Top Orthotics and How They Can Help
When you have an issue with your feet, such as pain or discomfort, you may look to various treatments to improve your situation. One solution you may turn to is orthotics. But what are orthotics? They are inserts or sturdy pads you put in your shoes that guide your feet to help them adjust to a different walking pattern and correct abnormal foot movement. They provide cushion and support as well as a sturdy enough structure to help align your feet the way you need, depending on your specific issue and the type of orthotics you buy.
Orthotics should be cushioned but not too flimsy or easy to bend because this is likely a sign of an ineffective pair of orthotics, which only provides temporary relief. One way to see if the orthotics you have are actually supporting your feet as well as relieving their discomfort is the bend test. If the inserts are extremely easy to bend or roll or generally seem malleable, then they probably aren’t supporting you as much as you need them to. If you try to bend the inserts and are met with resistance, especially in the area near where the arch of the foot would sit, then they are more likely to be effectively supportive and will benefit you more in the long term.
Here is a list of brands with some of their best orthotics based on their repeated appearances in blogs detailing the top orthotics of 2023, podiatrist recommendations, and customer reviews:
Redi-thotics:
Flex Orthotic Insoles
These have a focus on comfort and support due to their design of three layers of cushioning. These can be helpful for people who have lower arches or flatter feet, offer general pain relief, and can help prevent conditions such as plantar fasciitis. They particularly boast anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties that help prevent your feet from overheating. They are also more on the bouncy side, which provides a lighter feeling, making them feel like they’re not even there.
Superfeet:
Carbon Shoe Inserts
These particular orthotics are made to support people who have lower arches. They have a thinner design, making them easier to fit into athletic shoes, so they can better accompany athletic activities. They add support but aren’t as plush or cushiony as other orthotics, which could be a good or bad thing depending on the reason for buying them. They help people with low arches by supporting their feet in order to alleviate pressure points on various parts of the foot and stabilizing their feet in low-impact to more intense activities such as running.
Green Insoles
If you’re looking for a more cushioned orthotic from the same brand, these Green Insoles might be for you. Because they’re designed for high arches rather than low arches, they are more plush and offer more thickness than the Carbon Insoles. These particularly adapt to the shape of your feet, therefore becoming a sort of custom pair of orthotics, and provide comfort by reducing foot pain and allowing you to stand for longer periods of time without being uncomfortable.
Best Trimmable Orthotic Insoles
The last Superfeet products we’re going to look at are the Best Trimmable Orthotic Insoles. These are great for activities and intensities ranging from walking to running, providing support for both. A big plus for these is that you can trim them down to the size that works best for you, boasting customizability, and they are very durable.
Walk Hero:
Supportive Orthotic Insoles/Arch Support Insoles
Similar to the concerns expressed above regarding the effectiveness and actual benefit of orthotics, these insoles have a nice balance of being both comfortable and supportive. They have three layers of foam, which both cushion the feet and keep them cool. They can also be used for a variety of activities, such as running, walking, and hiking, along with everyday activities. They’re said to be relatively durable, though they are recommended to be replaced more often if you participate in higher-intensity activities frequently. The deep heel cup aids specifically with heel pain.
Spenco:
Polysorb Cross Trainer Athletic Insoles
Beneficial to people who have high arches, these insoles are known for their shock-absorbing and supportive nature. They can also be helpful to those who are dealing with plantar fasciitis because of the support they provide to the heels and the feet overall.
Dr. Scholl:
Custom Fit Orthotic Inserts
Unlike some of the previous products, these inserts come with a quiz you can take online to figure out which fit would work best for you based on the type of arch you have, making them highly customizable. As far as structure, like some of the other products, they are made of three layers, each of which contributes a different benefit to your foot, such as being shock-absorbing and supportive.
Vionic:
Slimfit Orthotic Insoles
Specifically designed for those with thinner, narrower feet as well as for more casual shoes, these lightweight insoles are perfect for people with low arches. They are not designed with high arches in mind, however, so they are limited in how much they can help certain types of feet.
Unisex 3/4 Length Orthotic Insoles
These are meant to ease pain and irritation caused by conditions such as bunions and are made to be very durable. They’re easy to insert, though they’re not designed for higher-intensity activities such as running.
Works Cited
“What Are Orthotics and How Do They Benefit You.” What Are Orthotics and How Do They Benefit You: Neuhaus Foot & Ankle: Podiatry, www.neufoot.com/blog/what-are-orthotics-and-why-should-you-use-them.
Lanquist, Lindsey. “Do You Suffer from Foot Pain, Aches, or Fatigue? We Found the 15 Best Orthotics That Deliver Comfort and Support for Hours.” Verywell Fit, 28 July 2023, www.verywellfit.com/best-orthotics-4172258#toc-best-overall-dr-scholls-custom-fit-orthotic-inserts.
“Information on Orthotics ‘You Don’t Have to Live with Foot Pain Orthotics Can Help.’” Podiatric Medical Board of California, www.pmbc.ca.gov/forms_pubs/orthotics.shtml.
Ortiz, Jillian. “On your feet all day? These 24 award-winning and podiatrist-approved insoles provide comfort and relief.” Today, 7 April 2021, 24 best insoles of 2023 according to podiatrists and editors (today.com).
Seymour, Emma. “10 best Orthotic Insoles, According to Podiatrists.” Good Housekeeping, 28 June 2023, 10 Best Orthotic Insoles 2023, Reviewed by Experts (goodhousekeeping.com).
