What are shoe insoles?
Shoe insoles are basically customized insoles that are inserted into closed shoes for additional support and stability of the feet. In most places, they are customized as per individuals’ requirements depending on the type of foot a person has. It also depends on the arches of the foot, Structure, Stability of the foot, Base of Support, etc. they are made in such a way that it takes your natural shape of the foot to adapt with the body easily.
How are insoles made?
At Orthocure Clinics, we have FootBalance insoles which are particularly customized to the needs of individuals. Firstly, a proper foot analysis is performed, and is report is generated. It tells us about the foot shape arches and alignment of the feet. Later the size is selected which fits well into the shoe and the desired insole is then heated and molded into the individual’s type of foot accordingly, hence it is very comfortable to wear it on a daily regular basis as well.
For whom all are insoles recommended?
Insoles are recommended for people with any type of foot pain or heel pain, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, compromised ankle stability, ankle and foot alignment issues, chronic ankle sprains. It is recommended in people who are having an active lifestyle to keep them in constant active mode like immense walking, jogging, running, etc. it is also advised for individuals who play sports regularly like badminton, cricket, football or any other games so as to give them additional support and stability through insoles. Insoles are also advised for kids with flat feet or other foot issues as it provides additional support to the feet in the growing age.
How often do insoles last?
Ideally it is recommended to re-mold the insoles every 4 months to avoid complete distortion and collapse of it. The life of a single pair of insoles completely depends on the individual’s usage, how often you use it. On medium usage, insoles can last more than a year. With regular usage, insoles can last around 10 months approx. therefore, regular re-molding is important to prevent further damage to it. Re-molding increases the life of the insole to some extent and keeps the insole’s incorrect firm shape as required.
4 signs that you get new shoe inserts?
- Damaged- Over the period of time due to repeated usage, the insoles can get damaged and torn or cracked from sides which then does not give you the necessary support at feet level and from its boundaries. On being damaged, insoles can also become discolored and dully in appearance which should be noted. At times of vigorous exercising, insoles also tend to break apart. Avoid using such damaged insoles as it can increase your chances of fall and it can also give you ankle sprains easily. Therefore, this is the time to replace your insoles with new ones to give you better stability.
- Foul smelling insoles- insoles can be constantly smelling really bad due to sweat or waterlogging in shoes due to bad weather or moist and humid weather conditions etc. it certainly depends on what type of weather climate one lives in! At times wearing insoles, post-workout can cause it to be contained with sweat and germs and bacteria or fungus, especially which leads foul-smelling insoles and shoes together. This definitely needs to be replaced as we do not want to wear any foul-smelling stuff on our body, of course!
- Distortion or flattened insole- With regular use, insoles can get flattened with one’s own body weight over the period of time and it fails to serve the purpose to provide additional stability. It has natural arches of your foot-shaped and contoured at heel areas also which eventually get flattened with usage. In people with overweight or obese, it is recommended to replace insoles more frequently as they get over pressured with the bodyweight. Distortion of the contours of the insoles can also be seen and is an indication to change to new insoles for betterment.
- If your pain increases in the old insoles and it starts to move from its place- When insoles are inserted in the shoe, it should fit perfectly. Due to any reason if the current insole is hurting your feet more somehow, causing more discomfort to your feet, or if it is not properly fit in the shoe, it clearly signifies that existing insoles have started to worn out and will not give you the right fit in the shoe. Therefore, it’s an indication to get a new insole to achieve the proper fit in your shoe.
Hence, you always do want to keep a record and watch out for when you bought the insole, as you may also want to re-mold it as when required every few months later. With any insole, some wear and tear does occur depending on the usage, but be sure to note and analyze yourself, that when an insole no longer serves its function properly and thereby fails to provide you adequate support; it’s the time to invest in a new pair of insoles for good! Go, check your insoles now!!
By: Dr Neha Vachharajani
