The amount of support you get is directly related to the rigidity of the arch in the insole that you choose. Rigid and semi-rigid are the two types of arch support orthotics available. Semi-rigid insoles, such as the NAZAROO orthotic, feature a somewhat flexible build. If you have tried orthotics and found them to be “too stiff,” look for the semi-rigid.

Rigid orthotics, like the Spenco Rx, are nearly completely stiff. These are often the most supportive insoles available and have the longest break-in time. If you are looking for aggressive arch support, reach for rigid inserts.

The rigidity factor will always be in relation to how firm you need your arch support but, also, the more rigid the insole, the more motion control is occurring. Motion control helps determine the amount of your foot rolling or not rolling, so to speak.

Providing you are flat-footed, as you walk, your natural gait has an overpronation to it. This simply means there is little to no motion control and your foot is rolling inward way too much. With rigid insoles, typically speaking, there is more motion control; thereby, lessening the amount of inward roll. Using a more rigid insole as a severe pronator, you may or may not correct the underlining issue, but you will surely reduce the amount of daily pain you have been experiencing. Because of this, we recommend a more rigid insole for severe pronators.

One of the first things you'll notice when you put on a pair of footwear is how cushioned it is. More cushioning (and thus shock absorption) often means less fatigue, softer steps, and an overall improved level of comfort.

Furthermore, problem feet often require extra cushioning to ward off heel spurs, metatarsal pain, and to enhance or even replace the natural padding of the foot. The cushioning an insole has, therefore, is essential in choosing the right one for yourself.

Insoles and orthotics come in a range of materials, mainly dependent on its intended function. Orthotics that focus on relieving the pain of flat feet are often made of gel or foam. EVA foam, found on insoles like the Powerstep Pinnacle, is a popular choice because of its flexibility and supportive cushioning ability. EVA foam is lightweight even when it is thick, making it an excellent choice for the construction of an orthotic. Gel, on the other hand, provides superior shock absorption. Orthotics often mix gel and foam for this reason.

The perfect insole should be soft and comfortable, but not so soft that there is no shape to guide and correct your feet. A level of firmness is especially important for those individuals who have flat feet, as the lack of height difference in the arch area could lead to unnecessary foot issues that can be easily prevented.

Before you can choose the best-fitting orthotic, the type of shoe you plan to wear needs to be considered. For example, full-length orthotics take up the entire footbed of a shoe, making them an unwise choice for a pair of flip-flops or strappy sandals. The flipside is that too short of an insole will slip around uncomfortably inside of your shoes. (This can also happen if you trim them too much)

The thickness of an insole also needs to be reviewed relative to your shoe. It's all well and good to grab the cushiest orthotic available, but if the insole forces the tops of your feet to rub against your shoe, or takes up all of the room in your toe box, it's useless.

Nowadays, almost any type of shoe can be fitted with an orthotic. Not just made for hiking boots and lats, you can purchase them for high heels, open-toed footwear, even for summer styles that are often revealing and unforgiving of any inserts. Some manufacturers even take performance into consideration, making special products for athletes, runners, and even for recovery periods.

Last but not least, the insoles you use in your footwear may greatly contribute to the level of shock absorption you get from your footwear. Whenever you take a step (especially when running), you will land on your foot with a force that can be up to several times greater than your body weight. Most people land with their heel, which is naturally not too padded, and this can often cause the arch to work overtime to try and absorb the shock.

The best way to keep your feet safe is to choose footwear with at least some level of cushioning, most often found in the midsole material. However, you will find that most formal shoes do not offer this type of protection, and are often made with hard soles that are unforgiving, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. With this type of shoes, a good insole can do wonders.

Not only can a cushioned insole help alleviate pain, but it can also even prevent any type of deterioration of foot health, eliminating long recovery times that are associated with severe plantar fasciitis. Several of the models listed above have great cushioning properties, comforting the heel and forefoot upon impact, and some are even appropriate for athletic use, allowing you to swap out the original inserts with these more supportive ones.

Inserts are an easy way to improve not just the fit of your shoes, but your quality of life overall. They're often available at affordable prices that make just a fraction of the cost of the footwear you're going to use them for, and are easy to keep clean and fresh, which is a huge plus for those with sweaty feet.

Nonetheless, you'll notice that they come at greatly varying price points - from those found at the supermarket, to those which are custom made by a trained specialist that'll set you back as much (or even more) than a pair of quality footwear. When making a purchase, you should consider whether the product in question has value to you in terms of versatility, use, and durability.

For your first purchase, you'll probably want to buy one pair of inserts, until you're certain that it's the right type of you. Giving it a test will determine whether it provides the right amount of support for your feet, how it alters the fit of your footwear, and whether it feels good enough in contact with your skin in terms of breathability. If it proves to be a good product, you can choose to purchase as many pairs as you have shoes or go with one pair that you'll move from shoe to shoe as per your needs.

Another thing to consider is the durability of the product. Most podiatrists will recommend that your insoles be changed every three months or so, to ensure that you get all the necessary support (foam orthotics will often flatten and lose their supportiveness), as well as that they're adequately clean, dry and aren't a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

You should also make sure that you clean your insoles regularly (especially if you wear shoes without socks) by following the manufacturer's instructions and drying them thoroughly between uses, which will deter the development of bad odors.