Did you think that orthopedic insoles are only for grandma?
Orthopedic insoles have received a not very positive reputation. We decided to debunk some of the most common myths and misconceptions.
Orthopedic insoles are essentially small orthotics that are discreetly inserted into shoes to support and improve foot function.
Orthotic insoles are useful for certain foot conditions and anatomies. However, they will only help the cause of your particular problem when you wear them. Unfortunately, insoles don't have magical powers if they're left at the bottom of a gym bag or in a drawer.
1. Myth: Orthopedic insoles are only for the elderly.
Insoles are not just for "old people" or those who have to wear "ugly" orthopedic shoes.
Regardless of age, foot problems can affect anyone. Painful arches or heel pain are just a few of them. Pain-related conditions, such as arthritis or diabetes, can affect anyone. Orthopedic insoles will be useful in such conditions.
Orthopedic insoles are used for the prevention and treatment of diseases of children and adolescents, as well as adults and seniors. In fact, early treatment can prevent problems from getting worse.
And you don't have to buy new shoes!
New or existing shoes can be discreetly fitted with orthopedic insoles. It can also include fashionable shoes. However, it is important to wear appropriate footwear.
The shoe acts as a foundation for the foot and provides a stable foundation for the orthosis. Therefore, for example, flat ballet slippers will not go together with orthotics. However, this does not mean that you should refrain from beautiful shoes. There are many stylish shoes that can be equipped with orthopedic insoles.
2. Myth: The softer the orthopedic insoles, the better.
Completely soft insoles are not only ineffective, they actually make the problem worse. You may initially like the feeling of slipping your foot into a shoe with a soft, cushioned insole, but in reality, these types of insoles do nothing to solve the underlying problem: uneven foot support.
A good insole should provide a supportive combination of hard and softer structures that work together to evenly support the position of your feet.
3. Myth: Insoles are for people with foot pain.
While orthotic insoles certainly help many people with foot pain, they are not the only reason to wear them.
Nature has given our bodies the perfect model to handle movement, especially agility movements like running and jumping. Because the body works together as a chain of muscles, ligaments, and bones, when one part is misaligned, the whole system is thrown out of whack.
Orthopedic insoles have been proven to help relieve pain and inflammation in the knees, hips and lower back by changing the alignment of the feet. So the next time you have a problem with one of these joints, make sure it's not your foot that's to blame.
4. Myth: You only need 1 pair of insoles because you can transfer them from one pair of shoes to another.
While it's true that in theory you can transfer your insoles from one pair of shoes to another, as humans we tend to forget these things. If you want to see the real impact of improving your feet and posture, it's best to ensure that the shoes you wear most often have their own dedicated pair of insoles. This could mean investing in 2 or 3 pairs of insoles.
5. Myth: Insoles are only for sports shoes.
While most insoles are designed for use in sports shoes, some orthopedic insoles are designed for use in a variety of shoes. Upper orthopedic insoles that can be used even in men's party shoes and even in separate women's high heels.
Note: High heels are not medically recommended. Heels drastically change your gait and posture, and long-term wear can have long-lasting effects. We recognize that many people still choose to wear these shoes for fashion reasons, and we at Upper specifically recommend wearing orthotic insoles to reduce pressure points associated with heels.
6. Myth: If you have health problems, then you should always choose custom insoles.
Custom shoe insoles can cost between €400 and €500 per pair, but is it really worth it? Even the design of an insole fitted to the same patient may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. We only recommend custom insoles for the most severe foot conditions. For value, it may be better to buy 4 pairs of quality orthotic insoles for a price that would also be 4 times better than one custom pair.
7. Myth: Orthopedic insoles weaken the foot muscles.
On the contrary. Well-made insoles should properly support and balance the foot and ankle with the lower limb and the rest of the body.
When the body and posture are aligned and the foot has symmetry, muscle control is greater because muscles, joints and ligaments are less stretched and over-stressed.
Regardless of whether you are a woman or a man, a teenager or an adult, orthopedic insoles are the basis for a healthy posture and gait. If you spend a lot of time on your feet every day and feel that it's time to improve your walking comfort and well-being, then try our Upper orthopedic insoles.