footwind

Nowadays there’s no need to go to a physician to be fitted for orthotics. This will help them to have an idea on how to buy a pair of insoles, a perfect insole for them. Unlike from the past, over-the –counter orthotics are very rampant. You can even purchase it as easy as driving down to a local running store or a local pharmacy. However, even if orthotic booths are very convenient to find some foot support, there's still controversial topic discussions among physical therapists and doctors regarding the effect of finding the right pair of orthotics for you. Choose the wrong ones at your very own risks; you’re just making things even worse.

There’s good news! If you have already fixed your mind and already knew what to look for, finding some OTC orthotics can save a lot of money and hassle compared to prescribed ones. It can even make you save money. As a solution to your problem, here’s the following comprehensive guide on how to buy a pair of insoles that are best for you.

What is orthotics?

We have been mentioning orthotics many times, OTC orthotics as well. This would be a great aid on how to buy a pair of insoles. But first, let’s know what orthotic is.

Well, orthotic is a device that is inserted into a shoe (serves a brace or splint) that is lacking in proper foot support. In short, its primary purpose is for supporting, immobilizing, or treating the heel and other parts of the foot for the prevention of mild or severe injuries like back or foot pain.

Types of shoe insoles

There are many types of shoe insoles, it can also be divided by different means, and usually they are mainly by the level of customization, kind of support, type of shoe, and the size and construction they will be placed into.

Type of customization

Insoles can be customized depending on the wearer’s type of foot. Several needs thorough corrections, don’t worry, podiatrists can create insoles designed for your specific needs. These insoles were meticulously crafted for a purpose that it’ll last long. While there are others who need less correction, they can wear semi-custom insoles.

When thermoplastics are heated, they are now ready for molding, and when they got cooled, they retain their shape to provide support and correction on foot. The one size fits all insole is the common type of insole which can be purchased even if without the doctor’s advice because they can provide varying levels of comfort on the foot.

Insole size

Insoles, like shoes, vary in sizes for different uses. Other wearers choose to stretch the entire length of the shoe for a better cushioning beneath the whole foot. While others use a three-quarter length insole that supports the foot’s arch, and the shorter cushions only on the heel.

Level of support

The flat and varies from thick to thin insoles are intended solely to provide comfort and cushioning for the wearer. Other insoles are designed mainly or corrections on foot inside the shoe this will carry an extra comfortable feeling and a neutral position. These insoles are for arch supports. Orthotics third level of support was created for a custom fit by podiatrists.

Type of shoe

Insoles depend on about the kind of shoes. They were produced for different types of shoes depending on what they are intended for, sandals, dress shoes, and athletic shoes are examples of this. For example, an athletic shoe inserts insole that has more shock absorption quality and high-heel shoes for fashion's needs an insole that provides more cushioning for the increased pressure on the ball of the foot.

Choosing the right insole

Just like selecting shoes, many wondered how to buy a pair of insoles that is right for them. There are multiple things involved in choosing a shoe insole and having the right size is a must. You can buy them with a range of shoe sizes that is trimmed to be exactly fit to the shoe. Purchasing a wrong-sized insert can cause sudden problems. It can place supports in the area, thus making the shoes uncomfortable or worse causing a new issue haven’t been before.

Be certain on a purpose of the shoe. If you spent most of your wearing in standing, insole with exceptional softness and support is advisable. For extreme activities like running or jumping, it is important to focus on insole that provides protection and support for the harsh steps. The material which the insoles are made has been a factor in choosing insole.

Other additional features are present in the insole; anti-microbial coatings are used to deprive the growth of fungi to minimize the foot’s bad odor. There are also insoles that are machine washable; some have magnets that are said to react with the nerves to relieve pain and an insole with a small motor that vibrates the foot’s bed providing a soothing massage.

Where to buy shoe insoles

Since we are talking about how to buy a pair of insoles, as wearer you should know where to purchase a good insole for you.

Insoles are made to fit each foot correctly. So for a custom-made orthotics, purchasing from a podiatrist is necessary. If you need insole and purchasing from podiatrist may find inconvenient to you, no more worries, there are semi-custom insoles at a lot of stores. They are a bit difficult to find. For a simpler and convenient way, just surf the net and visit online shopping stores.

One size fits all insoles are more common and can be found in many places, even in a convenience store. Many are available in online stores and sometimes the supplier purchased directly from the manufacturers. They can be found on online auction sites like eBay. They are quite easy to find online, whether buying from the manufacturer’s website, online store, or Amazon.

Many queries arose about how to replace a Nike shoe insole. Well, you can replace your old insoles now by a simple and inexpensive process.

Some Nike shoe users have worn their shoes with damaged insoles. Good news! You can replace them now with a high-quality one! Not just Nike has made replacement soles for many of its shoe; companies like Dr. Scholl’s are also making insole replacements designed for Nike shoes.

