Have you recently felt a chafing or pinching sensation on your foot? How about creaky knees and a painful lower back? If these sensations occur only when you wear a certain pair of shoes , then the support soles need replacement. This is where orthotic insoles enter the picture.

Orthotic insoles, also called foot orthoses, are custom orthotics insoles that enhance your stability. They also provide superior levels of shock absorption. Plus, they enable better distribution of your body’s weight along the breadth and length of your foot. What’s more, they give optimal support by correcting over-supination and over-pronation. These shoe accessories are typically prescribed medical devices worn inside the shoes. They also help with foot pain caused by certain medical conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, and even diabetes. Thus, every penny you spend for orthotic insoles will always be worth it.

Buying orthotics sole online vs regular shoe insoles: What’s the difference?

They might look the same, but regular insoles and orthotics are completely different from each other. Those regular insoles available in pharmacies offer optimal shock absorption and cushioning effect. While they may feel comfortable in the first few weeks, they are not capable of dealing with any biomechanical issues. Orthotics, on the other hand, are functional devices that improve and correct foot function. You can also find insoles featuring arch support and are made of soft materials. However, read product reviews to ensure your satisfaction with the purchase.

Three types of orthotic insole footbeds

A podiatrist takes 3D images of each of your foot and conducts a thorough examination. This may entail watching you walk and observing how your hips, legs, ankles, and feet move. They would make a mould of your feet to get the right fit and sizing. Once the mould is ready, it will then be turned by a professional into a rigid, a semi-rigid, or a soft orthotic insole footbed. Let’s check out below the features of each of them to help you make an informed buying decision. Shops.ae is the best product search engine to get started. And this is true whether it’s your first time to purchase a pair of support soles or you want to replace your old one.

Rigid support

Rigid support insole is a technical type of orthopaedic sole that controls the foot’s movement below the ankle to prevent it from turning in excessive pronation. It typically comes in ABS or polyurethane plastic together with microfibre and foam for supreme comfort. Plus, it can be your perfect pick if you experience weight issues, plantar fasciitis, as well as over-supination and over-pronation. Weight issues can put a strain on your ankles and knees. Thus, insoles must be firm to properly accommodate the pressure applied to the feet. Plantar fasciitis is an intense pain originating from the big fat muscle stretching from the heel to the toes. Over-supination is a condition characterised by a foot rolling outward. On the other hand, over-pronation is a condition wherein the foot excessively rolls inward.

Semi-rigid support

This type is somewhere in the middle of soft and rigid. It is made up of a mix of supportive materials such as foam, cork, leather, and plastic. If you are a sports person, then this is the most suitable type of insole for you. Apart from this, a semi-rigid sole is also ideally beneficial for Morton’s Neuroma, running, and high-impact sports. Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition characterised by an inflamed nerve that rests between the third and fourth toes. Wearing pointed and high-heeled shoes that place undue stress on the forefoot is the main cause of this. Are you a runner? Then a semi-rigid support insole will be your best friend. That’s because it provides superior arch support and maximum shock absorption. Love to play squash? Then this insole is also best for the constant running, jumping, and lunging involved in this high-impact sport.

Soft support

Are you looking for an insole with superior shock-absorbing properties? Then this type is the way to go, as it helps with balance. Moreover, it is lightweight and eases pressure on the sore areas of the foot. You can choose either the gel-infused or foam-based variety depending on your taste and preferences. A soft support insole basically gives you relief for pain under the feet, calluses, and bunions. Worn-out soles cause pain under the feet that has nothing to do with any medical condition. Got calluses? Gel insoles are the best way to deal with this condition. They also work best for mild bunion pain, while a rigid support insole is ideal for more severe bunion cases.

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