If you have flat feet (also referred to as fallen arches or pes planus), you’re more likely to develop pain in your feet, calves, ankles or back than people with normal arches. To avoid or reduce the symptoms of flat feet, orthotic insoles has proven to help most people who try them.
Your arches act like springs for your feet and help distribute body weight. When they’re not present, it changes how you walk and even how you stand.
It’s common for people with fallen arches to have feet that point outward, for example. They also tend to wear out the outside of the heels of their shoes as a result of this.
Walking or standing for long periods of time can be painful in most shoes because they don’t provide enough support to properly align the body when you’re on your feet. That’s where insoles come into play. With the right type of insole, most people can become symptom free.
There are a few options available as far as insoles go and it’s important that you choose the correct type for your feet. The main ones can be categorized into one of the following:
These types of insoles won’t provide any support, they’re only meant to be used as replacements for the sock liners that come with your shoes. They’re usually very thin and made out of foam, gel, or cotton. If you have flat feet, these type of insoles will not help with your symptoms.
Cushioned arch support insoles are also not ideal for people with fallen arches. While they might feel comfortable, they won’t help realign your feet and ankles enough to treat all symptoms common with flat feet.
People who are looking for extra cushioning to help with foot fatigue from standing a lot, or people who like to run long distances but have normal arches, can start off trying a pair of cushioned arch support insoles and see if they work for them. If you suffer from shin splints, overpronation, supination or arch pain, however, you should try an orthotic insole instead.
Orthotics insoles are meant to properly align your feet to a position they are meant to be in, and they do this by addressing the heel and arch of your foot. Orthotics will have a heel cup that allows your heel to sink down and keep your ankle from moving around too much. The arch support is also crucial because it helps restore the normal arch people with flat feet are missing.
Orthotic insoles can be split into two categories; rigid and semi-rigid. The rigid orthotics are exactly what they sound like, they’re stiff. While they will get the job done, they are not comfortable to wear and are not for everyone. Their main purpose is to support abnormal foot mechanics. They’re made out of hard plastic that has been molded after your foot, which means you have to go see a doctor to even get a pair. That also means they will be a lot more expensive than over the counter insoles. Since they’re made specifically for your feet, they are, however, more likely to work long-term. On the other hand, many people find them too uncomfortable to wear, which is something to consider as well.
Semi-rigid orthotics are also molded after your feet and will help with the same issues, but they also have cushioning built in to make them more comfortable. So there’s still the hard plastic mold, but it’s surrounded by layers of soft material.
Our insoles were designed to bridge the gap between comfortable and effective. We designed a custom grade over the counter orthotic that won’t hurt your feet or your wallet. Using science, biomechanics and research, we created a patented orthotic design that helps support feet while placing the body in an optimal biomechanic position. Our insoles have a neutral shell with memory foam around it that will mold after your foot as you use them. The results are almost instant and you’ll never want to take another step without them!
