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Injury advice > Which insoles do I need?


 

Which insoles do I need?

Arch support / Realignment insoles

  • Insoles which have a pre-molded arch support are designed for people with a mild to moderate low arch or overpronation problem. They should be used as a replacement to the shoes original insole. Flat feet and overpronation can be the cause of many injuries including plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis as well as back and knee pain. Most of these insoles also provide good shock absorption.
  • Advantages - easy to use, inexpensive.
  • Disadvantages - not specific to an individuals foot shape and biomechanics.
  • Examples - Sorbothane double strike; D3D Performance red insoles.

Heat moldable insoles

  • These insoles can be warmed in an oven for a few minutes and will then mold to the shape of an individuals foot. These are excellent when the arch looks normal but it flattens or overpronates when walking or running. They also contain shock absorbing material.
  • Advantages - specific to each individual, much less expensive than custom made orthotics.
  • Disadvantages - have to be molded before first use, not so good for people with a permanent flat arch.
  • Examples - Sole regular heat moldable insoles; Sole ultra heat moldable insoles; Sole slim sport heat moldable insoles.

Flat insoles

  • Insoles without arch support are usually worn for cushioning and shock absorption. People with a high arch or who oversupinate have a more naturally rigid foot and so are prone to conditions such as shin splints. Wearing shock absorbing insoles can reduce the stress through the lower limb and ease such conditions. They can also be used in thin, lightweight footwear to provide more cushioning. Some shock absorbing insoles are as thin as 2mm!
  • Advantages - inexpensive, can be used in all sorts of footwear,provide cushioning and shock absorbing to prevent injuries.
  • Disadvantages - No arch support and so are not suitable for those who overpronate.
  • Examples - Sorbothane full strike; Noene 2mm intergal insoles; Sorbothane medical insoles; Noene 2mm carbon atlas insoles; Sorbothane prosole.

 

 

D3D performance red insole with arch support for people who overpronate or have flat feet
D3D Performance - arch support insoles

 

 

 

 

Sole regular insoles that are heat moldable for individual arch support
Sole heat moldable insoles

 

 

 

 

Full strike flat insoles for shock absorbtion
Sorbothane full strike - shock absorbing insoles