Shoe Inserts, Insoles & Arch Supports - There Really Is a Difference
The term "shoe inserts" is sometimes used generically for a variety of things that are inserted into the shoe.
Understanding the differences between them could mean the difference between a pleasant walk in the park and a painful death march.
Inserts These are the things you can pull out and remove from most athletic shoes.
They are usually made of soft foam and may even have a shape formed in them that resembles an arch support.
Unfortunately, these inserts really do little more than cover the stitching from the inside of the shoe.
They are not nearly strong enough to actually hold your foot in its correct position, and are really no more than glorified cushions.
Insoles These are primarily cushions, designed to absorb the shock when your feet hit the ground.
While insoles do offer some comfort due to their inherent, "cushiony" material - and some even offer odor and wetness control - they give no real support for your feet or its arches and do nothing to keep your foot positioned properly.
Their shape tends to cover the entire sole of the inside of the shoe, as it is made to fit your shoes, not your feet.
Arch Supports While inserts and insoles are designed to fit your shoes, arch supports are made to fit your feet.
Some places will try to sell you an off the shelf model of a "one size fits all" support, but don't fall for it.
If you just want some foot cushion, those are fine, but if you want your feet to be truly supported and held in their most ideal position for optimum stability and balance, you really need custom fit arch supports.
Your feet are constantly bending and flexing under your weight while you walk, run, jump or even just stand.
Arch supports are the only one of the three foot devices listed that can relieve foot pain from most foot problems for long periods of time.
If the arch in your foot is not supported properly, it can collapse, giving you what is commonly known as flat feet, or fallen arches.
Neither insoles nor inserts can relieve your foot pain for any length of time.
Arch supports can and do for millions of people.
There is a huge variety of arch support designed for your specific foot type as well as the lifestyle you live and the shoes you wear.
Arch supports can be discreetly placed in athletic shoes, dress shoes, work boots, sandals and even high heels.
You can be personally fit in about 30 minutes and could walk out virtually pain free.
Understanding the differences between them could mean the difference between a pleasant walk in the park and a painful death march.
Inserts These are the things you can pull out and remove from most athletic shoes.
They are usually made of soft foam and may even have a shape formed in them that resembles an arch support.
Unfortunately, these inserts really do little more than cover the stitching from the inside of the shoe.
They are not nearly strong enough to actually hold your foot in its correct position, and are really no more than glorified cushions.
Insoles These are primarily cushions, designed to absorb the shock when your feet hit the ground.
While insoles do offer some comfort due to their inherent, "cushiony" material - and some even offer odor and wetness control - they give no real support for your feet or its arches and do nothing to keep your foot positioned properly.
Their shape tends to cover the entire sole of the inside of the shoe, as it is made to fit your shoes, not your feet.
Arch Supports While inserts and insoles are designed to fit your shoes, arch supports are made to fit your feet.
Some places will try to sell you an off the shelf model of a "one size fits all" support, but don't fall for it.
If you just want some foot cushion, those are fine, but if you want your feet to be truly supported and held in their most ideal position for optimum stability and balance, you really need custom fit arch supports.
Your feet are constantly bending and flexing under your weight while you walk, run, jump or even just stand.
Arch supports are the only one of the three foot devices listed that can relieve foot pain from most foot problems for long periods of time.
If the arch in your foot is not supported properly, it can collapse, giving you what is commonly known as flat feet, or fallen arches.
Neither insoles nor inserts can relieve your foot pain for any length of time.
Arch supports can and do for millions of people.
There is a huge variety of arch support designed for your specific foot type as well as the lifestyle you live and the shoes you wear.
Arch supports can be discreetly placed in athletic shoes, dress shoes, work boots, sandals and even high heels.
You can be personally fit in about 30 minutes and could walk out virtually pain free.
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