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We seem to be hearing a lot these days from medical professionals and health experts about the importance of preventing foot pain and injury through the use of orthotics. What we haven’t been hearing about is how to make sense of the various types of insoles, inserts, pads, arch supports, and other orthotic devices.

Sometimes it seems as if there are as many different kinds of shoe orthotics as there are feet. There is a reason for this. Shoe orthotics are never one size fits all. An orthotic that feels like foot salvation for one person may actually cause foot pain in another. A podiatrist’s visit is the best source of orthotic advice specific to your feet and foot conditions. Here are some general tips to get you started.

Functional Vs. Accommodative Orthotics

Functional orthotics improve the mechanics of your foot and lower body; controlling abnormal motion and providing extra support. Arch supports are the most common type of functional orthotic, but metatarsal support pads and orthotic gel insoles; are also functional orthotics because they improve the ergonomics (weight distribution and alignment) of your feet.

Some types of functional orthotics are designed for a specific purpose to protect a certain type of athlete or prevent one particular foot condition. Turf toe steel toe insoles are one example of an orthotic designed for a specific function. Turf toe insoles protect the feet of athletes who engage in sports that involve a lot of running and jumping from a specific type of repetitive stress injury to the toe joints.

Accommodative orthotics are orthotics designed to reduce friction and provide cushioning for people who have sensitive feet due to a foot injury or a chronic disease such as diabetic foot neuropathy. Some types of accommodative orthotics include moldable diabetic insoles, heel pads (good for heel spurs and Sever’s Disease), and metatarsal gel pads (relieve ball of foot pain).

Full-Length Vs. 3/4 Length Insoles

Many orthotics are made in the insole style and come in two main length categories: full-length and 3/4 length. A full-length orthotic is fitted heel to toe, encompassing the entire length of your shoe’s footbed. If your shoes are orthotic friendly and have a removable footbed then a full-length orthotic can replace your shoe’s footbed. A 3/4 length orthotic begins at the arch (midfoot) and extends back to the heel. In general full-length orthotics should be used with athletic and orthotic friendly shoes only, while 3/4 length orthotics tend to fit much more easily into casual and dress shoes.

Thick Vs. Thin Orthotics

In a moldable orthotic insoles extra thickness usually just indicates greater shock absorption. In a non-moldable orthotic such as those made by Powerstep and Pedag greater thickness tends to indicate more rigorous arch support good for people with flatfeet and fallen arches, but not as good for people with high arches. Thick orthotics are designed to be warn with athletic and extra depth shoes. For high heels and dress shoes thin orthotics provide support without creating additional pain by making the shoe fit too tight.

Soft, Semi-Rigid, and Rigid Orthotics

The softer an orthotic the more cushioning and flexibility. The more rigid the orthotic the greater the support and alignment correction. There are two factors that determine how firm your orthotic should be. The first is the health of your feet. Most, if not all, accommodative orthotics are soft orthotics. This is because improving the shock absorption and cushioning of a shoe relieves pain and decreases inflammation of foot conditions and injuries. The other factor is the activity you will be engaging in when you are wearing your orthotic. Soccer, basketball, aerobics, and tennis are activities that require side to side as well as forward motion. For these activities a semi-rigid orthotic may be a better fit than a rigid orthotic. Rigid orthotics work best for runners and fitness walkers.

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