1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking

When the Shoe Doesn't Fit - Shoe Inserts for Problem Feet

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated April 20, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Shoe inserts can also provide relief from foot pain and problems. Arch supports, heel cups, cushioned insoles and pads can customize your shoes.

Arch supports: Athletic shoes do not have arch support - people who need to protect their arches must buy a shoe insert to provide arch support.

Heel cups: These inserts are useful for people with narrow heels that lacing can't help.

Gel, air, foam insoles: The fat pad on the sole of your foot thins with age and some people find themselves with foot pain from the impact of each step. A cushioning insole can provide additional relief. However, the walker still needs to replace the shoes themselves every 3-6 months when the cushioning of the shoe itself has died.

If these over-the-counter products still do not provide relief, visit a podiatrist or physician to see if custom orthotics are needed to give you a perfect custom fit in athletic shoes. Orthotics are inserts designed to correct your individual foot problems. The cost may be covered by medical insurance.

Not satisfied with your fit yet? It may be time to get custom shoes.

Next page> Custom Shoes> Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Explore Walking
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Walking
  4. Walking Shoes
  5. Insoles
  6. When the Shoe Doesn't Fit - Shoe Inserts for Problem Feet>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.