A Guide to Selecting the Right Insole

Ever put on a new pair of shoes and experienced soreness in your arches or footbed after a short time walking around? We often blame the shoes, but the culprit might be the insole that came with them. Can insoles hurt your feet? Absolutely – if they are not designed for optimal comfort, performance, and support. 

Most standard insoles that come with our footwear are not designed for the average wearer, or for what the shoe is designed for; for example, a flat, non-supportive insole in a running shoe. After a few strides down the road, you might be feeling the lack of shock absorption in your feet or, worse, your knees and hips.

Why Standard Insoles Can Cause Foot Pain 

Feet don’t necessarily conform to a “standard”, which makes a standard insole problematic for some wearers. People who need to be on their feet all day, run or walk long distances, or who suffer from foot issues like plantar fasciitis (to name just a few) require more out of an insole. 

Here are some reasons why standard insoles can hurt your feet:

2. Too soft or too firm

Many shoe manufacturers include generic insoles that prioritize cost over comfort. Some insoles are too soft, offering little to no support, while others are too firm, creating pressure points.

4. Worn-out or low-quality materials

Over time, insoles break down and lose their support. If your shoes feel comfortable at first but start to cause pain, worn-out insoles could be the reason.

Look for an insole that matches your arch type – Whether you need high, medium, or low arch support, finding the right insole shape is key to comfort.

Choose the right material – Different insole foams offer different benefits, such as greater cushion with softer more flexible materials, or greater support with firmer materials. Consider what works best for your foot type and the activities you’ll be doing in your shoes.

Ensure proper fit – Insoles should sit securely in your shoe without moving around. If they shift or feel bunched up, they may not be the right size.

Consider custom or orthotic insoles – If foot pain persists, it may be worth investing in custom orthotics designed specifically for your foot shape and needs.

Remember – your insoles should be comfortable immediately. There is no break-in time or adjustment period. Insoles and midsole cushioning should feel great from the start. If it doesn’t, it won’t get any better, because lower-quality foams will only lose their cushioning over time. 

Comfort Insoles Right Out of the Box

You can avoid potential foot pain from a standard insole by looking for footwear made using INSITE Insoles.

Our insoles are built using the ProvenComfort™ system, a series of biomechanics tests designed to quantify the comfort of our insoles and the footwear they’re built for.

Read More: Shock Absorption in Shoes: How and Why It Works

The Right Insole Makes All the Difference

Achieving all-day comfort and reduced foot pain can be as simple as the insole. If the insoles that came with your shoes aren’t working for you, don’t settle and struggle with ongoing foot pain – understand what you need to keep your feet comfortable all day long.

Want to give INSITE Insoles a try? Find us in Carhartt, Adidas, Under Armor, Timberland, Reebok, Deckers Brands, Lucchese, Move, 5.11, and Arc’Teryx.

Request a Tech Pack

Ready to redefine gravity for your footwear customers? Request a tech pack from INSITE today, and we’ll send you samples of INSITE’s latest foam innovations.