Tips for Choosing the Right Pair of Insoles for your Shoes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pair of Insoles for your Shoes.

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1. Assess the wear pattern on your shoes.

Often, general wear and tear on your running shoes, especially on the lateral heel and heel counter, can be the root of your problems. A new pair of shoes may be the solution and provide optimum support without having to purchase insoles. Take your old running shoes to your local running shop and have them take a look!

2. Purchase running shoes that YOU find comfortable.

Most good quality running shoes can be extremely beneficial for your feet. However, if you don’t find the shoe the most comfortable, don’t purchase it. Everyone defines comfort in different ways, and you should remember this when purchasing shoes. To enhance the comfort, test a pair of insoles inside of your shoes prior to purchasing as well. Many running and athletic stores provide demo options for you to test.

3. Remove the pre-existing liner inside the shoe.

Always remove the current liner inside the shoe and replace it with your insole. Placing the insole on top of the other can make shoes even more uncomfortable and possibly more painful, alongside taking up more space inside your shoes.

4. The highest arch support isn’t always the best.

Your insoles should have a very natural feeling when inside your shoes. While you may notice the support of insoles with a higher arch, that are more rigid, this can cause discomfort over time, and be more harmful than not wearing an insole at all. Runners often think they either have a very high arch, or a flat foot with a non-existent arch. But there are so many different foot types, with arch heights in-between. Be sure to test several inserts before purchasing one!

5. Evaluate after going on a few runs with your new insoles.

If they do the job, phenomenal! If they don’t, consult your doctor. In many cases, over-the-counter orthotics that you find in a running or spots shop will do the trick. But everyone’s feet are different, and there are instances where an individual may have different arch heights with each of their feet, making it necessary to purchase custom insoles to have that perfect fit and level of comfort. Testing out the inserts you purchase on a few runs will help you gauge their effectiveness. Give it about two weeks, alternating doing runs with the inserts, and runs without the inserts, to help with the transition to running with more support.

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