Do arch supports hurt at first

If your arch supports cause you pain then it's a sign that they are causing you more harm than good. Find out what to look out for and what to do about them here.

By

Joel Taylor

on August 31, 2021. 

Reviewed by

Taj Schlebusch

Many foot conditions require the use of insoles or extra arch support to manage symptoms such as pain. Although they usually take some getting used to in the beginning, there is a golden rule of new insoles that states that your level of pain should never be worse than it was before you'd ever worn insoles.

If your feet hurt more after adding some arch support insoles to your shoes, then it may be a dangerous sign that needs to be evaluated.

» Looking for high-quality orthotics? Take a look at our On My Feet All Day Insoles.

Painful Insoles Are Not Made Correctly

Correctly designed insoles are meant to support the foot's arch, which is especially true in individuals who suffer from fallen or collapsed arches. Adding extra support to the foot's arch may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but, at the very least, it will redistribute pressure enough to reduce some degree of pain.

If the insoles actually cause you more pain, then there is something about them that isn't meant for your feet.

Although there are many potential errors in design, some of the main ones are listed below:

• Arch supports that are too high will push your foot from overpronation to supination and cause extra pressure and pain in a different area of your foot.
• Incorrectly sized arch supports can cause restrictions in your foot's movement and force them to readjust to accommodate the awkward position, putting extra pressure on the midsole and causing more pain.
• Worn-out insoles will no longer provide the correct support to your feet and could cause more harm than good.

» Are your flat feet orthotics causing more harm than good? See Upstep's highly-rated Flat Feet Custom Orthotics.

What Can You Do About Painful Insoles?

If your insoles are hurting after the normal 3-week break-in period, then it's clear that they aren't made for your specifications. If they are a general pair of over-the-counter insoles, then it's a sign that you may require a pair of custom orthotics, whereas if they are already a pair of custom orthotics, then it's a sign that they were not made correctly and will need to be reevaluated by a podiatrist.

» Still not sure if orthotics are the right choice for you? Learn more about their benefits in our Custom Orthotics for Flat Feet Review.

Can't find what you're looking for?

People add insoles to their footwear for many different reasons. Some want pain relief from foot problems like plantar fasciitis or Morton’s neuroma. Others have tired, worn out feet and want more energy to keep moving. Then there are athletes looking to improve their biomechanics and performance.

The Basics ---

• Insoles are meant to make your feet more comfortable, so why are your feet hurting when you wear them? There are actually a number of reasons for your foot discomfort.
• It can take time for your feet to get used to a new pair of insoles. If you've already given yourself a few weeks and your insoles are still uncomfortable, there's something else going on.
• Your insoles may be hurting your feet because they're not the right arch height, are too rigid or too flexible, are not the right style for your footwear, or the arch placement isn't working for your feet.
• For insoles that don't hurt your feet, looking for ones that offer a choice of arch heights. We recommend Tread Labs Ramble for more comfort, Pace for foot pain relief, or Dash for a boost to your athletic performance.

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What You Need To Know ---

Whatever your reason for wearing insoles, the last thing you want is for them to hurt your feet. But sometimes that’s exactly what happens. You start wearing a pair of insoles and end up with uncomfortable feet. Let’s dig in to why this could be happening and how you can fix it.

How Long Does It Take To Get Used To Orthotics?

Whether you’re buying over-the-counter insoles or custom orthotics, the time it takes to get used to them is different for everyone. Some people start wearing insoles and the only thing they notice is their feet are more comfortable. However, for other people it can take more time. Generally, it takes a couple of weeks to get used to wearing orthotics.

According to the Podiatrist Streve Stredulinsky, to comfortably break in new orthotics, start by wearing them for “an hour on day one, two hours on day two, and continuously progress each day so that by the end of the two weeks, you can wear the orthotic comfortably all day.” Stredulinsky recommends listening to your body. “If things are feeling good, wear them longer each day, even all day.”

