Orthotics, insoles, and inserts are all types of shoe inserts that are designed to provide additional support and cushioning to the feet. They are often used to alleviate pain, improve alignment, and reduce the risk of injuries. Here is a breakdown of the different types of orthotics, insoles, and inserts available:

1. Custom orthotics:

Custom orthotics are specially made to fit the unique shape and size of an individual's feet. They are typically made by a podiatrist or orthotist, who will take a mold or impression of the feet, and use this to create a pair of inserts that are tailored to the individual's needs. Custom orthotics are often used to treat specific foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or flat feet.

2. Prefabricated orthotics:

Prefabricated orthotics are mass-produced inserts that are designed to fit a wide range of foot types and sizes. They are typically made from a mold or cast of a "typical" foot and are available in different sizes and arch heights. They are less expensive than custom orthotics and can be easily purchased from a pharmacy or sporting goods store.

3. Over-the-counter insoles:

Over-the-counter insoles are inserts that are widely available and can be easily purchased from a pharmacy or sporting goods store. They come in a variety of designs, such as those with arch support, cushioning, or shock-absorption. They are less expensive than custom orthotics and can be a good option for those who have mild foot pain or discomfort.

4. Gel or foam insoles:

Gel or foam insoles are inserts that are made from a soft gel or foam material. They provide cushioning to the foot, which can help to alleviate pain and reduce the impact of hard surfaces on the feet. Gel or foam insoles are often used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and stress fractures.

5. Memory foam insoles:

Memory foam insoles are made from a special foam that conforms to the shape of the foot. They provide cushioning and support, and can help to alleviate pain and improve alignment. Memory foam insoles are often used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and flat feet.

6. Arch support insoles:

Arch support insoles are inserts that provide extra support to the arch of the foot. They can help to alleviate pain and improve alignment, and are often used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and flat feet.

7. Heel cups:

Heel cups are inserts that are designed to provide extra cushioning and support to the heel. They can help to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of injuries, and are often used to treat conditions such as heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis.

8. Metatarsal pads:

Metatarsal pads are inserts that are designed to provide extra cushioning and support to the ball of the foot. They can help to alleviate pain and reduce the risk of injuries, and are often used to treat conditions such as metatarsalgia and Morton's neuroma.

Conclusions

It's worth noting that not all orthotics, insoles, and inserts are suitable for everyone. It's important to consult a podiatrist or other medical professional to determine the best type of insert for your specific needs. They can help to evaluate your foot structure and gait, and provide recommendations for the best type of inserts for your needs.

In conclusion, shoe inserts can become a smart investment for the good health of your feet. Find a perfect model for you with the help of our recommendations. 

Should an orthotic insole be hard or soft? Which is better for my feet? Trained footwear specialists or pedorthists are asked these questions all the time. One of the most common misconceptions is that softer inserts are better because they provide more cushion. However, when it comes to relieving foot pain, the solution isn’t just about cushioning, but also support.

DO I NEED A SOFT OR RIGID INSOLE?

Soft insoles work differently depending on the type of material they are made from.

• Insoles made from foam are best for cushioning, support, and pressure relief.
• Gel works well for shock absorption, to increase your balance, and/or relieve pressure on sores or uncomfortable areas of your foot.

People with foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes), arthritis, and diabetic ulcers can all benefit from soft insoles. This type of insole is constructed from soft materials and may extend along the length of the entire foot. They offer superior cushioning, but often do not address the structural support needs of the foot.

Rigid insoles are used to restrict or control abnormal foot movement. It’s solid construction controls foot movement to ensure correct alignment. Rigid orthotics for overpronation are constructed from plastic, carbon fiber, or other rigid materials. They are often intended to be worn in walking or dress shoes and can help alleviate or eliminate foot pain, aches, or strain in the lower limbs. The major drawback of rigid insoles is they often can be uncomfortable to wear.

Semi-rigid insoles combine the cushioning benefits of a soft insole with the motion-controlling aspects of a rigid one. This insole type usually combines layers of soft materials with a reinforced rigid shell to provide a composite structure that improves balance, with degrees of cushioning. This type of insole is excellent for athletic use, especially for athletes who experience pain while training or competing. Children with certain issues, including flat foot conditions, can also benefit from this particular orthotic style.

WALKING ON SOFT VERSUS HARD SAND

Another helpful way to think about why a soft insert might work better for you versus rigid orthotics for overpronation is to compare it to walking on the beach. The soft sand looks nice and feels nice to lay on, but try walking on it. It’s not easy! The firm sand is pretty easy to walk on. The soft sand makes the muscles of your foot and ankle work harder to stabilize and propel your body forward, while the firm sand provides a stable base of support to walk on.

If you have a soft or a gel insert in your shoe, you have to work harder with every step to stabilize your foot. It might feel good for a few steps, but with 2,000 steps in a mile, that’s a lot of extra work over time. This is why soft and rigid materials combined into a semi-rigid insole is often the most ideal. Unlike soft or rigid orthotics for overpronation,this hybrid insole provides the best of each insole into one with the most benefits.

BUY A SEMI-RIGID INSOLE WITH GOOD REVIEWS

Semi-rigid insoles are often called the next best thing next to custom orthotics. SelectFlex offers the features and benefits of soft and rigid insoles with a deeply cushioned, stabilizing heel cup that also had an adjustable arch with three support settings. Don’t take our word for it. Read a few of the 5-star customers reviews on Amazon.

What makes SelectFlex unique is a patented dynamic arch that lifts your arch with every step to provide dynamic support to your feet. You can ‘Dial-in Comfort and Adjust Away Pain” from the three custom support settings. The SelectFlex dynamic arch will also mold to your unique arch shape over time for maximum comfort.

With SelectFlex’s lifting arch returning energy to the foot, you have more energy at the end of the day. Here’s how much energy SelectFlex returns to your foot per mile:

• Setting 1: about 20,000 lbs
• Setting 2: about 25,000 lbs
• Setting 3: about 30,000 lbs

That will certainly add up at the end of the day, not to mention TGIF end of week. Uniquely, SelectFlex is the only insole that returns energy to your feet and is worth a look from anyone with foot, joint, or lower back pain.