How To Put In Shoe Inserts Everything You Need To Know

Insoles or shoe inserts that help distribute your body weight along the length and breadth of each of your feet. This way, they help your feet absorb the shock and strain from standing for long hours, playing high-impact sports, or using uncomfortable shoes. Importantly, insoles are effective in easing pains caused by several conditions such as plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and Morton’s neuroma.

Maybe you have found the correct ones for your specific need. Now, you’re faced with the task of how to put in shoe inserts. We got you covered. Scroll on for the step-by-step guide and more essential tips in choosing and breaking in your feet’s new buddies.

Tips On Buying Insoles

Before going further on how to put in shoe inserts, let’s have a refresher on the things you need to consider when buying new insoles:

1. Insole size – Sizes are usually denoted as shoe size range. Most full-length insoles are trim-to-fit, which means you should trim excess material to achieve the right length before putting it into the footwear.
2. Insole placement – This refers to whether you have a full-length insole, a ¾-length insole, or an insert. Each type comes with instructions on proper placement.
3. Material – The most common types of materials used for insoles are foam, cork, gel, and leather. Choose the materials based on your preference or upon the advice of a healthcare professional.
4. Your foot’s arch type – When buying an insole, you should know which among these is your arch type: 1) neutral or medium arches, 2) low arches, flat feet, or fallen arches, and 3) high arches.
5. Insole footbed type – Understand which footbed type is suited for your needs: 1) rigid orthotic arch support, 2) semi-rigid arch support, or 3) soft support.

Also, keep in mind why you are buying insoles. Are they to make a big shoe fit on you? Are they to keep you comfortable for an upcoming marathon? Or are they to address a health condition?

How Do I Put In Shoe Inserts?

When you get a customized insole to address a health condition, the podiatrist might have put them in for you.

But, if you get over-the-counter full-length inserts, follow these steps on how to wear insoles in your shoes:

1. Remove the old insole from your shoes.
   
2. Slide in the new shoe inserts until it fits in all the way to the front.
   
3. Push the insert flat to the heel.
   
4. Slide your foot into the shoe.
   
5. Fasten your shoe.

These are the same steps on how to put insoles in boots. Always make sure that you have trimmed your insoles appropriately to fit your shoes or boots.

If you purchased a ¾ length insole, you may put it on top of the existing insole of your shoes. There are also shoe inserts that you can put in under your existing insole.

How Do I Break In My New Insoles?

New garments and gears need breaking in to make them more comfortable to wear, helping your body to adapt. For insoles, you can follow your orthotist’s advice. Or, you can observe the following:

• Use the inserts for an hour.
• Use the insoles for two hours: one hour in the morning and another in the afternoon.
• Use the insoles for four hours: two hours in the morning and the remaining hours in the afternoon.

You may increase the hours of breaking in, and divide them evenly in the morning and in the afternoon.

Conclusion

The best shoe inserts are those that will address your needs. We have provided the basic steps on how to put in shoe inserts. However, make it a habit to read and follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to do it and how to maintain them correctly.

Be practical and wise—keep your feet on the ground.