footwind

Insoles are more than just shoe inserts.

While they all look the same at first glance, there are actually multiple types of insoles. So what are the types of insole footbed? If you find yourself asking the same question, you’re on the right page!

Cushioned arch supports

Also called as arch cushions, this type of insole footbed feature a flexible arch support crafted from a cushioned padding.

1. Design

Cushioned arch supports are designed to give a type of foot support that focuses mainly on delivering optimum cushioning. This is also the reason why this type is not made of a rigid or even a semi-rigid support platform. Its purpose is solely cushioning, hence the name. Moreover, this type mostly features a heel cup for stability.

2. Use

Cushioned arch supports are used for providing desirable support for a user experiencing foot fatigue – as the cushion can effectively alleviate it.

Runners and conventional joggers/walkers tend to seek the support brought by cushioned arch support over orthotic arch supports. Further, people who don’t necessarily suffer from any severe foot condition but has a job that requires them to stand all day long must seek the benefits from cushioned arch supports.

3. Foot conditions

A cushioned arch support is ideal for people suffering from shin splints or foot fatigue. This type is also the best alternative in case you have used a semi-rigid orthotic before and found it uncomfortable.

It’s also important to note that an orthotic arch support delivers more ‘support’ than a cushioned arch support.

If you happen to suffer from supination, over-pronation, and arch pain, it’s not entirely advisable to go for cushioned arch support. Instead, it’s more ideal to look for an orthotic arch first (discussed just below).

Orthotic arch supports

Orthotic Arch Supports is created with a rigid or semi-rigid support platform or support plate; as opposed to cushioned arch supports that are entirely composed of a cushioned padding.

Other terms of orthotic arch supports include simply orthotics, arch supports, or orthotic insoles. This type is recommended for people suffering from arch pain and for those who spend their day standing – even with no known severe foot condition just like the cushioned type.

It’s vital to note that when it comes to insoles, softer is NOT always the better. So if you are required to use your feet and stand on your legs on a daily basis and has an existing arch pain, then the orthotic type would suffice.

1. Design

Orthotics are designed with a heel cup to cradle the user’s heel of the foot and a built-in arch support to keep the arch from over-collapsing. This design is also capable of preventing excessive ankle movement, consequently keeping wear and tear of your inner tissues at bay.

Wearing orthotics gives an opportunity to eliminate strain in your plantar fascia. This is an important muscle at the bottom of your feet expanding from the forefoot to your heel.

2. Use

Orthotics are designed for people who are engaged in various activities and are dedicated to maintaining healthy, natural-formed feet all day long. Orthotic insoles can do its job by focusing on two primary foot areas – the heel and the arch.

3. Foot conditions

Orthotic insoles are crafted in such a way they maintain your foot’s natural motion with each step you make, consequently keeping supination and over-pronation from happening.

4. Two types of orthotic insoles

Orthotics can be categorized further down into two – rigid and semi-rigid.

Rigid orthotic arch support features a support plate that is almost entirely stiff. While this type is not suggested for first-time orthotic users, this one can be perfect for those who seek an aggressive arch support.

Semi-rigid orthotic arch support features a support plate that is somewhat flexible. If you don’t fancy an insole that is too stiff, it’s better to try a semi-rigid orthotics.

5. Break-in period

It’s important to know that using an orthotic arch support requires a small break-in period before you can be ready to wear them at all times. This is especially true if it’s your first time using such.

So here’s the real deal. It’s advisable to wear your orthotics for up to 2 hours a day for the first week, then up to 4 hours daily for the next week.

Don’t worry about feeling uncomfortable, it’s definitely normal at first. The break-in period will minimize the discomfort, eventually making you feel the comfort. However, if it already took you several weeks and you still feel uncomfortable, then it would be safe to assume that you should start considering another insole.

Replacement insoles/fat cushion

This is the type that offers no arch support at all. Simply designed to line the bottom of the shoe, flat cushions only act as a replacement for the sock-liner that comes with the factory-new shoes. This also means they don’t provide any foot support at all.

1. Design

Replacement insoles can be crafted from different materials. This includes leather, foam, cotton, wool, gel, and more. They also come in different colors to choose from – it would be easy to find something that matches your shoes.

