To find the correct insole for an individual’s foot, that person must understands how size, shape, and support relate to one another. Most individuals selects an insole for purchase based only on what fits in the box. However, selecting an insole for an individual based only on what fits in the box can lead to foot pains after that individual spends a long day standing on there feet.
Instead, the individual must find an insole model that best match their type of foot and the activities that they wish to perform while wearing those insoles. Finding the correct insole for an individual’s foot starts with correctly reading the size chart provide by the manufacturer. The size chart indicates the size of US shoes in relation to the length of each Spenco insole.
How to Choose the Right Insole
The size chart provides men’s measurements next to the women’s measurements. This allow for individuals to understand how their foot size relates to the Spenco insole size without guessing at the size of the insole. Each insole pack is sized to provide for roughly two size of shoes.
Each insole includes extra room for the toe of the wearer’s foot to allow for trimming of the insole to fit the wearer’s foot. The arch of the insole cannot be trimmed; only the toe of the insole should be trimmed. The arch of the insole is responsible for provide support to the individual’s foot while walking.
Trimming the insole from heel to toe may cause the arch to no longer be able to provide that support to the foot. Therefore, the safest method of trimming the insole is to trace the position of the existing foot liner and only trim the insole at the toe. Before the manufacturer boxes and ship the insole, it should be checked to ensure that it will fit the individual’s foot.
Each model of insole offer support to the foot in different ways. For instance, Total Support insoles have a deeper heel cup and firm arch compared to the Polysorb insoles. These features of the Total Support insoles offer support to individuals with plantar fasciitis or flat feet.
RX Comfort insoles are soft and of a lower profile than the Total Support insoles. These insoles are better for individuals with sensitive feet, or for dress shoes. The Ironman insoles include a rigid shell to these insoles for high-impact or multi-sport activities.
Each of these models can be chosen based off the individual’s needs and the capabilities of the shoes to which the insoles will be added. Each model of insole is create for specific types of activities. For instance, Polysorb walker and runner insoles is used for running and walking distances.
Cross trainer insoles are constructed with less height to provide support to those who wish to perform cross training activities. Individuals who stand for long periods during the day use insoles that balance cushioning and structure. These categories are represented in the infographic to show which insole model is created for which activity.
One common mistake in the purchase and selection of insoles is to assume that more arch support are better for an individual. For individuals with high arches, the insoles should be soft instead of having more arch support. High arches naturaly rest above the insoles and may lead to pressure point along the arch.
A softer insole will distribute the pressure points across the insole. However, individuals with flat arches or collapsing arches lack the natural structure that an insole can provide to prevent the individual’s foot from roll inward. These distinctions are represented on the chart for each insole model.
In addition to the unisex insoles that exist in the Spenco insole line, there is also insoles made specifically for women. Womens insoles are made with adjustments for the narrower heel of women and the different placement of the arch of a female’s foot. Unisex insoles dont include these adjustments, although they do provide for trimming to allow the insole to fit an individual’s feet.
For individuals who have measurements that fall between mens and womens sizes, there is a two-size rule. However, the best method of determining the proper size for an individual is to physically fit the insole into their shoes after trimming the insole to the individual’s foot. To properly use an insole for an individual’s feet, the individual should measure their feet, purchase the insole model that match their activity and foot issue, and trim the insole only at the toe of the foot.
The size specifications of the insoles provide flexibility to an individual for their feet to require no more than one purchase of insoles of any given brand. Furthermore, inserting the insole into the shoes correctly will allow the insole to provide support to the individual’s feet, and they will feel different after long periods of standing. You should of checked the size chart first to make sure youre getting the right one.
