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 are not sure what foot type you have then try the Wet Foot Test.
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. We recommend:
- Advanced Support+ Insole
- Active Support Insole
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.
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 or under-pronates 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. We recommend:
- Advanced F3D Cushion Insole
- Active Cushion Insole
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.