An orthopedic doctor named 6 things to consider when choosing insoles for sports activities

orthopedic traumatologist, podiatrist (foot specialist)

“Many details must be considered to exercise to maximize the body’s benefit, including how to properly support the body and manage stress with orthotics.”

Wearing the wrong shoes compresses the toes and bones of the foot, the shock load is distributed unevenly, vessels and nerves can be compressed, and the correct biomechanics of gait are compromised.

More than 80% of female soccer players complain about uncomfortable cleats. Girls note that they experience discomfort that interferes with their performance.

At the same time in everyday life women also more often choose uncomfortable shoes with narrow toes or heels. That is, discomfort, and with it heaviness and pain, is constant. The same applies to men. Choosing an uncomfortable pair, they jeopardize their health.

For example, female soccer players note discomfort in the area of the heels. Indeed, shoes with a very low heel or no heel at all overloads the back of the foot and can cause inflammatory diseases of this area and even heel spurs.

To support the foot in an anatomically correct position, unload the areas that need it most and contribute to the correct biomechanics of gait help orthopedic insoles. How to choose the most suitable and useful?

Orthopedics has made great strides forward, and today the range of orthopedic products is huge. To make the right choice to an untrained person will be very difficult.

There are some simple tips on what to pay attention to when choosing orthopedic insoles

Softness

Sports insoles are characterized by greater softness than everyday insoles. Additional cushioning is added, as the body is under a lot of stress during sports. A stiff sole, which is necessary for cross-country running, will only hinder the rolling of the foot in the gym.

Thickness

From the previous point, the following feature of sports insoles emerges. They are often thicker than everyday ones. This is ensured by additional layers of cushioning.

Stabilizer

Sport requires greater stabilization. The form-fitting cup for the rearfoot is responsible for this aspect.

Additional elements

Additional cushioning elements are installed at the points of contact between the foot and the surface. In this way, increased cushioning is provided in the heel area and under the toes, which helps to relieve shock loads on the body.

Forefoot cushioning

For the anterior department, on the contrary, either no orthopedic elements are installed at all or they are slightly pronounced.

Washable surface

To maintain proper foot hygiene, it is recommended to choose insoles with a surface that can be treated with antiseptic or soap solutions.

In all cases, a customized product more accurately replicates the features of each foot than mass-produced ones (made according to a template in a factory). Since orthopedic insoles directly affect the body, it is necessary to consult with a doctor before using them. He will help to make the most appropriate choice, taking into account the lifestyle and health of each person.