2. Use

The use of flat cushions focuses mainly on being a replacement from the default insole that comes with the footwear. This comes in handy in case your old insole already shows wear and tear. Further, there are replacement insoles designed to make you taller – or at least seem taller that is.

Overall, replacement insoles are perfect for people who want to change their worn-out sock liner but do not want any foot support.

Summary

So what are the types of insole footbed? Well, you already know. Now it’s your chance to at least know which type of insoles suits you best.

What Insoles Do I Need?

Typically, you would have a reason for buying insoles. Whether it is for a medical condition or for pure comfort only, buying the right kind of insoles is necessary.

There are many different kinds of insoles that serve particular purposes. This article aims to list the types of insoles that you would need, corresponding to any circumstance or condition you may have.

Over-pronation

1. What is it?

To understand what over-pronation is, you must first understand pronation. Pronation refers to the natural way our feet roll inwards when walking and running. This helps the feet balance and handle the person’s body weight.

Over-pronation is when the pronation happening is excessive and unnatural. Our feet roll towards the arches more than it should.

This unnatural way of moving usually happens due to the design of our shoes. In most cases, the big toe does not rest properly inside the shoes. Due to the curved sides of the shoes, the big toe will be slightly more elevated than the rest. This causes the tendons and muscles to move in an unnatural way.

2. What kind of insoles help?

As mentioned before, over-pronation is usually caused by slightly elevated toes while wearing shoes. Therefore, to correct this kind of behavior, the aim of using insoles is to minimize their unevenness.

Firm insoles should be ideal to use in this scenario. If they do not bend easily, your toes and feet can stay flat despite the curves of your shoes. Insoles that have plastic materials fit this description and you may want to consider them.

Morton's neuroma

1. What is it?

Morton’s neuroma is characterized by the pain on one’s nerve between the toes. It can start off as a tingling sensation in your forefoot until eventually turning into pain or a burning feeling.

This condition is caused by an increased pressure to the feet. This pressure can come from different sources. One common reason is the pressure coming from constant running or any heavy physical activity.

Even if you do not participate in strenuous activities, you can still contact Morton’s neuroma if you wear tight shoes. Women are particularly vulnerable to this when wearing high-heeled and tight-fitting shoes.

2. What kink of insoles help?

Since the cause of Morton’s neuroma is the amount of pressure, relieving this pressure should alleviate the problem. Due to this, soft insoles are a great choice since they are comfortable to the feet.

You can also have some additional padding on your forefoot where the affected area lies. Alternatively, you can simply choose to buy thicker insoles as long as they are still soft enough. Insoles that are made entirely of foam should serve you nicely in this scenario.

Plantar fasciitis

1. What is it?

Plantar Fasciitis refers to the inflammation of a band of tissues called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia can be found at the bottom of your feet. It supports the arch of your feet and connects your toes to the heel.

The inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause some serious heel pain. It can occur in different scenarios such as after waking up in the morning, during exercise, or when standing after sitting so long. However, usually, the pain is the greatest after a workout session.

This condition is usually caused by the increased tension that the plantar fascia sustains due to certain activities. If you think of plantar fascia as a bowstring, then plantar fasciitis occurs when the bowstring is stretched to its utmost limit resulting in small tears.

2. What kind of insoles help?

Semi-firm insoles should work best against plantar fasciitis. The firmness of the insoles should help support your arch, alleviating the tension of the tissues when doing physical activities. At the same time, it is also soft enough to be able to provide comfort for your feet.

If you have further room in your shoes, adding extra padding to your feet for more comfort is not a problem as well. 

Summary

Insoles can help you in many ways. However, it is also necessary to find the right kind of insoles that will help you with your circumstances. If you find the right insoles that correspond to your needs, they should provide you with numerous benefits. 

There is a need to replace the insoles of your shoes from time to time. But how often should you buy insoles?

Typically, after a few months, wear and tear will start to show. Sometimes, it is also simply more hygienic to use a new one after long use.

To maximize their efficiency and the span of use, it is important to be aware when to replace insoles. Here, we list some information to help you assess whether you should replace them or not.

Insoles' typical lifespan

The insoles’ span of use can actually vary greatly. This depends on various factors such as the circumstances and frequency of use. Knowing their lifespan can help you know when to replace insoles.

