MEDICAL

What’s the Difference between Shoe Insoles and Orthotic Inserts?

I’ve never been a professional runner, but running is an important part of my routine. 3-4 times a week I get up early to go running around the Silver Lake reservoir in Los Angeles. It really helps to center me and give me the energy to face any stressor pressure I encounter on a daily basis.

I recently started noticing some pain while running. It was not serious enough yet to warrant a trip to the doctor, but it was bothering me enough to make me curious as to whether I could find a shoe insert that could help. I started doing research online and felt completely overwhelmed by the options. What’s an insole? What’s an orthotic? What does biomechanically engineered mean? What’s the difference between gel and foam? Does gel provide any support? Or should I really just head to the doctor and pay through the nose for custom orthotics?

I spent a few hours figuring out the answers to those questions, and I thought it might be helpful to share some of the conclusions I reached.

The Difference Between Insoles and Orthotics

At first, I noticed that some products were labeled as orthotics and some were labeled as insoles and I wasn’t sure of the difference.

Let’s define an insole as the interior bottom of a shoe. As the part that directly touches your foot, it has a lot of bearing on the experience of running, walking or even standing in your shoes. As such, companies like Dr. Scholls market premium insoles that are designed to add additional comfort to your shoes.

So what are orthotics inserts? While orthotic inserts are designed to fit into your shoes as well, they serve a completely different purpose.
Orthotic inserts are designed to correct biomechanical deficiencies
like overpronation (arch collapse) and prevent plantar fascia and subtalar joint dysfunction. I read that while podiatrists (foot doctors) can prescribe orthotics that are custom fit, other off-the-shelf products like Orthera orthotic inserts are standardized.

Off-the-Shelf Orthotics

In my case, it seemed unnecessary to spend a lot of money on custom orthotics when off-the-shelf orthotic inserts could provide similar results for a fraction of the cost. Alex Hutchinson’s
article in The Globe and Mail
discusses how a Calgary study showed that off-the-shelf orthotics can offer arch support and reduce pain associated with plantar fascia problems, with 17 out of 20 people in a test study showing favorable results. Dr. Reed Ferber, who conducted the study, recommends off-the-shelf orthotics stating “we now have pretty definitive data that there will be a reduction in plantar fascia strain.

I was happy to learn that off-the-shelf orthotics could offer me many of the benefits as custom orthotics, because that would save me a lot of money.

Comfort vs. Support

My researched showed me that insoles have one purpose: comfort. If you are simply looking for an added layer of cushioning, an insole might fit the bill.

However, if you have foot pain, or biomechanical abnormalities, insoles will do nothing to correct the problem. Over time, symptoms can grow worse and damage can continue to accrue over time.

I was intrigued by the ads for gel insoles that made promises of massages. As nice as the idea of every step feeling like a shiatsu massage sounds, I recognized that they weren’t going to actually give me any added arch support.

I realized that I needed to choose an option that could really help support my arches and cut down on unnecessary foot movement while I run.

Orthotics can actually halt excessive foot movement and improve the way you walk to prevent painful damage from occurring before it starts. They are designed to give you support.

An
article I found on runnersworld.com
showed that orthotics can actually be an alternative to surgery.

After my research, I ended up settling on an off-the-shelf orthotic designed for athletic shoes. Though depending on your needs, you might prefer an insole or custom orthotic. The main thing is, it’s good to know the difference so that you don’t feel as overwhelmed by all the options as I did.

