1. True or False? If you need an arch support for a shoe insert, you can get them in a standalone arch support or an insole. You don’t need a device called an orthotic.
Answer: True
For example, your shoes may already have an insole that offers a little arch support but you want more. In this case, the Powerstep Arch Boosters made of latex foam can be added to your shoes. These arch boosters are attached to the arch area of your shoe and held there with the self-adhesive backing of the arch boosters.
Arch supports could also be ¾ in length – larger than the arch boosters, and also contain a deep heel cup for foot stability along with metatarsal pad, such as in the Sof Sole Gel Arch Insoles. These are made from a lightweight polymer gel that withstands the impact of walking over time and doesn’t eventually cave in from walking.
Arch supports that qualify as a shoe insert could be ¾ in length but made of a more rigid type of material that will retain its durability over time. For example, the Superfeet Easy Fit High Heel Arch Support Insoles are actually designed for shoes with more than a one-inch heel. This support prevents over pronation and helps keep the foot aligned. However, the company has upgraded this product and now it’s called the Superfeet Delux Women’s High Heel Arch Support Insoles. You can compare the old model with the new version of Superfeet Easy Fit High Heel Arch Support Insoles online.
There’s one other type of arch support or arch boosters that is quite unusual. It’s the Birkenstock BirkoBalance Arch Insoles. These are different because they have sides to them (the sides are called flanges). With raised flanges, your feet aren’t allowed to move too much to the inside or the outside (over pronate or over supinate).
2. True or False? The difference between a heel cup and a heel insert could be a lot, and there are certain times when you need a heel insert more than a heel cup.
Answer: True
A heel insert could be a heel cup, but it may also be a heel cushion or adjustable heel lifts. Your shoes may already be good but the addiction of a heel cup could offer more foot stability and reduce foot pain. A heel cup cradles the foot so it won’t move out of alignment. The Sof Sole Gel Heel Cups are great for this purpose.
Heel inserts, such as the Pedag Correct Heel Inserts are shoe inserts that look like the area of the insole that sits under your heel. Pedag heel inserts also have a lateral heel wedge in them so that if you’re pigeon-toed or have legs that bow outwards, they will compensate for this when you walk. Pedag heel inserts are made from rubber and have a top coat of leather.
Heel cushions protect the heel from pain with every step, especially if there’s already some type of foot condition affecting the heel. Spenco Rx Heel Cushions are called Rx because podiatrists recommend them frequently for heel pain.
Lastly, there are heel lifts designed for those who have pain caused from having one hip higher than another. Whether it’s heel lifts or arch boosts you need, they are available as shoe inserts at www.TheInsoleStore.com