I want to buy some inserts. What do you recommend?

An insert is any device which will fit into a shoe. This can be a soft, cushioned insole you find at the drug store for $10, or it can be a custom made orthotic costing a couple hundred dollars at your doctor's office. Soft insoles are flexible and add comfort and cushion to a shoe. When you purchase a soft, flexible insole, you should know that they will not be providing support, only extra cushion.

Arch support is a general term to describe any device which slips into the shoe and supports the arch. Placing something under the arch may add comfort or support and sometimes simple arch supports or pads from the drug store will do the trick. If you have the feeling that you just need a little padding under the arch, arch pads may be the perfect fit for you. But, if you have pain in your arch, placing a pad under the arch may increase the pain. If you have tired feet, especially at the end of the day, a slip-in dress insole will help support the arch in dress shoes, loafers and high heels. If you are not in dress shoes during the day, moldable arch supports should fit in your shoes and give a little more custom support.

If you have tired, achy feet at the end of the work day, but work all day on your feet, you will need more support. You will need a more rigid arch support that helps to control motion as well. Do not buy a drug store insole, you should buy your support at your local sporting goods store or running shop. Superfeet orthotics and ARCH Molds heat moldable insoles are both great choices. If you are a runner, walker, hiker or play sports, both superfeet and ARCH Molds are a great insole choice for impact activity.

For those with flatfeet or arch collapse it is important to have an insert which controls motion. The reason the arch collapses is because of abnormal motion in the foot, called pronation. Pronation is the rolling in of the feet in combination and the subsequent collapse of the arch. Individuals with a significant amount of abnormal motion should be in an orthotic. An orthotic controls abnormal motion in the foot and takes stress off the arch and adds support. Pre-fabricated orthotics can be purchased at sports stores and custom-made orthotics can be made through your podiatrist's office. Foot conditions such as posterior tibial tendonitis, tendon dysfunction or severe cases of plantar fasciitis need custom made orthotics through a doctor's office. Pre-fabricated orthotics like Superfeet and ARCH Molds can help with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, sore arches, mild to moderate flatfeet and callus development. They are more rigid than most insoles to offer support and motion control, yet have enough padding for comfort.

In summary:

Soft insoles just collapse under the weight of the body and do nothing more than add comfort and cushion. If cushion and comfort are what you want, then the soft insoles are a good choice.

Arch pads will give that feeling of extra support under the arch, but are not recommended for painful arches or medical conditions such as posterior tibial tendonitisor or severe plantar fasciitis.

For tired feet during the work day, a thinner, more narrow dress insole is recommended for dress shoes.

For tired, achy feet and arches try moldable arch supports, sport orthotics, or semi-flexbile inserts.

For athletes, those on their feet all day at work, those with arch pain, heel pain and sore achy feet stay away from soft flexible insoles and try semi-rigid inserts with soft covers like ARCH Molds and Superfeet. If you can generally wear any inserts, Superfeet will most likely work well for you. If you feel like inserts never seems to fit your feet, or you have trouble buying the correct fitting shoes, ARCH Molds Heat Moldable Insole will work better for you.

If you have posterior tibial tendonitis, severe flatfeet with associated pain or severe plantar fasciitis, we recommend you talk to a podiatrist about custom made orthotics.

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Disclaimer: The advice on this website is not intended to substitute for a visit to your health care provider. We will not be held liable for any diagnosis made or treatment recommended. Consult your doctor if you feel you have a medical problem.