Dealing with foot pain, hip pain, or lower back pain? Looking at all of the different types of insoles available out there and wondering what the difference is?
There are gel insoles and foam insoles. There are full size insoles and smaller inserts. Some designed mainly for shock absorption and others for support.
We’ve discussed the traits of foam vs gel insoles in a previous blog, but what about insole size? How can you determine which shoe insert is right for you?
At Orange Insoles, we carry three different sizes of insole: the Orange Full, the Orange ¾, and the Orange Light We often get questions about which size to buy, so we thought we’d provide the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Does My Foot Type Determine My Insole Size?
No, insole size is not determined by your foot type. While your foot type, and you tendency to do things like overpronate or supinate, can and should influence your footwear choices in general, the mechanisms of support for alignment and weight distribution are the same across all sizes.
So What Does Determine Insole Size?
When you’re considering what size insole to purchase, don’t be too concerned about your foot. Instead, consider the shoe that your insole is going into.
You want an insole that fits into your shoe comfortably. You don’t want an oversized insole to cut off circulation when you lace up, or have your foot stuck in an uncomfortable position. You also don’t want an undersized insole to slide around within your shoe and ruin the fit.
So look for an insole that still allows your foot to fit properly within the shoe. Also, check to see whether the sock liner that came with the shoe is removable.
What Type Of Shoe Would Use A Full Size Insole?
Understandably, a full size insole fits best inside a full size shoe, preferably with a removable sock liner. The Orange Full is designed to replace the sock liner, and placing it on top of an existing sock liner might negatively impact the fit of your shoe.
Some types of shoes that are best suited for full size insoles:
- Full sized running shoes
- Work boots
- Dress casual shoes with a removable liner
What Type Of Shoe Would Use A ¾ Size Insole?
The Orange ¾, while offering the same level of support as the Orange Full, has a slimmer profile. This means that this insole can fit into slimmer shoes, as well as shoes that do not have a removable liner.
Some types of shoes that are best suited for a ¾ size insole:
- Dress casual shoes without a removable liner
- Formal dress shoes
- Athletic shoes with glued-in sock liners
What Type Of Shoe Would Use A Light Insole?
The Orange Light is an exclusive and innovative insole that provides real support in an incredibly slim package, designed for shoes that previously lacked any type of support.
Some types of shoes that are best suited for an Orange Light insole:
- High Heels
- Athletic Cleats & Track Spikes
- Boat Shoes (like Sperry Topsiders)
- Mary Jane Shoes
As a rule, if you can fit more support into a shoe, it’s best to get it in!
Are All 3 Sizes Just As Supportive?
The Orange Full and Orange ¾ insoles are virtually indistinguishable as far as support is concerned. Both feature molded foam for support and shock absorption, as well as thermoplastic components for additional support and longevity.
The Orange Light, by nature of its incredibly slim profile, does not have the same plastic components that the other two sizes possess. As a result, they don’t have quite the same degree of support. That being said, they will add a considerable amount of support for shoes that, ordinarily, lack it.
Where can I buy supportive insoles?
Check out our inventory and find a pair of insoles, in a style that fits your chosen footwear, available in your size today!
