Unless your feet are perfect model feet, the chances are good that sooner or later, you’re going to have to add an orthotic insole to your shoes. Do you know enough about them so that you won’t make an incorrect decision? Are you up-to-date on the latest orthotics and what they have to offer you?
Test yourself on this fun quiz about orthotic insoles.
- True or False? Because of recent technological advances, your feet can stay warmer in cold weather just from having the right orthotic insole in your shoe.
Answer: True. The design of an orthotic can include different layers that deflect cold air and create a neutral air space thus warming the forefoot by trapping the air. An example of this type of insole is the Superfeet REDhot Premium Insoles for Men.
Another type of insole that allows your feet to stay warmer in cold weather is the Superfeet MerinoGrey Premium Insoles, which contains a thick pile of Merino wool in the top layer of the orthotic insole.
- True or False? Kids are born perfect and never have a need for orthotic insoles.
Answer: False. Embryologists tell us that children have flat feet in the womb and thus are born with flat feet. Surprisingly to some, studies show that a high percentage of children have flat feet during childhood and never develop arches properly.
Not developing arches properly in the foot will lead to overstressing the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the feet. This can next cause plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that limits mobility because every step can become painful.
By supporting children’s feet with in orthotic insole replacing the current insole of the shoe, you can at least give your child the proper height of the arch so the foot is supported. An example of a great orthotic for children is the Bambini Orthotic Arch Supports created by Pedag.
- True or False? When you read the term “footbeds”, it’s the same exact thing as orthotic insoles.
Answer: True. The term “footbeds” is a term coined by the SOLE Company. Some of their product names include Sole Active Thick Footbeds (which have 3.2 millimeters of luxurious cushioning), Sole Active Thin Footbeds (which are preferred by runners and great for tight-fitting shoes).
- True or False? The width of your foot is important for sizing of an orthotic insole.
Answer: True. If you have narrow feet, many orthotic insoles will be too large for your shoes, especially if you are buying a narrow sized shoe. They’ll hang over the bottom of the shoe and then can end up cramping toes. The solution would be to trim the insoles to fit the current insole in the shoe, or purchase one that is specifically made for narrow feet. One example is the Birkenstock Sport Blue Footbed Arch Support Insoles.
Similarly, if you have wide feet, you could opt for the Birkenstock Blue Footbed Wide-Casual Arch Support Insoles. Here’s a short list of some additional wide feet orthotic insoles:
• ProThotics Therapeutic Diabetic Wide Insoles
• Superfeet wideGREEN Premium Insoles
• Powerstep Wide Fit Orthotic Insoles
Find your perfect insole today, at TheInsoleStore.com!