When selecting a pair of arch support insoles for flat feet, there’s a lot to consider. From sizing to arch height to material, the various things to keep in mind can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide, which aims to help you sort through everything you should know when buying your next set of insoles. That way, you can be rest assured that you’re getting the best possible arch supports for your flat feet.
Flat Feet vs. Fallen Arches vs. Plantar Fasciitis
People shopping for arch support insoles often do so for a variety of foot problems and medical issues. So before we explore how to shop for arch support insoles for kids or adults let’s cover how flat feet differ from plantar fasciitis.
What are Flat Feet / Fallen Arches?
If your feet are relatively flat in shape, chances are you have a condition known as flat feet, otherwise called fallen arches.
A Step Ahead Foot + Ankle care notes that fallen arches is “a condition that sees your Tibialis Posterior muscle not work as well as it should. It generally occurs on ONE foot at a time”
That said – technically speaking – someone can be relatively flat-footed without having the condition known as fallen arches, or “flat feet”. But regardless, flat feet can cause you pain and discomfort, as well as lead to other issues.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is “a condition of pain and tissue damage at the attachment of the plantar fascia to the underside of the calcaneus (heel bone)”.
People with flat feet or high arches are often more prone to developing plantar fasciitis, but flat feet themselves are not synonymous with plantar fasciitis, nor are they the only cause for it.
Still, if you do have fallen arches, taking preventative measures – such as wearing supportive arch support insoles made for flat feet – can reduce the risk of getting plantar fasciitis.
Now that you have an understanding of the above foot conditions, let’s talk about how you can choose the right insoles for your feet.
Size Your Insoles
When it comes to foot insoles, size matters! You don’t want your feet, or insoles, slipping around in your shoes. Not only can this create blisters, but it can actually place more strain on your feet by causing overcorrecting movements.
In other words, getting insoles that are incorrectly sized can alter your gait and potentially worsen the issues associated with your flat feet. By making sure your insoles, whether they be Lightfeet’s Kids Arch Support Thongs or anti-blister socks, are correctly sized, it will ensure that each part of your foot is properly supported and aligned.
Choose the Right Level of Arch Support
Flat feet can cause a variety of additional issues, such as feet that constantly feel tired, develop swelling, overpronate, and, perhaps most commonly, lead to chronic arch pain. So it’s essential that if you’re choosing insoles for running, walking, or general use, you keep arch support top-of-mind.
While cheaper shoe insoles may provide temporary relief, when you’re choosing flat feet insoles you want a lower arch but also a firmer one. In other words, something soft and squishy won’t provide adequate support.
Our Arch Support Insoles are designed to not only provide comfort optimised with self-moulding technology, but also work to align your foot, improve muscle efficiency, reduce joint stress and protect your feet from injury
Choose the Right Level of Heel Support
While arch support is often the most critical factor when choosing insoles for flat feet, you don’t want to neglect heel support either. For flat feet, it’s often best to have a deeper heel cup, which not only offers more comfort against foot pain but also prevents overpronation. Overpronation can, of course, result in even flatter feet, because, over time, more stress is put on the foot muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the arches.
Other Ways to Address Flat feet
Flat feet often also present pain in areas other than the arch, including the heel and the leg. They cause issues such as uneven shoe wear and more. So be sure that if you have flat feet, you also think about:
- Wearing more supportive shoes, such as arch supportive thongs
- Buying new shoes rather than just putting new insoles in old shoes that are worn
- Other actions to remedy flat feet, such as physiotherapy
What Are the Best Insoles for Flat Feet?
As we now know, some of the best insoles for flat feet involve a high level of arch support and heel support. We also know that they should be properly sized to your feet to work optimally. But when shopping the web for arch support insoles, how do you know that what you’re getting is high-quality?
Our full range of insoles for arch support at Lightfeet have been developed and designed by Australian sports podiatrists for maximum support and comfort. Specifically designed, our Arch Support Thongs for kids are perfect for outdoor play, everyday wear, and any other activity that requires comfortable and supportive footwear for children.
They also provide a unique 3-step arch support, providing you with the ultimate fit and protection from injury. Give them a try today – if you’re not 100% happy, you’ll get your money back! That’s our guarantee. So, get shopping now!