1. Face that deteriorate the lifespan of insoles

• Constant Use – if you are someone who tends to be on their feet often, chances are that your insoles will wear down faster as a result.
• Low-Quality Insoles – If you are using an inexpensive brand, you can expect some lower-quality insoles. If the quality is not great, it may not last long.
• Mishandling – If you are not taking proper care of your insoles, they will surely deteriorate faster. Cleaning your insoles properly, for example, can go a long way.

2. The possible lifespan of insoles

• 1-3months: Typically, insoles will last longer than a couple of months. However, in some rare cases, the wear and tear can happen very fast. If, for example, you use them constantly and their quality is not great in the first place, they may last for only a short period of time.
• 3-6 months: Insoles that last for around three to four months are more common. If you walk or run around a lot, your insoles should last this long in most cases. At this point, if you can see some holes or collapse, you may want to change them already.
• 6-9 months: Around six to nine months should be the ideal and most typical lifespan of insoles. If the quality is decent, there should be no problems reaching this long. Nevertheless, you should still maintain and clean them properly.
• 9 months+: It’s also not exactly rare for insoles to last even longer. However, even if the condition of your insoles is still okay, you may still want to consider replacing them. Just like with toothbrushes, replacing them constantly is a hygienic choice.

Factors to consider in replacing insoles

If your knowledge about insoles is limited, you may have trouble assessing when to replace them. To decide properly you should consider some things. As such, here is a list of the factors to consider when to replace insoles.

1. You may want to replace your insoles when

• There are signs of damage – The most obvious indicator of when to replace insoles is signs of damage. If there are holes in them, for example, it is only natural for you to replace them.
• You are not feeling their benefits anymore – Insoles should have some benefits for you hence why you are wearing them. If the effects of wearing your insoles are starting to fade, it’s probably time to replace them.
• You are changing shoes – It is very important that your insoles fit the type of shoes you are wearing. If you change your shoes, you should probably change your insoles too.
• You have them for a long time already – As mentioned before, even if they are still in good condition, you may still want to replace them after several months.

2. In buying new insoles you should consider the

• Brand and Quality – you should look at the insoles’ brand to assess whether they are high-quality or not
• Material and Type – Insoles can be created with different materials and in different styles. For instance, foam-only insoles with cushions may be more comfortable, but insoles with plastic may last longer.
• Use – You should consider what use you have for them whether it’s for comfort, exercise, or for medical reasons.
• Shoes – Insoles should feel comfortable paired with your shoes.

Summary

Insoles can last for a long time. Nevertheless, you should still be aware when to replace them if necessary. If you know when to replace insoles, you can maximize the benefits that they can give you. If you use them properly, you should have a very comfortable experience.

Who needs insoles?

This is a simple question but is pretty underrated.

The importance of insoles goes beyond the conventional common use of most people. Its applications go as far as medical treatments. So who needs insoles? Find out below.

People with plantar fasciitis

This is true for orthotic insoles. People suffering from this condition can now have the solution.

1. What is plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is caused by excessive aggravation and stress on the connective tissue stretching from the ball of the foot to the heel bone.

This tissue is known as the plantar fascia from which the term of the condition is derived. Once inflamed, you will feel pain in every step you take. Each step produces a cycle of tearing and overtightening which causes more pain and inflammation. The repeated cycle is known as plantar fasciitis.

2. How orthotic insoles treat plantar fasciitis

There are orthotic insoles especially designed to battle plantar fasciitis. They are shaped and crafted in such a way they alleviate the discomfort and pain by minimizing the stretching and stress on the plantar fascia.

When there are no repeated stretching and wearing of the said tissue, it’s less likely to get them inflamed. Ultimately, no inflammation means no plantar fasciitis.

People with arthritis

It has been found out that the number one cause of disability in the US is arthritis and more than 50 million adults have been diagnosed with such.

1. What is arthritis

Arthritis is actually a broad concept and there are over a hundred different types of this condition and it can affect any part of your body.

Some arthritis affects the hands, shoulders, hips, back, ankles, and knees. Further, arthritis can go far down to your feet as well.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain in the feet, swelling, and stiffness. You’ll also notice a great limitation of joint motion, making it painful even to move.

2. How insoles can help with arthritis

There are also insoles designed to assist your feet during an arthritic condition. Manufacturers craft insoles with Plastazote, a closed-cell and lightweight foam ideal not just for arthritic feet but also for sensitive and diabetic ones.

