Guide to Using Insoles
Following discussion with your clinician, your care plan may include the use of orthoses (insoles) that are either commercially available or carefully constructed for your individual needs.
Custom-made Insoles
The design highly depends on your activity level, weight, footwear, walking pattern and foot problem.
Custom-made insoles are generally bulkier than the over-the-counter versions and have a waiting time, due to being manufactured from raw materials.
What do I do if I have a new pain?
If you develop new or additional symptoms, such as aches and pains, blistering or red areas from rubbing, you should discuss this with your clinician at the next appointment. You can continue to use the orthoses if these symptoms are mild.
However, if your new symptoms are debilitating, cease use of the insoles and contact your clinician.
What should I do if my orthoses don’t fit?
- Due to the variation in shape and size of both the Orthoses and shoes frequently there is a mismatch in fit. Whilst your clinician will make every effort to ensure their correct fit you may have to trim these at home.
- Firstly, see if there is an inlay in the shoe that can be removed this usually is all it takes to be able to fit the insole.
- The best way to do this is remove the inlay from the shoe place over your new insole and trim off the excess.
Can I have more than one pair of custom-made insoles?
- Most conditions often only require temporary use of one pair to help it resolve.
- Where foot complaint relates to a chronic illness and two pairs are required for long-term use, a second pair is given once we know the initial pair works.
Can I use them for sport?
Sometimes orthoses are only needed for a particular activity, such as running. If you have been instructed to do this by the clinician then please ensure you also slowly break-in your orthoses before full activities are started.
Over the Counter Insoles
This is usually a first line treatment for resolvable foot conditions where your foot mechanics are relatively normal but require some reduction of stress.
Over-the-counter insoles are usually much quicker to get and less bulky, making them fit a wider range of footwear.
The following examples serve to demonstrate the type and quality of product you may want to copy. We do not endorse any brand.
Express Insoles – Half-length, low-density insoles ideal for gentle support and some cushioning at the heel. - Pro 11 Insoles – Full-length, dual density insoles ideal for active people. Useful for conditions affecting the mid and forefoot.
What do I do if I have a new pain?
If you develop new or additional symptoms, such as aches and pains, blistering or red areas from rubbing, you should discuss this with your clinician at the next appointment. You can continue to use the orthoses if these symptoms are mild.
However, if your new symptoms are debilitating, cease use of the insoles and contact your clinician.
Suitable Shoes for Use with Insoles
Generally shoes should have the following features to suit Orthoses:
- Fastened uppers such as Laces or Velcro straps.
- Stable and low heels – avoid narrow, tapered or higher than 1½ inches
- A broad, rounded toe-box to accommodate various toes shapes.
- Enough depth to allow the foot to fit well inside the shoe. Preferably a shoe with a removable inlay helps fitment.
- Robust soles to aid the support of the insole.
Using your Insoles
It can take up to two weeks to acclimatize to insoles. Some aching in legs and feet, on initial use, can be normal and should gradually subside. If worn all day, straight-off, you may also develop aches or pains which would otherwise not occur if used gradually.
As a guide, start with approximately one hour on the first day. If you have no debilitating aches or pains after this time then add an extra hour the next day. Continue adding an extra hour each day until you reach all day use, about 10-14 days-time.
After this wear the orthoses all day, every day by moving them to shoes as needed. If you stop use for a prolonged period your symptoms may return. If you stop using but then need them again you will need to gradually break them in again.
Looking after your insoles
- Wipe the orthoses monthly with a warm, soapy, damp cloth and let them dry naturally over-night.
- Do not soak them any solution including water as this will damage the materials.
- Use clean hosiery or socks every day.
- Wearing insoles with bare feet will damage the materials and reduce their lifespan.
Do not continue to use your insoles if your symptoms worsen.
Please bring your orthoses to all Podiatry and Orthotic Services appointments.
Also in this section
If you have a problem which does not improve as you would expect with self-care, you should contact a healthcare professional for advice. This may be your GP, Pharmacist, NHS Podiatry Service or a Private Podiatrist.
Please make sure your Podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and look out for the letters HCPC after their name.
