Do you wear work boots the whole day, constantly being on your feet? Perhaps, you are working in a restaurant and your feet are constantly aching and tired. On the other hand, maybe, your feet are suffering from a certain condition, such as plantar fasciitis or Structural misalignment. Whatever the reason may be, chances are, you are on a quest to find the right insoles for your feet. However, in order to find the insole that will give your foot what it needs, you have to learn a thing or two about how to choose the insoles. So, let’s see how you can do just that.
Types of insoles
Clearly, first you have to know which type of insole you are looking for. There are two types: support and cushioned insoles.
- Support insoles
As the name itself suggest, these insoles give you additional support. Not only that, they will also give your feet more stability, since they are made of harder materials. There are two types of support insoles: a semi-rigid arch support (it features a platform that is fairly flexible) and a rigid arch support (this one features almost totally stiff support platform).
Because of their design, these insoles should be worn for a maximum of two hours per day in the first week after you buy them. In the second week, you can wear them for approximately 3 hours per day. If you are a first-time shopper, keep in mind that these insoles will be pretty uncomfortable until they break in.
People who experience arch pain or suffer from structural misalignment, supination, over-pronation, or plantar fasciitis use this type of insoles. Ask a foot doctor what type will be best for your condition.
- Cushioned insoles (arch cushions)
Those who stand for extended periods of time every day (for example, handymen, cooks, fitness enthusiasts) usually have to buy cushioned insoles. These insoles are flexible and have lots of cushioning to provide additional comfort to your feet. They also provide a bit of support, to make your step easier.
Some insoles are filled with gel or made of foam and can be flat or shaped in a certain way. You can also choose between a full-length insole and ¾-length insole.
In case you notice that the pain in your feet has not decreased from wearing these insoles, that probably means you’ll have to buy support insoles.
Does it really fit?
Since we all have different feet, telling how to choose the right insole is almost impossible. First, that will depend on whether you have flat feet, normal arched or high-arched feet.
The next thing to take into consideration is the reason why you want/need to buy insoles.
Naturally, if your feet are suffering from the aforementioned condition, you should see a doctor and he would tell you what type of insole you need to wear. Similarly, if you are a runner, the smartest thing you can do is to ask a doctor for advice and invest in good insoles.
As mentioned, If you stand for many hours, you need to get insoles with cushioning.
Also, decide if you need full-sized insoles or ¾ insoles?
So, after narrowing your choices to a couple of models, you actually test them. There is a very specific process you can follow when testing your new insoles.
First, you should stand on the insole, without actually putting it in your footwear. Then, lift one foot up, and balance on the other one. See if you are stable and if you actually feel the support from the insole which you are balancing on.
Next, remove the regular insole already in the footwear, and do the same thing with the insole inside of your shoe. Again, concentrate on whether you feel stable, and if you have any support. Also be sure if the insole is the right fit – not too big, not too small.
Taking care of your insoles
Keep in mind that insoles usually last for, if you use them regularly, a year. Obviously, if you use them sparingly, they can last you a lot longer. Now, if you want them to stay useful for that year, do the following:
Air them out: This is especially important for people who have problems with foot odor. Just remove the insoles after a day of use, and let them, and your shoes, breathe.
Keep them clean: Use a mild detergent and wipe them down with a damp soft fabric, using warm water.
Check them regularly: See if there is any damage, cracks or cuts.
Conclusion
Having the right insole and the right footwear is extremely important, since everything begins with our step. So, give your feet what they deserve and buy a quality insole that will provide them with cushioning or support (depending on what they need). With the right insole, the pain in your feet will greatly decrease, and hopefully, will be gone after some time.
