Gel insoles and orthotic inserts

An insole made of Gel is one of the more popular material options available for orthotic shoe inserts.

Gel insoles come in a variety of gel types and a variety of insert shapes and profiles. They can take the form of a regular insole, heel cups or heel pads, insole cushions, toe protectors or toe separators. You can even buy adhesive pads that attach to the feet to prevent slippage.

Orthotic insert gels can be liquid like in density, movement and cushioning characteristics, or they can take the form of a set gel with more of a rubber-like compressibility. Some even provide a massaging sensation when the foot is in motion.

All gel insole products should be naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic.

What Gel insoles do

Gel insoles, pads and cushions work with the shoe and foot to reduce pressure, rubbing (friction) and shear forces (lateral slipping pressures).

The Gel usually takes the form of a high performance and high durability polymer specially designed to spread foot load evenly without tearing or over compressing. This allows the gel to act as a shock absorber, balancer and weight spreader and this in turn makes the feet do their job more efficiently.

Some Gel insole products are specially designed to reduce pressure and corresponding pain in the back whilst others may focus on knee pain, or specific complaints like bursitis or metatarsal discomfort.

Some Gel insoles will provide extra cushioning for a particular part of the foot like the arch, heel or toes, whilst other will offer a general level of foot support.

Types of Gel orthotics

Gel inserts come in various profiles and these range from individual toe separators, three quarter length insoles and cushions, to full length insoles. Many gel inserts and insoles can be trimmed for a precise fit.

Most styles of insole will be available in two or more pressure choices, typically soft or firm (hard) and they should be transferable between shoes. They should also be washable.

There are special ranges of high shock absorption and high impact dampening insoles designed for those engaging in sports. These insoles use Gels intended for the hardest wear and the toughest of treatment and they do differ from regular Gel insoles.

All insoles will have a top and bottom surface and the top surface (which comes in to contact with the foot) will usually have a fabric finish to prevent the foot slipping. The price of gel insoles varies significantly depending upon the purpose of the orthotic. Shock resistant insoles tend to be the cheapest whilst "corrective" insoles have a higher price.