Changing Insoles

Buy a pair of shoes or boots and you’ll get their stock, standard insole. Depending on the manufacturer, it may be good, or it may be a basic, non-supporting piece of heavy cardboard. Fortunately, footwear makers are learning that their buyers want overall quality—and that includes insoles.
     I have three pairs of running shoes. Three for roads and four for trail. I won’t disclose the brands. Of the seven pairs, four have pretty good insoles. The other three are useable—for a while.
     Insoles are not made to last forever. Over time, the miles will wear them down. They will lose their supportive capability, compressing down to nothing. Every month or so, pull your insoles out of their shoes. Clean them of dust, lint, sand, small debris, or any other foreign objects. These become irritants to your feet. Then check them for worn and compressed areas. Also clean out the inside of your shoes.
     When you find worn insoles, toss them and buy a new pair. Your local running, hiking or sporting goods store will have a good assortment from which to choose. Take your shoes and put the new insoles inside. Slide your feet inside—with the socks you usually wear and check for overall comfort. Do they feel comfortable? Does the arch fit with your foot’s arch? Is the arch too high or too firm? How does the heel fit? Does the heel fit well inside your shoes (you don’t want extra space between the insole and the sides of the shoe)? Do they fit with your socks?
     The biggest mistake people make when buying insoles is thinking insoles are all alike. They’re not. Changing to a new insole that is thicker, thinner, or has a different arch, can change the fit of your shoe.  When changing insoles, take a minute and check the fit before paying for them. It’ll pay off in the long run.