Things needed

• Marker
• Scissors and,
• Replacement Insoles

Choosing your desired insoles are all depends on you. The insoles you want depends on the reason for replacement depending what kind of activities your Nike shoes are used for. Insoles are designed for either light or significant impact activities like walking, court sports, and running. So, choose an insole that is suitable for your needs, like if you are prone to more rigid activities insoles for extra arch support which support the ball of your foot is necessary. Remember, you must purchase insoles with the correct size.

It is not necessary to replace old insoles as long as it is still in a good shape. Thus, removing the old insole is not required; only line the new insole on top of the old one.If the shoe feels too tight after putting the new insoles on the top, just remove the old insole and replace with the new one. Another thing, if the old insole it too loose or is too smelly, the manufacturer recommended that replacing the old insole would be appropriate. The original insoles are glued into the shoes; the best thing to do is pull back the toe end and cautiously peel out the insole.

When new insoles are to be installed, original insoles are required as a template to trim and trace if the new insole doesn’t fit quietly. Use scissors to trim and marker to trace. Just only take off the necessary amount for a comfy fit.

It depends on you if you want to glue your new insoles in your shoes. It is not that necessary, but if you wished to, apply an even coat of bicycle tube repair glue or commonly shoe glue to the bottom part of the insoles. Do not glue the entire insole. Put it in its desired place smoothly down with your hands and apply light pressure.

Replacing a Nike shoe insole is just easy. The new insoles may not be comfortable at first, and the best thing to get used to it is to walk them daily for a week. If they aren’t still comfortable, contact your insoles manufacturer.

Always clean your insoles very often by hand-washing it with warm water and soap.

How to clean nike shoes

For a favorable result, clean your shoes right immediately after exposed to dirt.

Shoe Cleaning Guidelines

• When cleaning your shoe outsole, excess dirt should be the first to be removed by using a soft-bristled brush like an old toothbrush or better shoe brush.
• Use a slightly soapy mixture to clean your shoes. To do it, mix warm water and a desirable amount of laundry detergent and then apply this to the use of the brush to the shoes.
• In a sponge, put a small amount of soap mixture and clean the affected areas. If a sponge is not available, soft cloth or soft brush can be used as an alternative.
• If there are excess detergent left on the shoes, put a small amount of warm water to another sponge and apply to the shoes to wipe away the excess detergent.
• Dry the shoes by storing it at a room temperature.

Some stains are hard to eliminate. So, to remove persistent stains, repeat the following steps. Other tries to clean their shoes by placing them in a washing machine or dryer, or using chemical products such as bleach. Nike does not recommend these types of cleaning methods.

Saddle soap is only recommended for a shoe that has leather components for it can soften leather. So using saddle soap on basketball is not advisable.

How to clean nike insole to reduce shoe odor

• Take away the insoles from the shoes.
• Use the step listed on Shoe Cleaning Guidelines.
• Do not put back the insoles on the shoes unless the shoes are air dried completely.

Replace insoles if these steps do not lessen the shoe odor. Sporting goods and shoe stores have replacement insoles that are available.

There you have it; you already know how to replace a Nike shoe insole along with other important information which will come in handy whenever you may need them.

Shoes mainly serve as protection for our feet, not only that, it helps us maintain our legs and back healthy.  However, if we wear shoes without appropriate support, we could have sore heels, backaches, and bruises on the balls of our feet. Getting an insole would be a great and helpful to fight these problems. Now here’s the important thing, you need to know how to measure insoles.

This is so much useful when getting an insole inserts or when you plan to buy second-hand shoes via the internet. When you know your insole measurement, you can compare it to those shoes online, and by that, you can be sure that the shoes ordered will fit you well. Before you can get the perfect measurement of your insoles, you’ll be needing a pair of shoes that surely fits you.

Insoles are made of

There are a variety of materials that composes an insole such as, cowhide leather, foam or cotton cushion, and silicone. On the other hand, the material that an insole is consists of may vary on the need. Just like the cowhide leather, its strength is good enough to provide a firm and sturdy support. In an arch, the cotton cushion may be too soft and probably won’t be sufficient instead. Seeing a doctor for consistent foot pains is still recommended especially when it still aches even you buy and use insoles.

What is an insole? What’s it for?

An insole is a strip inside of a shoe; it is at the bottom where it fits to add support to your feet when wearing a shoe. It also cushions, protects and comforts the foot. The insole can be worn out if the shoe doesn’t give enough support or either don’t fit with the shoe arch, balls or heel of the foot.  In this situation, the insoles must be replaced with new pairs.

1. Insoles are available at ...

Insoles of shoes are available anywhere at any store where shoes are available or department stores. They typically have an affordable price.

