How To Get The Best Insoles For Flat Feet
Are your feet giving you a hard time when running? If so, you might want to consider investing in some insoles. Especially for flat feet, it might be good to have extra support so that you can continue to enjoy your runs. In this article, we’ll give you advice on how to get the best insoles for flat feet.
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How do insoles help with your feet?
While you might have heard that insoles can be good for your feet, perhaps you have wondered just how exactly they help with them. Here are a few, important reasons when it comes to wearing this special orthotic:
1. They prevent injuries.
The simplest purpose for putting insoles into your shoes is to avoid possible injuries from happening. They can help runners protect their body from conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
In addition, many athletes just tend to slip insoles into their shoes, simply for convenience when it comes to long distance runs and also lower the risk for injuries while doing so.
2. They help correct posture.
Especially for people who have flat feet, insoles can help align the legs to prevent problems related to ankles and knees. Since they are some of the most crucial (and also most fragile) parts of the body, protecting your ankles and knees are essential to your physical health.
3. They reduce pain caused by injuries.
Even if you do end up getting injured, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t continue to go about your day-to-day activities, whether it’s a small walk or moving around the house.
According to a 2011 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, wearing insoles could, in fact, reduce foot conditions such as plantar fascia strain by up to 34 percent. With that said, this orthotic is considered useful for alleviating pressure and pain.
Reference: http://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com
What are some types of flat feet?
Just like the different categories of foot types (e.g. high arch, medium arch), there are several distinctive types of low arches, aka “flat feet.”Here are the types to determine what kind your feet are:
1. Flexible flatfoot.
When flexing your foot, there’s still a slight arch to it, and as a consequence does not cause any troubles in terms of pain and other uncomfortable conditions.
2. Painful rigid flatfoot.
As the name suggests, it’s a type of flatfeet in which you are unable to flex your foot; as a result, it creates pain and stiffness (hence, “rigid”), which might make things difficult for moving around.
3. Spasmodic flatfoot.
This is probably the most extreme condition of being flatfooted: due to spasms of the leg’s peroneal muscle, it can create lots of pain and discomfort, even when just walking a short distance.
What causes flat feet?
Reasons that you might be flatfooted can be due to the fact either that you were born with them or developed them as you got older. For the latter, here are some possible factors that might have given you flat feet:
- Weak Arches
- Arthritis
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- Injuriest to the lower body
- Strained or rupted tendons
- Side effects from the nervous and muscular systems
How do you choose your insoles?
Once you know all about the concept of being flatfooted, as well as the benefits to wearing insoles to support those uncomfortable arches, it’s now time to choose (and eventually purchase) your insoles!
Granted, the process of finding the right fit can be daunting, especially when there are so many opportunities to customize or easily buy them from the local drugstore. Whether or not you’re fine with shelling out a notable amount of money or staying within a certain budget, here are a few suggestions to get you started picking your ideal orthotics:
1. Communicate with your doctor beforehand.
Before jumping right in and getting your new insoles, take a step back and talk with your doctor about your situation. Communication is essential since you’ll receive clear and better advice from them on what to get.
For instance, discuss your everyday activities: do you do a lot of walking and being up on your feet all day? Also factor in how much you exercise daily, and from there you can evaluate the best fit for your insoles.
2. Get a size fitting
Make sure the insole you’re planning to get fits the inside of your shoe. Usually, they are either just about the same size or slightly smaller. Check measurements and possibly get a fitting for insoles before making your purchase.
3. Check the material
Besides making sure that the insole is made of good, firm material, also test to see if it’s supple; you wouldn’t want to be wearing rigid, platform-like orthotics within your shoes! Also check to see if it’s machine washable, as you’ll probably be wearing it a lot…if you find it comfortable, that is!
5 Best Insoles For Flat Feet On The Market.
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** Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon"
1. Powerstep Full-Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles
Manufactured in the United States, the Powerstep insoles support U.S.-made products while also striving to make the best, affordable quality insoles out there. They’re known to help those not only reduce pain from running-induced
Via Amazon.com
Pros:
- This particular brand has a heel cradle, which cushions that area with every strike.
- It contains a Variable Cushioning Technology (VCT), which helps you stay comfortable during physical activities and when standing or walking.
- Besides having a dramatic arch to mold your feet into, it also has a soft, balanced texture.
- Has been able to alleviate long-term knee pain.
Cons:
- It can tend to squeak a bit, which users might find distracting when going about day-to-day activities.
- The insole tends to wear out pretty quickly, within 2 to 3 months of use.
- The high arch might be too stiff and uncomfortable for some users to wear, especially for an entire day.
