Insoles & Heel Pads

Which are the best insoles for me?

Choosing the best arch support insoles for shoes or boots depends on your foot type and what you need them for.

If you suffer with a recurring Running or Walking injury then a sports insole may help relieve your symptoms. Here we explain the different types of arch support insoles and who they are suitable for.

How can I tell my foot type?

The wet foot test gives you an idea of what foot type you have. All you do is stand on a piece of paper with wet feet and examine your footprint.

Arch support insoles

If you overpronate this means your foot rolls in too much as you walk or run. Overpronators have flat feet therefore they need arch support insoles or orthotic insoles which prevent your foot rolling in.

Your risk of injury increases because as your foot flattens, your lower leg rotates in. This causes more stress on your lower leg and eventually overuse injuries.

Arch support insoles work best by controlling the position of your heel as opposed to propping up your arch. As a result, the rest of your foot works more efficiently, encouraging correct foot biomechanics.

The Ultimate Performance Advanced FD3 Support Insole is designed specifically for overpronators. When you wear this insole in your shoes or boots it controls the position of your heel and supports the arch of your foot.

Neutral feet

If you are a runner or walker with a neutral foot or only mildly overpronate then the best insole for you is the Ultimate Performance Advanced F3D Neutral insole. It provides mild to moderate support with 3mm cushioning. Ideal for reducing your risk of injury long term.

Supinators

If you are a runner or walker who supinates then you most likely have high arched feet. High arched feet are often rigid and inflexible which increases your risk of injury. The priority for you is a neutral or low support insole with plenty of cushioning.

The Advanced F3D Cushion Insole is perfect for supinators. Wear in your normal running shoes or walking boots for that extra cushioning and comfort.

When should I wear my insoles?

Many people buy sports or arch support insoles to replace the standard insole in their running shoe. This is great but wearing them as much as possible in your day to day shoes is equally important.

For example, if you go to work in flat soled smart shoes then you could be on your feet for many hours. It is just as important to protect your feet during the eight hours you are walking as it is the half an hour or so that you run.

Therefore, why not treat yourself to two pairs? Then you won’t have to keep swapping them in and out.

Should I remove my existing insole?

Yes! If your running or work shoes have an insole built in already (and they all will) then you should remove this before inserting your F3D Insoles. Orthotic type insoles which control the position of your foot work best on a flat base.

If they are worn on top of an existing insole then not only does the insole move slightly but raising your foot up could make it unstable. As a result, you are more at risk of ankle sprains.

Insoles for Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is probably the most common cause of heel pain. Symptoms include heel pain which radiates into the arch of the foot and is often worse in the morning. So how do insoles for Plantar fasciitis work?

Overpronation causes Plantar fasciitis because as your foot rolls in or flattens, your arch over stretches, pulling at the point it inserts into your heel. Therefore, to cure Plantar fasciitis it is essential to get your foot biomechanics right.

The Advanced F3D Support Insoles are design as an orthotic insole to prevent your foot rolling in. It is important to wear them in your shoes all the time, not just when you are running or out walking.