You Need Insoles!
No two feet are the same. Okay, your right and your left foot are pretty similar to one another. But your arch, pronation, bone structure and even tendon shape is unlike any other person’s in this world.
You also use your feet differently than anyone else. Maybe you’re standing all day at work. Or maybe you’re training for a marathon. Perhaps you wear heels to work, where you spend the day at your desk.
So it naturally follows that no one shoe is designed to fit every foot. That’s where insoles come in. Who needs insoles? You do! Insoles help mold your shoe to the perfect fit, regardless of your lifestyle!
Here are a few clues that insoles may be right for your unique feet.
1. You wear rigid shoes.
When you shopped for your work boots, you spent a lot of time ensuring they’d protect your feet from the hazards you face at work. Whether you’re a soldier or a mechanic, it’s important that your shoes be rigid, that they fit you snugly and that they protect the delicate bones in your feet.
But what about your arches? Work boots and other sturdy shoes tend to be inflexible, and don’t provide the right support for your arches. This can lead to a host of conditions – foot pain and even knee problems. A gel insole will give your feet the support you need to get you through the day.
2. You’re overweight.
Carrying extra body weight means exerting extra pressure on your heart, lungs and joints. But it also puts extra pressure on your feet. In fact, every 1 extra pound of body fat can put as much as 5 extra pounds of pressure on your feet!
Obesity causes a huge number of health problems, not least of all problems with your feet. Flat footedness and uncomfortably fitting shoes as a result of wide feet are two very common problems associated with being overweight. As a result, your arches will be forced to accommodate a different shape than is natural.
If you’re overweight, a firm, supportive insole is a good choice for you. Orthotic insoles can help support your feet while you lose weight.
3. You’re an athlete.
Obviously if you’re a swimmer this may not apply to you. But athletes who engage in high-impact sports would benefit greatly from a gel insole.
Running, basketball, tennis and weightlifting are just a few of the activities that are tough on your feet. What makes gel insoles so great for you is that they’re like little shock absorbers – as you jump and sweat, they insoles will protect your feet from injury better than your shoes will. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles problems and more can be remedied with insoles if you’re athletic.
4. You have bunions or calluses.
Bunions are extremely painful, and they’re caused by your big toe pushing against your second toe. If your bunions are extreme, please see your doctor to check whether an insole is right for you. If your bunions are mild, a gel insole can provide quite a bit of pain relief.
Gel insoles are just about a sure bet for helping with calluses. In fact, the cool feeling of the gel insoles alone can do wonders for your foot pain. You’ll feel almost immediate relief from calluses when you step into shoes sporting a gel insole.
5. You wear “work shoes.”
You do your best to look professional and put together at work – from your tie or handbag all the way down to your shoes. Unfortunately, most “work shoes” aren’t built for support, only style.
You can still wear those pumps or oxfords to work. Just pick up a set of gel insoles. Your insole will protect the arch of your foot, but will also stabilize your foot. That means you’ll be less likely to suffer from blisters, heel and ankle pain and even joint pain.
For the best results, bring your insoles with you when you go shoe shopping. Every professional shoe is a bit different, so try the shoe on with the insole inserted. You may find that you need to buy a half size up to fit your feet properly.
6. You stand all day.
Teachers. Police officers. Factory employees. Nurses. Personal trainer. There are hundreds of jobs that require you to stand – and walk around – on your feet all day. If you hold one of those jobs, insoles will be your next best friend.
The pain associated with standing on your feet throughout the work day could be caused by any number of factors. Maybe your shoes don’t fit right, or it could be that you twist your ankles when you walk. Maybe your arches are high, or low.
Whatever the reason, you probably already know that the pain isn’t just limited to your feet. Your knees, hips and back may begin to hurt, too. Give your feet support and cushioning with gel insoles and you’ll notice the difference right away.
7. You don’t frequently buy shoes.
While it’s always recommended that you keep your shoes up to date, sometimes you just have an old favorite that you wear, despite the age of the shoe.
You can extend the life of your shoe by inserting a gel or orthotic insole. The insole will cushion your feet, acting as a “second sole.” But there’s no need to wait until your shoes are old! Purchase a set of insoles with each new pair of shoes you buy. Insoles will actually reduce the wear and tear on your shoes, extending their lifespan.
8. You have health conditions.
Believe it or not, insoles can help you manage some of the pain associated with certain health conditions. Arthritis, diabetes and bursitis can all do some serious damage to your feet. You can remedy some of that pain with a good set of insoles.
Of course, you’ll want to talk to your doctor if you have a health condition. Insoles won’t treat your condition, and only your doctor can clear you for use. Insoles are safe for most of the population, though, so it’s almost certain that your doctor will give you the okay!
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