The trick of these insoles is to relieve the pressure from your foot since pressure is the primary factor that triggers the pain from arthritis (as well as diabetes and related foot conditions).

Aside from that, the insoles are able to minimize friction or the abrasive rubbing of your foot against the insole, consequently preventing skin irritation.

You can also expect the insoles to provide you with ample impact shock absorption and right cushioning. You might also want to look out for insoles designed to relieve pressure at the forefront.

People with heel pain

This one is pretty common. Heel pain can be traced to the largest bone in your foot called the calcaneus or simply the heel bone.

1. What causes heel pain? What is it?

Most people feel the pain directly underneath the foot while some people feel the pain just behind it. Heel pain can be associated with plantar fasciitis too – discussed just above.

People who are active in sports or in any activity that requires feet often feel heel pain. This happens as a result of a membrane tearing that covers the heel bone.

Another condition that might lead to heel pain is the Achilles tendonitis. This happens when you strain and overuse your Achilles tendon. The problem with Achilles tendonitis is it can trigger pain not just on your heels but also up on your legs.

2. How can insoles relieve heel pain?

Insoles provide extra cushion and comfort which are both highly important in alleviating heel pain. You might want to look out for insoles with an extra cushion, built-in arch support, and heel cradle. Look for its features and make sure the insoles promote motion control and stability.

Summary

Feet pain is never a joke. And doing research like what you’re doing right now is a big step towards awareness on foot conditions and the importance of insoles.

So who needs insoles? People who have plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and heel pain are just a few of the larger population who can benefit from wearing insoles. Even if you’re just someone who jogs regularly, you already need to wear a pair.

So you’ve heard a great deal about insoles.

Despite the common familiarity, it’s still considerable to find yourself asking, why use insoles?

If you are new to this concept, then it’s great that you have stumbled upon this page. In this article, we will tackle the things and aspects of life that simply gets better when you use insoles.

Reasons why you should use insoles

1. It will make you feel warmer

This is especially true for people living in the Northern hemisphere or simply those countries with cold weather. Inserting an insole into your shoes will add an extra layer, consequently insulating your feet. As a result, your feet will feel warmer, and this feeling of warmth will spread to your whole body. Simply put, wearing insoles will give you a more cozy feeling with comfort and more relaxation. 

2. It prevents blisters

Who would want some blisters? If there’s a way to prevent them, you’ll surely grab that chance. And guess what – wearing insoles is the right prevention. By having a tighter fit, the insoles will stop your feet from rubbing against the shoes. The decrease in movement between the skin and the shoe will result in lesser chances of having blisters.

3. It prevents injury

Are you a runner? Your insoles can be your best bud. As you may already know, running causes more wear on the lower part of your body that may include your thighs, hips, ankles, knees, and of course your feet. Running also causes more shock to those body parts than any other known sport.

Whether you are competing or simply training, running will expose your lower limbs to multiple rotational forces, compression, and shock. This means any weakness could possibly lead to an injury involving your tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments.

It’s been proven that more than half of injuries involving feet come as a result of improper foot support. This is also followed by injuries on the back, hips, and knees. The solution? Just wear your insoles. 

4. It promotes proper contact

Another importance of wearing insoles is proper surface contact which otherwise is directly related to the risks of injuries. Insoles can effectively correct how your foot makes ground contact. Proper landing will reduce tension, consequently preventing problems related to incorrect foot landing.

5. It gives stability

You might also want to attain the right stability when doing your athletic activities. And you can only achieve that when you wear supportive insoles. The concept behind is pretty simple – shock absorption.

Insoles promote stability by absorbing shock as your foot makes ground contact and distribute this shock as evenly as possible. There are insoles that can cushion the impact on ligaments and muscles and effectively spring them back so you can push off.

6. It gives you balance

Apart from stability, you can also expect to achieve the right balance when you use insoles, especially those designed for runners. Any imbalances in the musculoskeletal system can be prevented just by wearing the right insoles.

7. It reduces impact

When you jog or run, the vertical force you will receive can reach more than twice your body weight. Just imagine the gigantic impact that ends up on your feet. This is yet just another reason why you need the right cushioning and the additional layer below your feet.

