Insoles can often be more convenient since you can order them online and there are a lot of options for you. Custom orthotics are designed to fit your specific foot and can be more effective than insoles. Let’s take a look at each one of these and see which one can be best for your feet.

Learn the Differences Before Choosing Insoles or Orthotics

 

 

The first thing that we are going to look at is the similarities and differences between orthotics and insoles. Let’s take a look at these.

What are Insoles?

Insoles, which are also referred to as shoe inserts, typically come in two different sizes. These sizes are ¾ length and full-size.

You can choose to purchase these inserts over the counter at most health stores and pharmacies and many local stores are going to provide these as well. They are designed to work in various types of shoes.

There are different materials that these insoles can be made out of, but foam and gel are the most common. You can also find them with rubber and plastic.

The goal though is to work together to provide some good foot support. You can also look into extra cushioning or arch support if your feet need it.

Since these inserts are mass-produced, they will often not last past six months. You will need to consider whether this is worth the cost. These will not be custom-fitted to your feet, so you may need to make some adjustments to trim them to fit the way you would like.

While these insoles will often help provide you with some pain relief in the foot and can help relieve some symptoms of foot disorders, they are not suitable for specific foot concerns. If you have a medical condition in the foot, then a custom orthotic may be a better option to choose. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, however, they are not durable and will not last longer than a couple of months.

What are Orthotics?

Now to take a look at orthotics. These will be able to provide relief from pressure and pain in the feet while providing some comfort.

The biggest difference is that the insole is mass-produced and custom orthotics are made specifically for your feet. Since they are designed for your feet, they can address specific issues of the foot that you have.

These custom orthotics are going to be able to address whatever is wrong with your foot, adding in some arch support and a good amount of cushioning as well. They can absorb shock, correct the way that you walk or stand, and can help correct some of the problems that tend to show up with your feet over time.

Many people like to choose orthotics because they will help out with alignment issues. Misalignment can often happen because we will place too much weight on a certain part of the foot.

Your custom orthotic will be able to spread out the weight to the rest of the body to prevent this issue.

Custom orthotics will be able to last a lot longer as well. Many can last three to five years, compared to six months with the insoles. They are going to be more expensive though, since they are custom, with some costing between $200 to $800 for a pair depending on the foot problem the designers are trying to alleviate.

Insoles or Orthotics: When to Use Each One

There are benefits and drawbacks to using both insoles and custom orthotics. You may love the support of a custom orthotic, but they can be really expensive, for example.

You will need to choose which one makes the most sense for your health and foot needs. And there are times when both of these can work well.

There are different times when you should use each of the products above. Knowing when to do this can make a big difference. But which one is going to provide you with the comfort and support that your feet are looking for each day?

Let’s take a closer look at when you should pick insoles and when you should pick custom orthotics.

When Should I Pick Insoles?

There are times when you should consider a pair of insoles rather than a pair of custom orthotics. Insoles can provide a lot of comfort and relief for your foot at an affordable price if you have minor foot pain and just need a bit of arch support. They are also really easy and convenient for those who need them quickly and don’t want to set up a doctor’s appointment.

For those who only have some minor pain in their feet, the insoles are going to be one of the best options for you. There are a few different choices that you can make based on what problem is present with your feet. And when you want an affordable option that can get to you quickly for your feet, then insoles are going to be one of the best options.

When Should I Pick Orthotics?

There are several situations when it may be best to go with custom orthotics, rather than an over-the-counter insole. For those who have a specific problem with the foot that they need to fix or suffer from severe foot pain, orthotics may be the most efficient solution.

You can also try out orthotics if you have tired insoles and they are not giving you enough relief. Orthotics will be ideal for those who are suffering from problems like:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Overpronation
• Over supination

Many athletes will also find that a custom orthotic is a good choice for their feet. You can get a custom orthotic that will offer extra cushion, add arch support, and does a good job absorbing the amount of shock you feel. These orthotics are made specifically for your feet, which will provide you with more relief than you can get from regular insoles.

Picking the Foot Support That is Best for You

There are so many great products that you can choose to help make your feet comfortable and protect them from all of the elements and pain that may come up. Choosing the best insert for your needs, whether you decide on an over-the-counter insole or custom orthotics, can be difficult for many people. Take this free online quiz to discover which custom insoles would be best for your feet.

Our professionals will be able to work with you to provide you with the results that you need for your feet. We understand how important your feet are and can help you figure out what option is the best one for your feet. Order your kit today and see for yourself how beneficial custom orthotics are!