There’s something else you’ll want to consider as you get used to your new orthotics – what you’re wearing them in. Let’s not forget the old saying, “your orthotics are only as good as the shoes you wear them in.” Shoes that are too narrow, have a heel that is too low cut, or use straps to hold themselves to your feet are not compatible with insoles.

Which Insole Is Right For Me?

If your feet have had a few weeks to get used to your insoles but they are still uncomfortable, it’s worth revisiting the type of insoles you’re wearing. There are a lot of factors to consider - arch height, rigidity, type of insole, and arch placement - when you’re buying an insole, and insoles that work really well for your friends might not be the perfect ones for you.

Arch Height

When you’re selecting an insole, the most important detail to consider is arch height. You want the contours of the insole to match the contours of your foot so that your arch is fully supported from end to end. But before you can pick the right insole for your feet, you’ll need to determine what type of arch you have.

Once you know your arch height, think about the insoles you’re wearing. When you bought them, were you able to select an arch height that matched yours? If not, chances are you’re wearing “one-size-fits-all” insoles that aren’t properly supporting your arches. If you did get to choose an arch height, it may be a matter of trying an arch height higher or lower than what you are wearing.

If the insole’s arch height is too high for your feet, it will feel like there is a golf ball in your shoe or the insole is digging into your arch. If it’s too low, you’ll feel like there’s too much room between the arch of the insole and your arch. In either case, making the switch to a higher or lower insole should fix your discomfort.

Rigidity

If your insoles are the correct arch height and are still uncomfortable, it’s time to look at their structure. Flexibility plays a role in insole comfort. Some insoles use materials like carbon fiber to ensure a rigid arch support. And while that appeals to certain people for various reasons, there are others who prefer an insole with more give.

If the discomfort you feel is a result of too little or too much flex, try an insole that is more suited to your preference. However, you should keep in mind that podiatrists recommend a semi-rigid insole to promote healing of foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.

Insole Style

Once you’ve dialed in your arch height and insole flexibility, if things still aren’t perfect, there’s something else to consider. Is your insole the right one for the job? Using the wrong style of insoles in your shoes is like putting a square peg in a round hole.

Generally, there are three different styles of insoles:

• Full-length insoles with thicker top covers are made to fit into running shoes, hiking boots and other types of footwear with full-length removable inserts.
• Thin, full-length insoles with thin top covers are designed to fit into low-volume footwear like soccer cleats, cycling shoes and other footwear with thin, full-length removable inserts.
• Short insoles, also called ¾ length insoles, give you arch support without bulk in the front of your shoe. This is ideal for men’s dress shoes, women’s flats, boat shoes and other footwear without removable inserts.

Make sure your insoles are compatible with the shoes you’re wearing them in. Insoles that have too much volume for your shoes can squish your feet, which will cause discomfort.

Arch Placement

Another common reason your insoles hurt your feet is the geometry of the Superfeet Green insoles itself. Some insoles, like Superfeet, concentrate the support toward the back of the arch. Others, like Tread Labs, provide support at the rear of the arch while also extending it forward, supporting more of the foot. Some people find this type of support more comfortable. You may need to try different brands of insoles to get an arch placement that works for you.

Can Insoles Help My Feet?

Whether you have flat feet or high arches, the right pair of arch support insoles can absolutely help your feet. For some people that means giving more energy to tired, fatigued feet. Others want foot pain relief and some want to boost athletic performance.

Whatever your reason, the key to finding insoles that help your feet is selecting ones that match the arch height of your foot and giving your feet time to get used to them. You’ll be glad you did.

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Mark Paigen

Mark has always believed exceptional footwear can change lives. He's been in the footwear industry for over 30 years, working with podiatrists, pedorthists, foot care experts, and footwear makers. Mark started Chaco sandals in 1989 and developed a game-changing sport sandal that delivered comfort and durability. After Chaco sold in 2009, Mark ultimately started Tread Labs to continue transforming people's footwear so they can walk better, feel better, live better.

How long does it take to get used to arch supports?

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Do insoles hurt at first?