Trying to find the best insoles for your shoes can be overwhelming. There are so many options and prices that it can be difficult and confusing to know where to even begin. Are you looking for regular insoles or custom orthotics? Do you need them for high heels, running shoes, or all? Are you looking for gel or foam, or both? Do you need arch support? All these questions and more make choosing from the maze of different shoe inserts daunting. But it doesn’t have to be.
What Are Insoles?
Every pair of shoes that you own has its own uniquely designed insole. Unfortunately, not every person’s foot will feel comfortable wearing the same shoes. Luckily you can customize your comfort level when wearing your favorite pair of shoes using a padded insole that fits your foot perfectly.
Benefits of Insoles
The benefits of wearing insoles in your shoes are many. First and foremost, they bring your feet back to a level position, which will reduce the pain in your knees and lower back. Second, insoles absorb shock that your knees would otherwise absorb. Third, they support the arch of your foot to reduce over-pronation (the rolling of the foot inward).
Fourth, they give you more spring in your step and reduce fatigue after a long day. Fifth, insoles help draw moisture away from your feet to keep them dry and comfortable. Finally, insoles keep your feet warm by maintaining a uniform temperature between the insole and your foot.
In addition to reducing knee pain and back pain symptoms, insoles can prevent calluses and corns from forming on the bottom of the feet. They can also help with hammertoes and bunions by keeping all parts of your foot correctly aligned, reducing friction between adjacent toes.
Types of Insoles
Many different insoles are available on the market; some are designed simply for comfort, others offer support for specific conditions like plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, and some distribute weight more evenly across your feet. They can also be made of different types of material and have their benefits when put to use.
Gel Insoles
Gel is a very comfortable, soft material that absorbs shock and provides cushioning with every step. It is also very durable, making it great for high-impact activities like running. But that same durability also means that they are not as flexible as foam or fabric insoles, so they may not fit into all shoes. This can also make them uncomfortable in shoes with a narrow toe box.
Also, gel insoles do not breathe well, so your feet will likely sweat more than if you were wearing a fabric or foam insole. This means that they may not last as long as other types of shoe inserts. However, this problem can be solved by purchasing removable gel insoles so you can wash them periodically to remove odors and put them back in for a fresh start!
Foam Insoles
Foam is another popular material used to make shoe inserts. It is more flexible than gel, so it fits in a wider variety of shoes and molds itself to your foot for a custom fit. Like gel insoles, though, the foam tends to absorb moisture, which causes odor and needs to be cleaned regularly, especially when used often.
Insoles for Your Shoes: Conclusion
The right pair of insoles can do wonders for your feet and ankles, and they can offer support, comfort and even help relieve pain that you may be feeling from the impact of your feet moving on the ground. The best insoles for you will depend entirely on what type of foot problems you may be experiencing, so it’s good to know what those problems are before you go shopping.
At Dale’s Shoes, we work with the following insurance providers, such as Medicare, Florida Health Care Plans, and Humana, to help create custom orthotics for our customers. If you’re interested in feeling more comfortable in your favorite pair of shoes, visit our new location today, at 453 South Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174.