Shoe insoles can help achieve top-tier comfort and fit. To ensure that's the case, you should know how to use insoles correctly.
Not all insoles are created equal. Some are right to size and fit on top of your shoe insoles. Others need to be cut down to the right size, while some require the removal of the original insoles. Other considerations are important for using insoles correctly. This will be the last guide you need on using insoles. Let's dive in!
The buying process
A new pair of insoles is only as good as the condition it's meant to target. Before you buy a new insole, take a few moments to consider your arch type, cushioning, and any foot problem. The insole to target heel pain will differ from those meant for plantar fasciitis. We have covered all foot conditions and their relevant foot insoles in blogs on this website.
Sizing is another key inclusion toward your choice of insoles. Insoles often correspond with your shoe size. S0, if you are a size 8, you would need a size 8 insole. Some insoles also come in a range of sizes, like 6-8. So if you are a size 7, you would have to cut them down to the size of your shoes.
For more information on selecting the right insole, check out our post How do you pick good shoe insoles?
Insertion and fitment
Insertion and fitment will always be important, even with the size of the right insole. Each manufacturer has their own usage specifications. It's important to know that only thin cushioning insoles like Foot Morning insoles can work without replacing the original insoles.
In most cases, full-length insoles with arch support or a deep heel cup will require you to remove the original insoles. This is also the case for custom insoles and orthotics.
The removal process
The removal process for the inner soles is rather simple. Your shoe's original insoles should slide out easily from your shoe. In some cases, especially sports shoes, they may be stuck to the shoe. In this case, gently start peeling the insole from the shoe's base without damaging the base or any threads in the process. Use a cloth dipped in warm water to loosen any glue that may be holding the insole down.
Using the same warm cloth, gently rub out any leftover glue pieces. We want to ensure that the new insole is properly secured to the shoe's base.
Placing the new insoles
If the shoe has laces, remove the laces and move the tongue of the shoe out of the way. First, we will do a test fit. Place the insole within the shoe starting at the heel, then apply pressure over the midfoot area, followed by the toes.
Before sticking the new insoles into the shoe, ensure it lines up well. The arch, heel, and big toe regions should align almost perfectly. If that's not the case, you likely got the wrong size. You may also need to trim the insoles if there's any excess toward the edges.
Once trimmed, peel any adhesive tape from the insole and gently place the insole, just like we did for the test fit. Smooth any wrinkles or air pockets using your fingers or a credit card. Don't apply high pressure anytime, as this can warp the insole. Your feet will apply even pressure once you wear the shoes.
Wearing your shoes
After adding your new insoles, lace your shoes back up and wear them. The laces must be snug at the same level as before. Wearing your shoes after insole installation will make sure that it stays glued into the shoe.
Adaptation period
Insoles work by providing comfort and extra support to your foot. Although that may not be the case right off the bat. A slow and steady approach is the best one here.
Start slow: Don't wear your new insoles all the time. Start by using them for a few hours a day. This allows your feet to get accustomed to this new alignment.
Alternate your usage: Consider alternating between your new insoles and a different footwear style. Since your foot is not used to the support, you may feel the need to do this.
Monitor levels of discomfort: It's natural to feel uncomfortable in a new pair of insoles but not to a debilitating or painful level. If you feel a great degree of discomfort in your insoles, stop usage completely.
Medical Help: In some rare cases where even the best-suited insole cannot solve your foot condition. You may then seek medical attention from a foot specialist. They may then recommend a different insole or a foot orthotic based on your foot type.
Breaking-in period: All insoles, especially those used in sport's shoes, have a breaking-in period. It's the same as shoes. They may start slightly rigid or tight and get comfortable over time. This is the time it takes for insoles and your foot to adapt to each other. We recommend allowing 2-3 weeks until it feels comfortable to wear your insoles.
If you have made the right choice for your foot type, the insole should be functional and comfortable to wear. Have patience; with time, insoles will be more comfortable, and foot conditions will be resolved.
