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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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:
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.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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!
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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"
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
5 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Best Stadium Seat
4 Important Things To Consider Before Purchasing a Callus Remover
Top 3 The Best Running Shoes For Bunion For Man And Woman
How To Find The Best Sprinting Shoes For The Ideal Runner