WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF GOOD INSOLES?

This is the first post for our new blog so it seems fitting that we first discuss some of the many benefits of wearing Insoles and Orthotics.

People use insoles for a few primary reasons - comfort, relief from pain, prevention of foot problems and to help achieve greater performance during athletic activities. While runners/joggers benefit due to greater performance achieved with the wearing of quality insoles, everyday people likewise benefit as prevention and relief from foot pain enables them to enjoy life and perform daily activities better.

Two key benefits are Cushioning and Support. Cushioning provides greater comfort by helping to absorb the shock that makes the feet feel tired and sore. Support helps improve the alignment and balance of the foot. While some insoles offer greater cushioning and others focus more on support, most people benefit from an insole that offers both cushioning and support.

Research has shown which types of insoles are good for the different types of foot arches. And while many people will experiment to see which product works best, there are a few general rules of thumb when it comes to matching insoles with arch types.

Low/Flat Arches are more prone to over-pronation (rolling over) and require something with high support. An arch support with a rigid base is best. Of the many brands and styles available today, there are a few that are of good quality. By good quality, I mean durability, reliability, effective and reasonable in price.

One brand, from a manufacturer that has been making Insoles for over 43 years is Spenco. Spenco Insole products have been awarded the prestigious Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association. The Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports offer rigid arch support and moderate cushioning, come with a one year unconditional guarantee, are doctor designed and clinically tested. Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports are recommended by more Podiatrist and foot care specialist than any other style or brand on the market today.

Medium/Neutral Arches are very uncommon as only approximately 15% of people have neutral arches. Those people benefit from the use of an insole that offers moderate support with a focus on cushioning. The Spenco Polysorb line of Insoles are ideal. The Spenco Polysorb Total Support Insoles offer a combination of cushioning and support while the Cross Trainer Insoles offer slightly more cushioning with slightly less arch support.
High Arches are prone to imbalance and over-flexing which can lead to painful foot conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis. Because the foot predominantly balances on two pressure points - the ball of the foot and the heel - it is best to use an insole that offers cushioning for the arch rather than one that offers firm arch support. This cushioning allows the arch to relax and allows weight distribution over the whole foot rather then just two points. This more even weight distribution results in better balance. The Spenco Arch Cushions work best as they offer cushioning for the arch along with moderate cushioning for the ball of foot and heel strike areas.

For detailed information about Spenco Insoles and Orthotic Arch Supports or to order, visit The Insole Store