Need Better Shoes? Orthotic Insoles Can help
I’ve spent a lot of time extolling the virtues of compression socks and sleeves for both athletes and those who aren’t physically active. But today I want to introduce you to another weapon every person needs in their arsenal: insoles.
Insoles are great for people with a huge range of health concerns. But they’re great for the “average person,” too. You know – the type of people who have to wear dress shoes to work. (Is that you?) Here’s what insoles can do for you, and why they’re going to be your new best friend.
Orthotic Insoles Aren’t Just for Comfort
There are oodles of shoes advertised in stores which feature memory foam and other soft insoles. When you first try those shoes on, you’ll feel like you’re walking on air!
The trouble with these memory foam insoles is that they soon begin to, well, forget. As you walk in your shoes, particularly if you wear them daily, the foam will become damp from sweat or weather. The foam will begin to condense, and you’re left with a very hard, very uncomfortable and very unsupportive pair of shoes.
Orthotic insoles are different. They’re not attached to your shoe – they’re removable. That serves two purposes. First of all, you can take them out to let them dry, or “air.” Secondly, you’re not confined to wearing them in just one shoe. You can easily move them from your work shoes to your work boots and get the support you need no matter what you wear.
But it’s not just about comfort. There are actual medical issues which orthotic insoles can help to treat and prevent. If you suffer from heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, arthritis or other conditions, you should consider insoles for your shoes. Let’s take a look at why.
How Do Orthotic Insoles Help?
If you’ve read my previous posts, you know how firmly I believe that a properly fitting shoe is imperative to your health. A good pair of shoes can help to prevent injury, can alleviate foot pain, prevent blistering and even improve your athletic performance.
However, not all shoes will fit perfectly. Again, I’ll bring up the example of the man or woman who’s forced to wear “dress shoes” to work. These shoes aren’t comfortable. They’re stiff, offer little support and can cause a host of joint and tendon issues. But hey, they look good, right?
Insoles can make even the most uncomfortable dress shoe more supportive. Insoles which are suited to your foot shape will provide support to the arch of your foot, as well as to distribute your weight in your shoe. This relaxes your foot.
By relaxing your foot, you’ll find that you’re less prone to inflammation of the tendons and that your heels will feel more cushioned as you step. As a result, you’ll feel less pain in your feet.
Benefits of Orthotic Insoles
So now you know that your feet will feel better when you wear insoles in your shoes. Lessening the strain of the weight you put on your feet will work wonders – your feet will feel better right away!
But did you know that insoles are also good for other parts of your body? First of all, insoles act like little shock absorbers for your feet. Of course, that will help your heels feel better. But it will also have a positive impact on knee and joint pain!
Insoles are also great if your shoe size is a little hard to find. I have a friend who swears by insoles. He wears a size 12, but his feet are wide. As a result, he usually has to buy a size up, but the size 12.5 shoes are too big. Using insoles helps to make his shoes feel more secure on his feet. They’ve also reduced rubbing and blisters.
Insoles have been shown to improve posture. They’ll ensure that your feet are firmly placed in proper position, regardless of your pronation. As a result, you’ll stand correctly. What does that mean? That means you’ll experience much less back, knee and joint pain.
Finally, insoles can help to increase the flexibility of your feet. Flexibility of the muscles, joints and tendons in your feet can help prevent plantar fasciitis, trouble with your Achilles tendon and many other disorders.
Who Needs Orthotic Insoles?
I could answer this question by simply stating, “you do!” That wouldn’t be entirely accurate, though. Nor would it be a complete answer.
First of all, let’s consider athletic shoes. There are some sporting goods stores which will take time with you. They’ll watch you walk and run to gauge your pronation. Then, they’ll measure your feet, including your arch. After you’re evaluated, they’ll recommend the shoe that’s best for your foot.
If you’ve visited one of these stores, your shoes probably fit just fine. But that’s just your athletic shoes. What about your daily wear shoes, church shoes, work shoes… the list goes on.
Simply put, if you wear shoes, you should consider insoles. They’ll help prevent injury, sure. But even if that’s not enough reason, they just feel good! They’re like little beds for your feet, without the trouble that memory foam will give you.
Whether you’re suffering from foot pain or not, I’d bet the farm that you’ll see a positive impact on your foot and joint health with insoles.
Orthotic insoles are perfect for you if you want to:
- reduce strain on your muscles, joints and tendons.
- increase the lifespan of your shoe.
- reduce back pain and knee pain.
- alleviate the pain caused by arthritis.
- reduce fatigue caused by standing on your feet all day.
- improve athletic performance with shoes that aren’t custom fit.
- reduce foot odor.
As you can see, there are a huge number of reasons why you should use orthotic insoles. I said it earlier, but it’s worth saying again – your insoles will be your new best friend.
You can get some great Total Support Insoles right here on our page:
One Response
Do you supply women orthotics insoles to fit EU size 41?