2. Balls of the feet insoles

Sometimes due to increasing pressure of the shoe in the heels over an extended period may cause a sore on the balls of our feet, they become tender overtime. When wearing shoes with heels, might be a cause stress on your foot. Insoles for the balls of your feet are available specifically that you can attach to at the bottom of your feet so that it can comfortably cushion it completely.

3. Measure your insoles with

Elastic measuring tape

Easy steps to measure your insole

With your tape measure, slide it into your shoe from the end of the shoe to the “zero” tip of the tape measure. Using your fingers make sure to forward the tape measure into the toe of your shoe until it reaches the edge that meets the forward edge.

You must hold the tape measure in place, through putting your fingers on your other hand to the toe of the shoe possibly. Now, carefully put the measuring tape on the level of the insole of the shoe, from the toe back to its heels. Read the number that’s in the corner of the shoe’s heels, keep pressing the tape measure into its corner. The number you read is the length of the insole, and it is also the numbers when you what to know the shoe length respectively.

For measuring the width of your insole, get the zero tip of your tape measure using your one hand. When you’re holding it already, make sure to hold it at a six-inch mark with the other hand. Press it outwards like a loop between your hands, and then glide the loop into the frontward of the shoe.

Using your thumbs hold the tape measure in both hands alongside the shoe, stretching it across the vast part of the shoe evenly. As you hold the tape measure, take note of the measurements of each edge. After getting the size, immediately subtract the smaller number from the larger number of the measurement for you to have its actual distance in between. Finally, the result is the width of your insole and also the width of your shoe.

There you have it. You already know how to measure insoles so give it a try!

A new pair of shoes comes with built-in insoles to cover the hard bottom part of the shoes. However, these insoles only provide cover, but not the comfort you need for your feet. Enduring this setup could cause you to develop foot conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, varicose veins, muscle soreness, etc.

But buying shoe inserts that specialize in comfort and support is a great investment. You don’t have to replace uncomfortable shoes, and instead use shoe insoles. Read further on how to install a new insole in a shoe.

For a beginner in insole buying like you, insoles that can be bought over the counter are cushion covers that may be made of plastic, leather, foam, or even gel. They can attend to several purposes depending on its design from adding comfort for people who are on their feet all day to athletic people who need insoles that provide support and stability.

Buying tips

In selecting a good pair of insoles, the following must be considered:

1. Arch type

Go for insoles that will support what arch you have – from low to high arches.

2. Foot conditions

If you don’t have any issues with your feet now, you may skip this one. For those who have, you may need insoles that will reduce the pain you’re suffering.

3. Reasonable price

If you’re a first-time in buying insoles, check the pros and cons of the product before purchasing it. Of course, you don’t want to start to expensive insoles. But if you feel that it has more advantages than disadvantages, you’ll think that you will get what you’ll pay for.

4. Preventing moisture

Buy insoles that can prevent smelling from your sweat because they will accumulate and will degrade the quality of your shoes.

5. Lifespan

When purchasing insoles, ask yourself: will these last long? Insoles last depending on your activity. For instance in running sport, you are advised to replace them every 400-1000 miles. Why? Because degrading shoe insoles will risk you to injuries and foot conditions.

6. Proper sizing

Don’t buy insoles that are smaller than your foot size.  Buy at most one size larger for fitting.

There are currently many reviews for the best insoles depending on your condition or activity. It is best recommended to read those to know the pros and cons for each brand.

How to install a new insole in a shoe

It is very easy to install new insoles into your shoes! Follow these steps to accomplish this task.

1. Prepare your new insoles you just purchased. Remove the original insoles from your shoes. You can use your fingernail to remove them. Compare the original insoles to the new insoles. Check if the sizes match.
2. If not, align the smaller insole on top of the larger insole.  It is always the same scenario that the new insole will be at the bottom part.
3. Holding in place the smaller insole, make it as a template to trace its shape to the larger insole. Use a black marker for easier spotting and determine the shape. This will be your cut line.
4. With a utility knife sharp scissors, cut the line you just made. Depending on your marker thickness, it is best recommended that you cut the inside of the line.
5. Check if the newly-cut insole matches with the original insole. If so, do the above steps onto the other pair.
6. Insert the new insole into your shoe, the toe part first. Push it forward until the complete footstep is covered. Press down the insole to make it perfectly seated.

But what if, the original insoles are glued to your shoes? Don't panic; there's a method to take them out.

1. Use a piece of paper larger than your shoe. Insert them inside of the shoe. This is to get the outline of your footstep.
2. Take the paper out and use a pencil to make an outline of the insole.
3. Use scissors to cut out the line. Then, put it on top of the new insole you currently have.
4. Trace with a marker the outline from your paper.
5. Cut out the outline.
6. Install the new insole first and find if it fits perfectly before doing the other insole.