WalkFit Orthotic Insoles SIZE G $15.60 WalkFit orthotic insoles help to reduce pain in feet, knees, hips and back. Each pair of WalkFit insoles comes with 3 customizable arch inserts, low, medium, and high. WalkFit insoles are perfect for installing in all of your shoes, or great as a gift to a friend or family member. They’re available in men’s sizes 6-14 and women’s sizes 5-12. You can greatly enhance the comfort and shock absorbing…

Sof Sole Men’s Airr Orthotic Performance Insole Walk on air with cushioning and stability in Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Men’s Full Length Insoles These orthotic insoles are packed with innovative technology that delivers optimal cushioning and stability. An encapsulated air chamber in the heel cushions your stride with air, while polymer gel absorbs shock at the forefoot. Plus, full-length IMPLUS® shock-absorbing foam adds extra cushioning underfo…

Sof Sole Women’s Airr Orthotic Performance Insole Walk on air with cushioning and stability in Sof Sole Airr Orthotic Women’s Full Length Insoles These orthotic insoles are packed with innovative technology that delivers optimal cushioning and stability. An encapsulated air chamber in the heel cushions your stride with air, while polymer gel absorbs shock at the forefoot. Plus, full-length IMPLUS® shock-absorbing foam adds extra cushioning under…

High Country Walk In Comfort Plush Fleece Insoles $3.69 Keeps feet warm & dry. Two part construction: Plush fleece provides insulation and comfort. Foam bottom layer provides extra cushioning. Antimicrobial agent kills odor causing bacterial. Easy trim to fit sizing. Mens and womens shoe size template is printed on the bottom of the insoles. Select the ouline that matches your shoe size and cut along line for a perfect fit. Women sizes 5-10 and …

Dr. Scholl’s Odor-X Odor Fighting Insoles, 1-Pair Packages (Pack of 4) $14.99 Concentrated layer of ultra-effective activated charcoal absorbs and neutralizes unpleasant odors.Insoles absorb perspiration to keep feet fresh, dry and comfortable all day.Durable foam constriction provides long lasting comfort and protection.Deodorizing action continues even after you take shoes off….

Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Sport Insoles, Men’s Size 8-13, 1-Pair Packages (Pack of 2) $24.99 Ideal for all your Athletic shoes Running Shoes Court Shoes Sneakers Reduces stress on knees & lower body Trim to fit your size! You have…An active lifestyle! You want…Cushioning and shock absorption in your athletic shoes. You need…Dr. Scholl’s? Massaging Gel Sport Insoles. Comfort ~ Massaging Gel waves act like tiny springs to cushion feet Support ~ Arch Cradle supports your arch and provi…

Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Extra Support Insoles, Men’s Size 8 to 14, 1-Pair Package $10.57 Ideal for big & tall men. Wider & longer design fits larger shoes. All-day comfort. Arch Guard provides extra support. You have: foot and leg fatigue. You want: superior comfort all day long. You need: Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Extra Support Insoles. Better Sizing: Wider & long design accommodates larger shoes. Superior Shock Absorption: Durable Massaging Gel heel cushion reduces shock and provid…

Drho 5100UM 5100u M Mens Orthotics Air Embedded With 110 Air Pumps $19.57 5100 – M Gender: Male Features: -Come in two versions (Men’s and Women’s).-Shoe orthotics that help relieve back, hip, knee, and foot pain.-Helps reduce pain associated with heel spurs, bruised heel, and plantarfascitis.-Embedded with 110 pressure-sensitive air pumps to help absorb weight and decrease pain, and promotes air flow to help reduce odor.-Shock-absorbing heel plate helps absorb impact c…

Propet Women’s Ghillie Walker Sandals $75.99 Propet Women’s Ghillie Walkers are a comfortable and supportive favorite FootSmart Exclusive! This walker adds more comfort to an already favorite style. The slip-resistant polyurethane outsole supports and stabilizes each step. Neoprene lining prevents rubbing and foot irritation. Click here to view the diagram of the removable insole which makes room for full-length orthotics…….

The 2009-2014 Outlook for Orthotic Insoles in Greater China $495.00 This econometric study covers the latent demand outlook for orthotic insoles across the regions of Greater China, including provinces, autonomous regions (Guangxi, Nei Mongol, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Xizang – Tibet), municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), special administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau), and Taiwan (all hereafter referred to as “regions”). Latent demand (in mil…