Do you have trouble putting orthotics in your shoes? Or when you put them, they feel uncomfortable?
Well, with the helpful tips you will get to know how to use your insole to the fullest.
- Remove the existing footbed or insole first
- If the insole is too long, then it is wise to trim the soft part at the ‘toe side’ end. To trim accurately, use the existing insole as the template.
- It is wise to choose shoes that have extra depth, but not wider or longer
- Consider shoes that have adjustability: example, lacing shoes, loop closure buckle or strap, and adjustable hook, take a look at Vionic Slippers for perfect sandals.
What Are Orthotics?
The name ‘Orthotic’ simply refers to any device or object that is worn in a shoe. The term ‘orthotic’ is a favorite word used in infomercials, trade shows, and even retail stores. These items are available in 3 different types, which are:
- Custom Molded Foot Orthotics
- Ankle Foot Orthotics (AFO)
- Off the Shelf Orthotics
An educated customer can fully distinguish the difference between each other. However, differentiating the difference is quite easy. Below are a few characteristics and ways you can use to separate them.
1. Custom Orthotics
The truth is that custom versions are excellent at offering foot protection against injuries and pain. This is mainly because the majority of them are specific foot designed. In other words, they can be specially designed to match your foot condition, type, and level of activity. An experienced podiatrist makes custom molded foot orthotics. It is important to remember that insoles are never meant to fit all shoes on the market.
As such, it is wise to choose a shoe that has a removable insole and an added depth. The shoe should also have a stiff sole. A majority of shoes on the market, even those found on our site come with a removable orthotic. For an insole to offer the best protection against injury and pain, you should wear them as much as possible. However, with the sandal season coming, what should you do?
Did you know that you can wear your sandals and insoles as well? For you to achieve this, we offer sandals that have a removable insole.
Custom sandal insoles will allow you to enjoy the comfort and support you need. Sandals are perfect when a person needs to relax after long day work. However, when a person is not wearing their shoes, they do not have the orthotic support they need. As a matter of fact, clinical research shows that orthotic patients might gain more than 33% therapy time by merely wearing sandals without custom orthotics.
2. Ankle Foot Orthotic (AFO)
This is a special brace which is designed to control ankle joint motion and offer support to the foot. The best AFO on the market is Functional AFO. This is because they are generally intended to provide not only excellent ankle and foot control, but offer a more relaxed shoe fit and comfort compared to others. They are custom made to fit your foot and features a semi-rigid ankle brace. There are many reasons why your physician may suggest this brace.
Some of the main reasons this brace is the best include: it controls painful or abnormal motion, unstable ankle, or severe flatfoot. Therefore, by controlling movement, the function is often improved, and the pain decreases. Aside from being custom fit, it ‘hugs’ the foot and ankle comfortably. This makes a better fit for your shoe.it is wise to purchase shoes after fitting braces, and Functional AFO is no exception.
3. Off-The-Shelf Orthotics
They are also known as Arch support, and they are generally found in retail stores; that include pharmacies, online stores, shoe stores, and sports stores. They are not custom made, and they are usually designed to provide gentle arch support and spread the weight evenly along the bottom of the foot. At times, these type of orthotics are known as ‘prefabricated.’
