Orthotic shoe inserts

The purpose of orthotic shoe inserts is to assist the muscles and bones of the foot (and the lower leg) by encouraging the best foot posture and support during walking, standing and resting. In simple terms they ensure the correct angle of the feet and the ankles and they support the arch of the foot.

More complex orthotic shoe inserts may be designed to help a foot deformity, or to enable the foot to compensate for missing or lost toes. This kind of orthotic is custom made.

General orthotic foot inserts take the form of in-soles that can be used in conjunction with, or as a replacement for, the in-sole supplied with a pair of shoes.

As a general guide, orthotic shoe inserts work best with added depth orthopedic shoes, mainly because the orthotic insert may require more vertical space than is available in a regular depth shoe. Using an orthotic insert with a non orthopedic shoe can have variable benefits.

Orthotic inserts are not usually a cure to foot problems, but rather a means of offering a pain relieving correction whilst the shoes are been worn.

Features of orthotic shoe inserts

Orthotic shoe inserts are made of cushioned shock absorbing material, especially in areas around the heal and they offer support and pain relief for specific problem areas of the feet.

You can buy orthotic shoe inserts for specific problems and also specific applications like participating in sports that involve running.

Orthotic inserts can run the full length of the in-sole, or fit into specific positions along the in-sole. They may be an in-sole replacement, or fit on-top of an existing in-sole.

Although a number of companies produce a range of orthotic inserts for different foot problems, these special in-soles can be made to order to resolve “individual specific” foot complaints.

Why use orthotic shoe inserts

Orthotic shoe inserts are claimed to offer pain relief to those with flat feet, or those who have lost the arch of their foot. They are said to aid heel pain and the jarring pain that many sometimes feel in their shins after prolonged walking. Below is a more detailed list of some of the “ailment specific” orthotic in-soles that are available. i.e. In-soles for -

Tendonitis, top of the foot discomfort, arch pain, corn relief, flat feet, metatarsalgia, toe discomfort, heel pain, shin pain, bunions.

You should always be aware that an orthotic insert will only work in conjunction with a good quality shoe.

If you are under the care of a doctor or physician as a result of a foot problem, you should seek their advice and direction in determining which kind of shoe (or orthotic shoe insert) is the most suitable for your medical problem.

For some further information about Gel insoles, see our Gel insole and insert page.