Which kinds of Insoles are right for you?
There are a number of insoles on the market and each is designed
to serve a different purpose. The type of help you're looking
for will often decide what type of insole you should be looking
for.
Here are some of the common types of insoles that you might consider:
- Flat insoles – Also called “sock-liner insoles”
don't provide much more padding than the factory-installed
insoles. These might just be purchased to replace a damaged insole,
though you can find some with a little added cushioning to support
athletic activity.
- Soft arch supports – Designed with varying widths of foam
under the arch, these insoles are meant to provide extra cushioning
to the foot. These insoles are a great choice for to support your
arch during walking or other everyday activity. If maintaining
adequate toe room is a concern, try purchasing an insole that
only covers ¾ of the shoe's length.
- Rigid arch supports – Developed for high-impact support,
these quality insoles offer very controlled levels of cushioning.
Customized rigid insoles are available from your doctor.
Insoles may be made of foam, plastic, silicon and other materials,
each with its own benefit. Plastic and silicon insoles tend to outlast
foam insoles. Foam and silicon insoles are softer, while plastic
insoles can offer more controlled arch support.
In your search for the right insoles, you'll find insoles
that have more bells and whistles than these traditional types.
Magnetic insoles, for example, claim to help reduce foot pain. Vibrating
insoles offer small massages to help tired feet.
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