It’s often said that the greatest evolutionary change was when homo sapiens evolved from quadrupedality to bipedality. Walking on two feet expelled far less energy, and freed up the hands and arms, allowing us to develop tools used for hunting among other fascinating theories.
However, with every positive action comes an equal and opposite reaction. Bipedality may have helped transform us into the modern mammals that we are, but it hasn’t come without pains. From plantar fasciitis to flat feet and bunions, there is an array of chronic podiatric issues which arise from both genetic and environmental factors.
Luckily podiatric care offers fantastic solutions to help alleviate foot pain of all kinds. The most common solution for helping to support feet while easing pain is insoles.
What is the difference between orthotics, insoles and shoe inserts?
According to Scholl, the main difference between insoles and shoe inserts is that the former is a full-sized replacement for the footbed of your shoe and helps to address chronic issues, while the latter are products which can be placed inside the shoe to improve fit and comfort.
Orthotics tend to refer to the insoles that are specifically made by a podiatrist to custom-fit a patient’s feet. While they usually require a prescription, certain orthotics can be purchased over the counter.
What can insoles and shoe inserts help with?
- Plantar fasciitis: Otherwise referred to as “jogger’s heel”, plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue in the foot. The main symptom is persistent pain around the heel and arch of your foot. Insoles can help to alleviate this pain by supporting the arch better while taking some strain and pressure off the plantar fascia.
- Flat feet: Flat feet can cause all kinds of chronic pain from knee and ankle problems to persistent back pain. Custom and over-the-counter orthotics can help combat discomfort by providing arch support which results in overall improved alignment.
- Bunions: In choosing insoles and inserts which help improve your alignment, posture and balance by dispersing weight and pressure more evenly, you can also help prevent the reoccurrence of painful bunions. This is because bunions are caused by prolonged pressure on the feet which compresses the big toe.
How do I know if I need insoles?
The best way to understand whether you’d benefit from insoles and shoe inserts is to consult your podiatrist. If your discomfort persists or your disorder is unique, your podiatrist might recommend custom-made orthotics for your shoes.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best insoles and shoe inserts to support your feet and ease pains. It’s time to reclaim your favourite pair of previously sole-destroying shoes.
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Best insoles and shoe inserts at a glance:
- Best for plantar fasciitis: Scholl Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles Large - £19.99, Amazon
- Best for high heels: Scholl Party Feet - £5.65, Amazon
- Best for 2-in-1 solution: Cosyfeet Combination Insoles - £33, Cosyfeet
- Best for corns and calluses: ZeroSole Reliever - £34.99, Amazon
- Best for arch support: VALsole Orthotic Insole - £14.44, Amazon
- Best for flat feet: iFitna Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Orthopedic Insoles - £14.81, Amazon
- Best for shock absorption: Scholl Insoles Sport Gel - £15.92, Amazon
- Best for balance: Pcssole's 3/4 Orthotics Shoe Insoles - £16.98, Amazon
Scholl Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles Large
Best for: plantar fasciitis
Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Insoles offer targeted, three-in-one pain relief which is clinically proven to help alleviate the discomfort caused by plantar fasciitis.
Firstly, shock-absorbing material helps to reduce the amount of stress placed on the lower body. Secondly, stabilisation contours help to evenly distribute your weight across the feet, thereby reducing pressure on the plantar fascia. Finally, pressure redistribution patches support your natural walking style for premium comfort. Though they’re available in three broad-stroke sizes, they can also be trimmed to fit your shoes perfectly.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Scholl Party Feet
Best for: high heels
Scholl’s Party Feet insoles are a Party Girl’s best friend. They provide unbeatable cushioned support and non-slip comfort thanks to the ultra-thin transparent gel material. The best part about these wonders which prevent unbearable pain in the balls of your feet is the fact that they are washable and reusable.
Buy now £5.65, Amazon
Cosyfeet Combination Insoles
Best for: 2-in-1 solution
Available in men’s and women’s options, Cosyfeet’s Combination Insoles are made from shock-absorbing Poron and have been specially designed to offer enhanced protection and support. The three-quarter length insoles support the metatarsal and arch areas of the foot for supreme comfort wherever you roam.
Buy now £33.00, Cosyfeet
ZeroSole Reliever
Best for: corns and calluses
Another handy trim-to-fit option, the ZeroSole Reliever has been designed and developed by podiatrists to treat the cause of painful corns and calluses while providing everyday comfort and pressure relief. They work by redistributing pressure which concentrates in one area of the foot to improve balance and posture and prevent prolonged pressure causing the big toe to compress and form bunions.
Buy now £34.99, ZeroSole
VALsole Orthotic Insole
Best for: arch support
Unlike the majority of traditional insoles, VALsole offers handy orthotics in a vast range of sizes so that you don’t have to trim to fit. The extra high arches on these fantastic shoe companions provide brilliant arch support, which in turn helps to relieve symptoms of flat feet, fallen arches, bunions, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.
Buy now £14.44, Amazon
iFitna Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Orthopedic Insoles
Best for: flat feet
With a 360-degree engineered heel cup, contoured footbed, highly cushioned forefoot and anatomically designed arch support, the iFitna Orthopaedic Insoles are a solid choice for anyone suffering from chronic foot pain. The podiatrist-recommended insole is crafted from premium EVA for all-day comfort.
Buy now £14.18, Amazon
Scholl Insoles Sport Gel
Best for: shock absorption
Designed for preventative care, Scholl’s shock-absorbing sports insoles are recommended to athletes to prevent painful tendonitis conditions later down the line. They offer advanced comfort and pressure support no matter the sport and can be trimmed to fit with scissors.
Buy now £15.92, Amazon
Pcssole's 3/4 Orthotics Shoe Insoles
Best for: balance
These orthotics help to restore off-kilter balance by correcting overpronation. The structured three-quarter heel support helps maintain proper alignment by stabilising the foot in a healthy position. The insole also has a three-point shock absorption and support system to help prevent collapsed arches.
Buy now £16.98, Amazon
Verdict
Our sole-supporting winner has got to be the 3-in-1 Plantar Fasciitis Insoles by industry leader, Scholl. They provide all-over support and preventative care for proven pain relief. We also love the reusability and comfort offered by the Scholl Party Feet gel insoles.
