsal pad for your footwear as well as additional forefoot padding to relieve pressure on the irritated nerve. Visit our Morton’s Neuroma page for a full list of insoles and inserts for pain relief.
Metatarsalgia & Ball-of-Foot Pain
If you suffer from metatarsalgia or other forefoot pain, you’ll want to choose an insole that features a metatarsal pad and plenty of top-coat cushioning. A cushioned arch support tends to be the best option here, but we do offer semi-rigid and rigid arch support options for those seeking more support for their foot. Visit our Metatarsal Insoles & Inserts page for a full list of insoles best for metatarsalgia and ball-of-foot pain relief.
Hallux Rigidus, Hallux Limitus, & Morton’s Toe
To prevent pain and discomfort caused by Hallux Rigidus, Hallux Limitus, or Morton’s Toe, you will want to choose a stiff insole to prevent your toes from flexing. The toe-box of almost all shoes are designed to flex while taking a step, so you will want an insole that can prevent this flex as completely as possible. Our Hallux Rigidus, Limitus, and Morton’s Toe page has several products designed to be worn under your existing insoles that will prevent your footwear from flexing.
Supination
Supination, or under-pronation, refers to the outward roll of the foot when taking a normal step. The foot is designed to roll inwards slightly during each step (“pronation”), so the outward roll of the foot often leads to pain and discomfort. To prevent supination, seek either a semi-rigid or rigid orthotic arch support to help keep the foot aligned and supported at all times. The combination of arch support and heel support that you will find in an orthotic arch support will naturally help to correct supination by guiding the foot’s movement towards natural pronation. For first-time buyers, we suggest a semi-rigid orthotic arch support; for those seeking aggresive arch support, we recommend a rigid orthotic arch support.
Running, Walking, & Shin Splints
Runners, avid walkers, and those suffering from shin splints often need a combination of flexible support and shock absorption in their insoles. For this, seek either a cushioned arch support or a semi-rigid orthotic arch support that is either a full gel construction or features gel padding at the heel and forefoot. Cushioned arch supports and semi-rigid arch supports will allow the flexibility you’ll want with an active activity, and the gel padding will absorp impact shock to reduce fatigue on the feet and knees. Our Walking & Running Insoles page has a number of products to suit these needs.
Diabetes & Arthritis
Those suffering from diabetes and/or arthritis will need an insole that will be gentle on the feet, assist with circulation, and minimize the abuse and shock that the feet naturally suffer every day. Because there are specific requirements to be considered a diabetic or arthritic insole, we would advise you to start browsing on our Diabetic and Arthritic Insoles page for a full list of suitable insoles for these conditions.
Heel Spurs & Heel Pain
If you suffer from heel spurs or other heel pain, you will want to seek an insole with plenty of cushioning and padding at the heel of the foot. There are a wide range of products for this, from full-length insoles to 3/4-length insoles to heel insert pieces. Check out our Heel Spurs and Heel Pain Insoles and Inserts page for a full list of products that will help.