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:
1. Lack of proper arch support
Some people have high arches, while others have flat feet. If an insole doesn’t match your foot’s natural shape, it can put strain on certain areas, leading to discomfort or pain.
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.
3. Incorrect sizing and fit
If an insole is too big, too small, or shifts around inside the shoe when you move, it can cause friction, blisters, and an unnatural gait. A poor fit can also affect weight distribution, leading to pain in the heels, arches, or balls of the feet.
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.
5. Foot conditions and personal needs
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or other foot conditions, standard insoles may not provide the specialized support you need.
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.
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
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.
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.
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