When shopping for inserts, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is how they’re made. While you may be tempted to go with the cheapest kind, you’ll find that different materials used will come with different advantages and disadvantages, and the best thing to do is consider them before making an investment, no matter how large.

Most manufacturers will use some type of foam or polyurethane as these provide a good amount of support, without being too rigid. However, those with very severe forms of plantar fasciitis may need to use firmer inserts, which is where plastic elements come into the picture. If you’ve been diagnosed by a medical specialist, they are very likely to give you some recommendations about what type of insert you will be needing. If, however, you’re looking to try out a few products in order to relieve everyday pain, you will surely benefit from less rigid options.

Before investing, you should consider whether you have any material allergies, as it would be best to avoid materials that could cause irritation. Cheaply made insoles may even be made with unsuitable materials, or may be dyed with colors that will rub off or cause a reaction. Your best bet is to purchase something with medical grade construction, or at least consider your personal preferences.

Furthermore, you will greatly benefit from getting a pair that has a moisture wicking lining or anti-odor treatment, as this will greatly help wick sweat away from the feet, ensuring a dry environment that won’t aid the growth of fungus and bacteria that could lead to further conditions.

Some of the ones listed above are very specific about the arch height they support. Buying too high or low a support can lead to even more intense foot pain, ultimately costing more in the long run. It is important to take time and make sure the arch support height matches what each foot requires. Since the condition is caused by small tears in the plantar fascia that stem from the strain on other areas of the foot, properly supporting your arches is essential in treating the condition. Most sufferers have chronically low arches which allow for too much strain to be put on the plantar fascia ligament. These kinds of arches have to be propped up and supported to give the ligament the rest and support it requires to heal and prevent re-injury.

However, plantar fasciitis and arch pain are not exclusive to those with flat feet and can happen in all types of arches. Sometimes, it can even be prevented, which is why manufacturers also make products for those with medium and high arches. By cradling the underside of the foot, inserts can help the tendon from having to work overtime to absorb shock, which, essentially leads to less likelihood of an injury.

If you’re unsure of the height of your arches, there is a simple way you can determine their height, which will lead to an easier shopping experience and a product that will be better suited to you. All you need to do is place a piece of paper on the floor and step on it with wet feet. The shape your foot makes on the paper will show you the height of your arch:

Choosing your inserts based on this information should help ensure a higher level of support, and thus a less painful experience when standing and walking for prolonged periods, regardless of whether you’ve been diagnosed with an ailment, or just want to stop the pain from happening.

With any product you purchase, you want to get a fair amount of use for the money you invested. Even though they’re made to be swapped out every few months, you will still want to get the best possible level of durability out of your purchased inserts.

The time they will last will mostly depend on the materials used. For example, foam materials are great for support and cushioning, but you may find that they tend to pack or flatten with regular wear, which may mean you’ll need to swap them out more often. Another factor that may contribute to the lifespan of your inserts is the frequency at which they’re used, as well as the type of activity. It is inevitable that the insoles in a pair of running shoes will last a shorter amount of time than those in a pair of dress shoes that are only worn on special occasions.

Overall, podiatrists recommend changing any pair of insoles every three months or so. Not only is this because they may lose their shape or support, but also due to the natural degradation that happens when any materials are in contact with moisture and bacteria (that come with sweaty feet). If you want to make sure you get more time out of your insoles, you may want to invest a few dollars more in those with moisture wicking or anti-odor properties, as well as to choose ones made with better material compounds, preferably using several different methods of cushioning and support.

Otherwise, there are a couple of simple ways you can prolong the lifespan of your footwear in general, including wearing it in appropriate conditions, thoroughly airing it out between uses, as well as washing it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

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.

While most inserts can be purchased in a specific size, it's important to note that not all your footwear is shaped the same, and thus may present some problems when trying to fit your insoles into the shoe.

That's why, when making a purchase, you should pay attention to two things. The first is the sizing - whether a certain product is too thick or wide, determining whether it will fit in a particular pair of shoes. The other is the adjustability factor. Some basic insoles can be cut down to fit a shoe shape, but there will also be those that do not offer this option.

For this reason, it is suggested that you carefully read the item description, as well as to check out the reviews left by customers, to check whether a product runs true to size.