Final thoughts

Now that you know how to install a new insole in a shoe from the above steps; what's left to do is to keep them as new and fresh as possible. We also have an article that provides ways of how to clean the insoles of shoes from time to time. Remember that you must take care of your insoles so that you don't have to buy new pairs and replace them when you think they're goners.

The insole pertains to the material placed inside a shoe. It is mainly made out of a thin or heavy cloth that acts to give comfort and others to minimize the bad smell of the feet by adding deodorizer in the manufacturing of the product. Even so, you may want to take them off for some reasons such as to make space for the feet or to get rid of the bad odor from old shoes. The steps on how to remove insoles from dress shoes are as follows.

3 Step removal of insoles from your dress shoes

You’ll Need: Hairdryer or screwdriver

1. Grab the shoe, hold the posterior part of the insole and pull it just a little bit so that the sticking agent used to attach the insoles and inner part of the shoe is known and exposed.

2. Prepare the instrument with regards to the type of material used to adhere the shoe and insoles. There are two situations. First is if you are sure that it is glued on, get a hair dryer and switch it on until you reach high heat. Direct it to the adhering agent and allow heat to lose it off. The latter is if you are sure that tacks fasten it, put a flat screwdriver to the part where it sticks and detaches each of the tacks to hold them.

3. After you detach all the tacks or glue by following the procedures, remove the insoles out of the shoe. If you are not successful pulling it out, you may add more heat to the glue or wedge the insole and the inner part of the shoe by a screwdriver. This is the final step in how to remove insole insoles from dress shoes.

How to get rid of odors from your dress shoes

Considering you know how to detach the insole, you may also want to free the shoe of bad smell.

You’ll need:

Choose among of the following:

• Baking soda
• Coffee grounds
• Kitty litter
• Old pantyhose
• Plastic or paper bag
• Elastic bands

1. Select the items above that are appropriate for you to suck up moisture and minimize bad smell of the feet.

2. Scatter the selected item evenly by hands or by the use of sachet to direct material to the interior of the shoe.

3. If you may want to make a sachet, remove the toe part from a pair of old pantyhose. The measurement should be about 12-15 inches long.

4. Select your type of odor absorber and stuffed the pantyhose.

5. Using a rubber band, surely lace the end of the pantyhose.

6. Make some extra sachets so that you have spares for further use.

7. Every time you don’t use your shoes, you may put a sachet within the shoe so that the bad smell build up during use is suck up.

Steps to remove smells out of your dress shoes

This type of shoe has sequin or another embellishment so some are not intended for machine washing because it is delicate. This has the same method of freeing from dirt the outer materials in ballet flats so see How to Clean Ballet Flats.

There are accessible cleaning items designed to clean dress shoes. These items will not damage the outer part of the shoe in spot cleaning most of these dress shoes.

Spot cleaning is the only choice in shoes that have embellishment. These shoes that have decoration on them may hand wash the shoe or immerse it in water that will soften the adhering agent used in attaching the embellishment to the surface. If you intend to machine wash it, don’ try because it might damage the embellishment.

How to keep your feet dry

You Will Need:

• Sea Breeze or Hand Sanitizer
• Antiperspirant

Feet perspiration is the main contributor of bad smell. By keeping the moisture away, you will keep your feet dry and rid of bad smell.

Put some Sea Breeze, a hand sanitizer on the bottom of each foot after washing and drying the feet. This can be done before putting on the shoes and throughout the day, reapplication is a must.

Putting antiperspirant in the feet’s bottom is the second choice because it is used in getting rid of perspiration and accumulated moisture in the shoes.

Tips you must note

• The best solution for smelly feet is prevention. Every day you must wash your feet thoroughly to the bottoms and between the toes.
• Using sheets is an easy way to rid the shoes of bad smell. By placing it in the shoe when not in use, deodorizes the inside of it.
• Consult a podiatrist for examination if it is still smelly because of excessive foot perspiration.
• You can also use inserts that contain activated charcoal such as Odor Eaters because it is proven to absorb odor.
• In cleaning shoes, you may apply rubbing alcohol to the inside of it because there might be bacteria contributing to the bad smell. Do not use this process always, maybe once a week because it may dry out the materials present in the shoe.

Conclusion

Learning how to remove insoles from dress shoes is an essential work involving properly replacing or getting rid of the insole. The primary purpose is simple; it is to eliminate the odor or making room for your feet. But that does not stop there because even if you remove the insole, there may be smell left in the shoe. You may try to put improvised deodorizer in the shoe, by cleaning it, similar to the process involved in ballet flats and keeping your feet dry at all times but prevention still is better than cure. Finally, personal cleanliness is an indicator of who you are as a person; it reflects your behavior as a whole.