The Importance of Insoles – Protection and Added Comfort for the Feet February 20th, 2011
Running shoe technology has taken quantum leaps in the last 20 years or so, but the insoles that are inserted in the shoes by the shoe companies haven’t changed much during that time. Most of them are still made of a light density EVA which molds to your feet. Do the insoles absorb shock? Not a lot, but they offer some protection and added comfort for the feet.
Running shoes provide a good platform for the foot and the insoles that come in the shoes are the interface between the foot and the midsole of the shoe. Midsoles are generally flat and the bottom of the foot has a great deal of contour to it which needs to be supported.
Many runners who have biomechanical or podiatric deficiencies need orthotic devices to provide that necessary interface between the shoe and the midsole. Many of those runners who use orthotics toss out their insoles and lay the orthotics on top of the midsole.
Runners who remove their insoles may be making a mistake. Insoles can help prevent blisters and calluses. Even for runners who wear custom made orthotics. Your best bet is to lay the orthotics over the insoles for extra protection. If that makes your shoes too tight, either wear a thinner sock or next time you buy a pair of running shoes, go up a half-size. (When you try on a new pair, place your orthotics on top of the insoles to make certain the running shoes fit properly.)
Clearly though, one of the problems with the insoles that come with running shoes is lack of durability. They get hot, wet and smelly. Even worse, they compress quickly and wear out well before the shoe does. The solution is simple: Buy a replacement pair.
Some of the better high-grade insoles are made by Sorbothane, Spenco, Dr. Scholl’s as well as other manufacturers. They will add comfort to your running and miles to your shoes.