Maintenance and replacement
Shoe insoles don't last forever and will wear out like your shoes. That's why it's important to know how to take care of them and when to get a new insole. To find out the lifespan of different types of insoles, check out How Long Do Insoles Last?
Maintenance
The maintenance of different types of insoles is fairly standard. Use a clean cloth to remove any debris from the insole. Then, gently wipe down the insole's surface with a cloth dipped in lukewarm water. Allow the insoles to air dry completely before wearing your shoes again. For anything gel-based, just use tap water instead of warm water.
You can repeat the same process if you have a removable pair of insoles. This time just let them air dry before inserting them back into the shoe. It is important to follow your manufacturer's instructions if you are looking to wash or deep clean your insoles.
Replacement
Regardless of the type of insole that you're using you will need to replace it after a certain period of time. This can range anywhere from 6 months to five years. Replace your insoles if you see visible signs of damage or experience any loss in support. You will likely start to see signs of wear at the heels and arch supports. This can include cracks, loss of function, and flattening of cushions.
Use multiple pairs of insoles in different pairs of shoes to reduce overall wear time. This helps the insoles last longer as their total wear time will be less.
Insoles for different activities
Activity-specific insoles can help you find the ideal fit for the task. While at work, you may need to stand long hours. Good arch support with cushioning will help you, but it won't be ideal for crushing a 5k run. But before we dive into these activity types, it's important to know that you don't need them all at once. Start by getting one insole for your primary shoe and then tweak others as required.
Running: Running is a high-impact activity. It puts your feet through high degrees of tension with little time to react to the outside forces. For a running insole, select a pair with good shock absorption while promoting the best alignment. A semi-rigid or rigid arch support may be essential to ensure proper foot mechanics.
Hiking: Hiking insoles should prioritize stability and comfort over everything else. Look for insoles with thick heel cushions, as you may need to wear them for hours. A cushioned arch support will also be ideal for long periods of walking.
Sports: Different sports may require different considerations. For basketball, you will need an insole with great cushioning with vertical support while football shoes will need to allow for quick movement. Start by seeking what the professionals are using, then work back to the required price point.
Occupation: Your job may require you to spend much time on your feet. This is the case with salespeople, doctors, construction workers, and kitchen staff. In this case, look for a supportive insole with ample cushioning, arch support, and metatarsal pads for a better fit and enhanced comfort. To learn more, check out Best Insoles for Standing All-day
Compatibility: Not all insoles will be suitable for all types of shoes. Some are for running, while others are for standing all day. You will likely have to cross-shop between brands to find more options for different types of shoes.
Using other accessories
Insoles can be a godsend when it comes to dealing with foot conditions or simply improving comfort. However, this is only the first step. You should look for other accessories to combine with insoles to improve foot comfort. These include heel pads placed on the back of the shoe to prevent foot bites. Toe spacers can be used to reduce toe pain and tackle Morton's neuroma. Ball of foot cushions can be used to tackle ball of foot pain due to the formation of pressure points in the foot.
We have covered some of these accessories in our post Foot Pain and Conditions
Custom orthotics
It is important to know that custom orthotics are medical tools. A podiatrist creates them after critically analyzing your foot shape and gait. They are primarily made to fix a medical condition by a certified medical professional. While they are shoe inserts, they can't be classified in the same category as off-the-counter insoles.
Based on the materials used in an orthotic, they may cost significantly higher than regular insoles. This makes them sturdier, leading to a greater lifespan. They may also have their specific use cases with their own limitations. Orthotics may also have different maintain nice and replacement requirements compared to standard shoe insoles. For the best advice about orthotic insoles, consult your physician about their different use cases and attributes.
Conclusion
Shoe insoles can provide greater comfort and support to their wearer. The insole can do its job perfectly with the right selection and proper installation. Insoles have a certain adaptation period where your foot gets accustomed to the insole and vice-versa. To get the best out of your insoles, it's important to maintain them and replace them as required. For maximum comfort, you should combine your insoles with other footwear accessories. Combining the right insole for the correct shoe size and type will help improve foot health and conditions.