8. It makes running shoes better

Wearing the right running shoes is not enough. You still need to pair it with proper insoles. This is true for both professional players and amateurs alike. Now you can protect not just your feet but also your joints.

9. It prevents chronic pain

In some cases people won’t necessarily feel the pain right away, there are actually a lot of people who experience chronic pain. With the right insoles, you can dodge the risk of excessive pronation, lower-leg injuries, and stress forces on the foot.

10. Personalized fit

The beauty of insoles is a personalized fit – there is an insole out there for you. Whether you are flat-footed or an over-pronator, you can have an insole that is designed to address your specific issue.

Summary

So why use insoles? Whether you are a professional athlete, an amateur sports enthusiast, or a simple guy who jogs and runs on a regular basis, wearing the right insoles can be your saving grace.

Insoles are everywhere.

You probably are planning on getting a pair. But something inside you asks, how do insoles work? Well, the answer is here.

Countless people consider insoles, particularly orthotics, as a form of miracle. They are simple yet highly important pieces of materials that make our lives better.

What are insoles in the first place?

An insole can be an orthotic device that improves the function of your foot. Insoles are placed inside your shoe to attain the desired fit, warmth, and most importantly, comfort.

Other terms for insoles include inner soles and footbeds. Insoles don’t necessarily come with your shoe purchase – they are often separately bought.

To avoid confusion, it is a fact that the soles embedded or fixed inside an existing shoe are also called insoles – because they basically have the same purpose.

The beauty of insoles is the fact they are not built-in. This means you can always take them out of the shoes whenever necessary; for occasional clean-ups or when you transfer them to another pair.

Types of insole materials

There are many kinds of insoles which also means there could be a lot of materials from which it can be made of. Here are some common insole materials:

1. Foam

The most inexpensive option, insoles made of foam are generally good in terms of shock absorption. The foam material is considered dependable and rigid. The most popular ones are probably the memory foam insoles. These are known to be highly comfortable to wear and can mold to the shape of your foot.

The only downside of foam materials is life expectancy – they don’t usually last that long. However, it doesn’t mean they can’t meet the user’s expectations. At the very least, it can perform as expected.

2. Gel

Another popular insole material is gel. Many of our insole reviews are made of a gel material. This type is basically a gel encapsulated in bubbles and crafted into a foam footbed.

The beauty of gel is it’s actually the newest material used in making modern insoles. It’s highly comfortable, flexible (but tough), and soft.

Using this type can effectively extend the life of your shoes and its corresponding built-in soles. It’s also hard to go wrong with the gel type as they can provide ample support and comfort.

The only downside of gel material is it’s relatively more expensive than the other types.

How do insoles work? Benefits of using insoles

The question of how do insoles work can easily be answered just by knowing the benefits of using such. Well, here are some of the reason why you should use an insole.

1. Give personal satisfaction

First thing’s first, each individual differ in feet conditions. And it’s impossible for shoemakers, no matter how big the brand is, to create a universal shoe that perfectly fits all. This is where insoles come into the picture – to satisfy your personal needs.

Are you flat footed? Or do you over-pronate? Regardless of your foot shape, there is an insole for you. The insole will serve as the bridge connecting you and the shoes which equates to the best experience.

2. Decrease shoe size

So you’ve bought a pair online that is actually bigger than you expect. Instead of going the hassle of returning the item, why not try to insert an insole? That way, you’ll effectively make the shoe tighter or feel smaller.

This is also applicable for people who have a hard time looking for half sizes. A good technique is to simply buy shoes that are slightly too big, then simply insert an insole inside to achieve that fit.

3. Correct feet problems

It’s already been mentioned just above. In case you have problems in your foot or in your posture, an insole can greatly help. There are specialized insoles called orthotic insoles or simply orthotics.

Orthotic insoles can be prescribed or custom-made to provide treatments. If you are a nurse for instance who spends the day standing and walking, there are some special insoles you can use to ease your movement and to make standing, walking, even running less stressful than it should.

4. Eases your pain

An orthotic insole is the recommended treatment for foot-related issues such as heel pain, arch pain, and even pain in the ball of your foot. With the right insoles, you can actually say goodbye to problems like Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.

Summary

It’s hard to disagree – insoles are a miracle. You can’t imagine a world without these important pieces of feet materials. So how do insoles work? Well, you already know. Now it all boils down to finally buying your first pair.