Finding the right Corrective Insole

If you have issues with gait or your feet a solution may be to use corrective insoles.  There is a wealth of choice out there so you need to consider before buying what your needs are.  What sort of insole do you need that will support you best?

How to choose the right type of insole for your needs

Here are some of the most common types of insoles sold on the market for specialized purposes.
Arch support insoles
If you’re looking for a cushion that provides all of the benefits of a standard premium cushion but you need a little more support the arch cushion will enhance your comfort by adding additional backing in the arch area of the foot.
Arch support insoles still provide the wearer with flexibility and comfort, however they also provide a nice balance of adding extra support for the arch. These type of insoles are great for anyone who is dealing with mild discomfort around their arches or for those who are getting used to orthotic inserts and need an interim to help them get adjusted.
If you are constantly walking around with poor arch support or feel as though your arch is not in a proper position then take a look at insoles that are designed to offer better arch support.
Orthotic insoles
Orthotic insoles are typically designed to provide arch specific support, however they can also provide support to the metatarsal and heel if necessary. These insoles are designed to be either rigged or semi-rigged in nature to provide support and improve foot alignment so that the wearer has proper motion control as they walk and flex their feet.
Orthotic insoles may be offered in full foot and 3/4 options depending on their use case (athletic or causal) and can also come in think or thick variations with thicker insoles adding greater levels of shock absorption.
Because orthotic insoles are often stiffer than arch supported or gel insoles they may feel uncomfortable or awkward to wear in the beginning so taking some time to adjust and get used to these insoles is a common practice among users.
Once you get used to these insoles through you’ll quickly come to love them and will definitely notice a difference whenever you wear shoes that don’t have orthotic insoles.
Gel/comfort insoles
As the name suggests gel insoles are made from a gel material and are primarily designed to improve foot comfort through their extremely soft material, which helps reduces foot shock and absorbs impact against hard surfaces.
These insoles are often noted for their softness and can work well for people who have mild foot aches and joint pain as they reduce the hardness and rigidity of walking on cement or concrete floors, however those with early signs of foot problems should see a specialist to identify if they need more appropriate insoles or foot care.
If you are perfectly healthy, but want to add a bit more cushioning and softness to your daily walking experience then gel insoles may be the right choice for you.
Athletic/trainer insoles
Athletic/trainer insoles focus on providing support to the athletes foot by having a built in arch, heel and toe design that facilities proper movement during extreme activities.
These insoles are made for high impact activities such as running, jumping, cycling or sports such as basketball, soccer and football, so they offer a very different form factor and level of support than low impact insoles, which are typically designed for walking or causal shoe wear.
In order to provide the best results athletic insoles may be made out of gel, foam or even rubber material depending on the activity being performed and the level of impact that is expected from that particular activity.
If you are an athletic individual and seeking an insole that will support your activities then think about investing in a pair of athletic/trainer insoles.
Heel support insoles
Heel support insoles are either sold as partial heel cups or as full insoles and are made specifically for individuals who need a little extra support in the heel area.
These insoles can be used to alleviate stress placed on the heels during long days, to prevent slippage in the shoe/boot when an existing heel doesn’t provide proper support, to help fill out a shoe that is a little too large for the individuals foot or even as a way to add an additional layer of comfort for those wearing high heels.
Both the thickness and softness of the heel insole will vary depending on the type of shoe being worn and the support that is needed for the foot.
Since a large amount of pressure is placed on the heel when standing these insoles are ideal for people who tend to support much of their weight on their heels for extended periods of time.
If you wear a boot or regular shoe a heel cup may be enough for you, however if you wear high heels than you may want a full insole to protect your foot and prevent you from obscuring your balance.
As always it is recommended that you see a foot specialist prior to adding an insole as you’ll want to make sure it is appropriate for your foot type.
Arthritic / Diabetic insoles
Simply put diabetic insoles are insoles that are designed to aide individuals who are dealing with a diabetic condition.
Thees insoles help those with either insensitive or hypersensitive foot conditions and provide an additional level of pressure relief to make walking easier and more comfortable.
Some arthritic/diabetic insoles may be designed with a self-molding material to that shapes itself naturally to the feet as the user wears it and uses the individuals own body heat and weight to help with the molding process.
If you’re an individual dealing with such a condition you should talk to your podiatrist or orthodontist to have them recommend an appropriate arthritic/diabetic insole for the best possible experience.
Corrective insoles
Corrective insoles are designed to correct foot alignment and put the foot in a more neutral, proper position. Corrective insoles are typically made with a mild level of arch and heel support to improve alignment and stop any potential rolling that may be going on as you walk around by cradling the foot in a more natural way.
For those who are dealing with specific medical conditions these insoles may also be designed with several layers including bacterial and microbial layers to prevent odor and fungus from occurring.
The level and positioning of the layers may be custom tailored to properly fit the individuals foot based on their measurements and their doctors prescription.
Custom insoles
Custom insoles are generally made by seeing a tailor or foot specialist that can take measurements and moldings of your foot to provide an appropriate custom insole for your particular needs.
These insoles are individually crafted based on the architecture of your foot to ensure the best possible supportive structure is designed and constructed for your foot.
If you have tried numerous insoles sold on the market, but still deal with foot issues or discomfort consider getting a custom made insole.
These insoles may be more expensive due to the custom design and additional work that goes into making them, but they can offer you the best fit and finish on the market.

High impact vs low impact insoles

The difference between high impact and low impact insoles is very simple and clear.
If you perform high impact activities (typically sports related) then you’ll want a insole designed to deal with the rigors of a high impact lifestyle, if however your day insoles low impact activities (walking, cycling etc…) than your best option is an insole that works well for low impact tasks.
In other words high impact insoles are designed for sports and high impact activities such as running, skiing, hiking, football or other high impact movements.
Low impact insoles are designed for casual activities such as walking, light volume work, cycling or other low impact movements.

Trimming your insoles for a better fit

When you first purchase your insoles it’s quite easy to over look fact that they don’t fit your shoe perfectly and just settle with the way they are.
Unless you purchase an insole that is designed to fit your shoe size and shape perfectly you may be creating an imbalance by shoving an incompatible insole into your shoe.
Prior to purchasing your insole check to see if it is designed to be trimmed to fit your shoes.
Some insoles are sold as is with no trimming necessary, but there are plenty of insoles that are designed to be trimmed in order to provide an appropriate fit.
If you do happen to purchase such a pair of insoles be sure to follow the guided instructions available to you in the manual or online though the manufacturers website.
By trimming your insoles (if that’s how they’re designed) you’ll provide yourself with a better fit and save yourself from the discomfort of walking around with an imbalanced, crunched up insole.

Where to buy insoles

Insoles can be found sold at most major shoe stores and at online shoe retailers as well as large distributors such as Amazon.com
There are a number of benefits to shopping at a physical store location or online.
One of the benefits of shopping in stores is the fact that it is easier and faster to return the insoles if they do not work out well for you.
Additionally depending on the store you may have the option of speaking with a representative who can help you pick out an insole that’s right for you.
In regards to shopping online there is a huge benefit of having customer reviews that you can scroll through to identify the pros and cons of each insole
In fact websites such as Amazon.com may have thousands of reviews on a single item, which can provide you with plenty of information and insights into a particular insole so that you can make the best buying decision possible.
Reading reviews and best sellers is also a great way for you to identify any potential issues that may not be mentioned in the products description.
Either way you decide to shop for your insoles it is important to know what you can expect when buying at a physical store versus shopping online.
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