What are the Best Materials for Orthotics?

What are the Best Materials for Orthotics?

Each orthotic is going to be a little bit different. Some will be made out of memory foam to ensure you get some of the cushion you need along the way. These are best if you have several pressure points you are worried about in particular and would like some support and comfort to help prevent more issues. 

In some cases, you need a material that is firmer and will provide you with some of the protection you need. If you are looking for a firm material that will keep the foot in place and correct some issues, then you should go with a material like carbon fiber or plastic. 

Always check what materials are in the orthotics you want to wear. This will help ensure you are getting an orthotic that provides a good level of support and comfort at the same time, whether you have heel pain, Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, or another condition of the foot providing relief.

Common Orthotic Materials

There are a few options you will find when it comes to the materials that are in your orthotic, the one you will choose depends on the price you want to pay, the exact reason you are using the orthotic, and so much more. Some of the most common options include

• Cushion cork: This is a type of cork and synthetic rubber polymer combination that will be stiff. It works to help lift the heel for some of the support you want. Sometimes this mixture is made with natural rubber, and due to the risk of allergies, it is always important to ask for additional details when purchasing orthotics.
• EVA: This is a common material that is good for a lot of different types of insoles. It is good for some cushioning and is sometimes in wedges or filler. It is best if you are looking for a softer insole. 
• Korex: This material is going to be a really good one when you need some durability and flexibility with the insole you are using. It is good for helping relieve the pain that comes with Morton’s neuroma and can be used for any special accommodations and extensions that come with your insole. Korex is a synthetic alternative similar to the consistency of cork.
• Poron: This is a good option when you need materials that are medical grade. Poron is a type of polyurethane and it is used for a few different parts of the orthotic including the sweet spots, heel pads, met pads, and for some of the cushioning you would like with your orthotic. Urthotics uses Poron in the base of the orthotic to form the arch.
• Spenco: Although Spenco is also the name of a brand of insoles, it was originally a material you can use to make orthotics. This is a good option to cover the orthotic while adding slightly more of a cushion if that is what you are looking for.
• Leather: This can be a higher-quality material you will see in the manufacturing of orthotics. They are often more of a nice-looking component of the insole and will cover the top and the bottom of the orthotic. One disadvantage of using this material to make orthotics is that natural leather is a common allergen.
• Vinyl: This type of insole is good for the bottoms, tops, and the covering of any type of orthotic you would like to use. 

Each orthotic is going to come with a different type of material to help provide you with a lot of stability and help you need. You can work with your doctor to get the right type of material for your needs, ensuring you are prepared and protected, getting the best results, and preventing foot pain at the same time. 

Why Do Materials Matter with Orthotics?

The materials that are used in your orthotics will be important to how comfortable they feel. If you choose an orthotic that does not have high-quality materials inside, you will end up with painful feet and spending money on insoles that do not work. You want to pick out an orthotic that will provide the help and support your feet need. 

Always check the types of materials that are inside the orthotic to ensure that they are going to be right for you. You especially need to be careful about this when choosing a store-bought orthotic compared to a custom orthotic. Store-bought orthotics may not use durable materials, or the insoles may be extra firm, so be careful when choosing insoles off the shelf.

Why are Custom Orthotics Better?

As you are looking at the materials that are found in your chosen orthotics, you will quickly notice that there is a difference in quality between the store-bought and the custom orthotics. While there are some nice insoles you can purchase over the counter, they will often not be as effective when compared to custom orthotics. 

Custom orthotics are designed to work specifically for your feet and some of the common issues you may have. This means that they will use the exact materials you need to keep the feet strong. While there are many great materials out there for orthotics, you may find that some lend themselves better to certain feet conditions. 

When you go with a custom orthotic, you can get the right materials to keep your feet happy and healthy. You can talk to your doctor to figure out which custom orthotic is the best for your needs. 

Choosing the Best Orthotics for Your Feet

With most companies that manufacture custom orthotics, the types of materials used will be tailored to your needs, and the orthotics are designed especially for you. That being said, custom orthotic companies will usually only use a handful of these materials. For example, Urthotics only uses synthetic materials, and are hypoallergenic, unlike natural rubber or leather.

The team at Urthotics has over 25 years of experience, which was plenty of time for them to nearly perfect their process, and choose the best materials to make their custom orthotics. For most foot conditions, Urthotics has the right materials to give you the care and support you need. You can use our free online analysis tool to find out which type of custom orthotic will be best for you!

Although every patient has different needs, our team can discuss some of the options to ensure you get a pair that will provide support, and comfort along the way. If you have any questions, please give us a call or leave your information!