- Some sizes might be slightly too small when fitted into the shoe, which as a result causes them to slide around during physical activity.
2. Dr. Scholl's Active Series Replacement Insoles
As one of the leading manufacturers in foot-engineering technology, Dr. Scholl’s insoles have been used by many people with foot issues for many years. From the heel to the ball of the foot, these insoles provide all-around padding for the user to wear at any time of the day.
Via Amazon.com
Pros:
- With its trademark SweatMax technology, these particular insoles can help reduce sweat odor from the inside of the shoe.
- Dr. Scholl’s insoles are able to reduce shock impact by as much as 40 percent.
- Another feature is that the insoles have triple zone protection: padding for the ball of the foot, a reinforced arch support, and a deep heel cup- all to improve cushioning!
- They are also versatile to be worn for other types of shoes (sneakers, combat boots, etc.).
Cons:
- They might not be as soft and comfortable to wear compared with other insole brands.
- The reinforced arch support is made of plastic, which might make the overall insole feel a bit stiff.
- Dr. Scholl’s insoles might not hold up well for long distance runs (instead, possibly opt for shorter workouts.
- The size can be too bulky, thereby making it a tight squeeze for the inside of your shoes.
3. SpencoPolysorb Cross-trainer Insoles
Able to be used with just about any sport (running, weight-lifting, walking), Spenco’s insoles offers special cushioning when it comes to both heel and forefoot striking, thereby reducing impact…and at an affordable price!
Via Amazon.com
Pros:
- Spenco’s insoles consist of a lightweight PolySorb arch, as well as a SpenCore cover for heel support, thereby giving you that extra cushioning that you might need.
- These can last longer than other insole brands out there.
- Good for those who are constantly active all day long.
Cons:
- It might not have as much shock absorption compared to other insole brands; it might not be a good choice for jumpers.
- The arch may not be high enough for some foot types, thereby not giving enough support for the foot.
- The material can be quite thin, which might offer less cushioning for the foot.
4. Orthotics for Flat Feet by Samurai Insoles®
Originally designed by a podiatrist, Samurai Insoles have the professional background in their success in helping those with foot problems become balanced once again. They also follow the average shoe sizes (9-12), which makes it easier to purchase them without any guesswork involved.
Via Amazon.com
Pros:
- Samurai Insoles help controls the feet from over-pronating, a symptom common to people with flat feet. They might also help correct for it.
- It has a slim, minimal design which can also work great with other types of shoes (e.g. slippers, flats, boots).
- The insoles provide a good combination of firm support and also soft and comfortable cushioning.
- Besides helping with foot issues, they can also aid in back problems.
Cons:
- This particular brand is much pricier compared to others previously listed.
- The effects of the shoe on the foot might not be as dramatic as users had imagined, thereby making the price of it not worthwhile.
- Especially for flatfooted people, the insoles might not have enough arch support.
- The sizing on the label might not be reflective of your actual shoe size.
5. Superfeet Black Premium Insoles
Superfeet’s insoles are distinctive in that they offer slim, tight-fitting orthotics that can be slipped into just about any kind of shoe, while also staying put inside. They are especially good for people who have lower-arched feet, who can use them to get support while moving around.
Via Amazon.com
Pros:
- Superfeet’s insoles contain an Encapsulating Stabilizer System (ESS), which offer support for beneath the foot.
- They also consist of a high-density foam that is moisture-proof and adds extra comfort to every inch of the foot.
- The company brand offers insoles in different colors, which represents a different level of arch support, higher or lower.
- Additionally, these insoles are thin enough to fit into almost any kind of shoe, including dress shoes.
Cons:
- They might not offer enough padding, and instead can be rather hard and stiff to wear inside of shoes.
- These insoles might not be the best choice for people who have more severe foot problems (e.g. plantar fasciitis.
- They contain sharp, hard plastic heel that, if not careful, can ruin the inside of your shoes.
- Might not be as flexible for some feet to wear.
Winner Of The Roundup
Now that we’ve seen all of the top 5 best insoles, the winner of the roundup would have to be...
SpencoPolysorb Cross-trainer Insoles (#3)
Via: Amazon.com
What made this particular insole stand out from the rest was its ability to be used constantly in day-to-day activities, as well as physical exercises.
Not wearing out as quickly as other brands, while also being affordable, was a plus as well. Its ankle support also demonstrates that it can protect from (as well as also prevent) injuries to the lower extremities from happening, even worsening.
Overall, when it comes to picking the best insoles for flat feet, choosing one that’s durable and with decent support is the way to go!
Further Reading:
How To Run The Extra Mile With Flat Feet?
How To Find The Best Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis
