What is a shoe insert?

Until a few decades ago, many doctors were of the opinion that small children did not need orthopedic shoes. This was especially true for children under the age of two. Orthopedic shoes are heavy - according to the doctors. And they also said that at this age it is a crime to correct the foot because it has to develop in its own natural way and there is no need to interfere with that development.

Soft orthopedic insoles against foot pain with cushioning inserts (1 pair)

Every woman's dream is to walk in fashionable shoes, as if they were comfortable slippers. Soft orthopedic insoles with cushioning inserts make this dream come true.

Buy soft orthopedic insoles with supports in the Healthy Feet online store

Incredibly soft, like cat's paws, the insoles have foam inserts that accurately replicate the anatomical structure of the foot. The insoles are filled with silicone, which effectively cushions the foot and absorbs up to 90 % of walking impact.

  • Upper layer – Moisture-wicking, breathable spandex;
  • Lower class – Latex foam that ensures excellent adhesion of the insole to the sole of the shoe.

When the insole is fitted into the shoe, it does not pinch or give way even during intensive walking and sports activities. The products do not have an adhesive layer, so they can easily be changed from one pair to another. For example, you can use the soft insoles for modeling shoes in the morning and for sports shoes in the evening.

The orthopedic insoles with foam inserts keep the foot in the right position and relieve pain, tension and signs of fatigue in the feet. Suitable for all closed shoes: boots, boots, sneakers, boots, etc.

Affordable soft insoles perfectly combined with functionality:

  • protection of the foot from friction and pressure;
  • prevention of foot deformities;
  • fixation of the foot in the shoe;
  • Effective moisture absorption for sweaty feet.

indications

Soft orthopedic insoles with supports keep the foot in the right position

The purchase of soft orthopedic insoles with tabs is recommended to improve the comfort of shoes for everyone.

Soft insoles are a must for people who have the following problems:

  • 1-2 degrees flat feet;
  • heel spurs or calluses;
  • pain, tightness, heaviness, or burning in your feet;
  • calluses, corns or calluses on the soles of your feet;
  • sweaty feet;
  • tiredness in feet when walking ;
  • Swollen feet at the end of the day.

The sole and its height

The most important criterion for parents is the heel. When choosing shoes for children up to 6 years old, the heel should be particularly well reinforced to support the child's ankle and protect the delicate cartilage of the foot from damage. When the back covers the ankle and the heel is well protected, the shoe does not pinch and the child can run and walk freely and the foot does not tire as quickly.

Make sure the back part that covers the ankle is one and a half to two centimeters higher than the ankle. Such shoes help to keep the heel tight so that it does not fall inwards, as well as support the ligaments and muscles of the child's foot. Shoes with such a heel will help control or correct flat feet. Doctors usually prescribe such shoes for children prone to flat feet or to prevent foot deformities.

A sole that barely reaches the ankle is recommended for children over the age of six. Such a heel support also fixes the heel, but these shoes are lighter and allow the child's foot more freedom of movement. However, as a rule, shoes with such a sole are only recommended in absolutely isolated cases, when the foot is not developing properly, when the foot is severely deformed or after an operation. Children diagnosed with muscular atrophy may be prescribed shoes with ankle high heels that barely reach the ankle.

The softness of the heel of orthopedic shoes can also vary. In good quality shoes, the heel consists of special plates covered with leather. This keeps the child's foot in place and prevents the heel from sagging. A poor quality heel pad is the part of the shoe that immediately fails and deforms when the toe is pressed.

Such a heel pad is not able to support the rear part of the child's foot. The best heel brace, for strength, is one that is free to press with the toe and does not sag or pinch consistently. Such an insole can adequately support the arch of the foot and keep it upright as long as the child is in the shoe.

How to choose the right insole

An insole for the foot may or may not be included with an orthopedic shoe. If the doctor has already diagnosed the child with a foot deformity, it needs a supinator and a special supportive insole. Such aids are most often used when a child has a different leg length and abnormal posture.

The supinator can be glued into the shoe or removed and placed in the shoe along with an orthotic to correct the foot. The insert must not be too tight and uncomfortable. The right insole is a flexible insole that allows the shoe to cushion. They should not compress when pressed with your toes. This is an important criterion when choosing orthopedic children's shoes. If the pads are too soft, they will lose their properties within a month or two and will not do the child any good, rather harm.

Types of shoe inserts

shoe inserts are

Insoles are made of leather, cork and plastic. There are also products of this type made of leather and metal. It is a metal plate specially adapted to the shape of the foot and covered with leather.

It should be noted that all orthopedic insoles are necessarily covered on the outside with a natural or foamed material. The aforementioned products are often covered with a special leather substitute.

Orthopedic leather insoles need to be properly cared for. Because this material absorbs odors, it is a good breeding ground for fungi and bacteria to grow.

There are different types of insoles. What types are there?

  1. Supinators, which provide longitudinal arch support.
  2. Insoles that support the arch of the foot in the transverse direction (mainly used by women, since this change in the foot is a result of wearing high-heeled shoes).

Supinators vary in size and height of the foot. There is also a right and a left insert.

How to choose the right insoles and fit them correctly

Shoe inserts are pictures

Only a qualified physician can accurately determine what insoles are necessary for a particular patient. How are the supinators correctly inserted into the shoes? Not everyone realizes that this is so important. The high edge of the insole should be placed on the inside of the foot. The rounded part of the supinator finds its place under the heel.

The footwear in which the above product is placed should be loose and not constrict the foot. First walkers and shoes with a heel are generally not suitable for supinators. They break easily and can cause foot pain.

Therefore, to eliminate the symptoms of flat feet and relieve pain, patients are advised to use footbeds. Not only do they have a therapeutic effect, but they are also an excellent workout for the feet.

indications

The use of supinators is recommended for people with:

  • Congenital foot pathologies;
  • leg length discrepancies or clubfoot';
  • flat feet, wide feet, raised feet;
  • valgus deformity of the big toe or curvature of the other toes;
  • osteoarthritis in the ankle, knee or hip;
  • pelvic deformity, leg and joint injuries;
  • diabetes or varicose veins;
  • Intervertebral fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, osteochondrosis, scoliosis;
  • salt deposits in the joints;
  • ridges, fractures, heel spurs;
  • Pain in the ankles, hip joints, feet, muscles of the lower limbs.
  • The products are suitable for pregnant women, athletes and the elderly.

How do I make the right choice?

If you decide to buy a shoe insert, you should first consult an orthopaedist. He or she will examine the condition and select a model that will provide the necessary cushioning while walking and maximize the effectiveness of the treatment.

People who weigh more than 100 kg are usually prescribed rigid models made of graphite or plastic. For ankle sprains, semi-rigid orthotics made of flexible plastic are recommended. Soft prophylactic products are suitable for women who often walk in high heels.

Production of an individual orthopedic insole

Knowing the anatomy of the foot is important for the manufacture of a therapeutic insole. This means that these insoles have to be made individually. In the past, plaster casts were made, but today computer technology is often used. Special software is installed on the computer, which provides data on the general condition of the foot and the most stressed areas. This information is taken into account when making custom-made orthoses that are suitable for the person who underwent the computer diagnosis. In general, insoles made with this technology help with possible signs of flat feet and treat other conditions associated with foot deformities.

  • massage pads;
  • silicone insoles;
  • disposable insoles;
  • sports insoles;
  • gel inserts;
  • insoles for children;
  • thermal inserts and others.

Properly selected insoles contribute to the correct formation of the foot. Therefore, when choosing children's shoes, doctors recommend paying attention to insoles from an early age.

The effect of insoles on the feet is that they reduce the stress on the feet when walking, cushion the movements of the spine and ankles, keep the arch of the foot in an anatomically correct position and provide foot hygiene.

Shoes for children: what to look out for?

Orthopedic shoes are mass-produced and therapeutic shoes, which are made individually according to impressions based on computer diagnosis.

There is a huge selection of children's shoes on the market, both domestic and foreign. When choosing a model, pay attention to the presence of an orthopedic insole, the shape and height of the heel. The back of the shoe should be firm and fit the foot well. Also pay attention to the insole. A high foot height requires a thicker insole, while a low foot height requires a thinner insole. If the orthopedist does not have any special requirements, then the insole should have a prophylactic function.

Why is a Thomas heel necessary for children's shoes?

Now it is often claimed that children do not need orthopedic prophylactic shoes. And that is completely irrelevant. We often hear that a minor valgus is the norm in children and that it 'heals' itself. So!!! If we buy them the right shoes with a Thomas heel, the chances that they will 'come out' are many times higher. This is because the Thomas heel supports the longitudinal arch of the foot and helps to redistribute the load on the foot so that it gets used to standing and walking correctly. A small, firm shoe insert and a tight buttocks help. Buying the right footwear is the simplest thing we can do for a child's foot health.

If children with heels continue to walk in soft slippers, some of them may get up on their own, but many will at best leave their feet as they are, which can also have consequences, or the problem will get worse.

Thomas heel in Varus

The Thomas heel in the varus is not recommended and vice versa: Shoes against the varus often use a heel that extends under the outer part of the sole instead of under the inner part. Because with a varus foot deformity, a completely different distribution of the load on the foot is required. Sometimes the doctor allows the use of Thomas heels in varus, but in this case shoes with a special insole are used: without a supinator, but with a pronator on the outer edge of the foot.

Additional recommendations.

  • If you cannot see any problems in your child's feet with the naked eye and you think that they have healthy feet, we recommend that you alternate wearing shoes from different manufacturers and with different soles. If you e.g. For example, if you have two pairs of shoes for the summer, take one pair of orthopedic shoes with a Thomas heel and the other without or from a different manufacturer. The foot functions differently in different shoes: different muscles and micro-muscles are used - and that's a good thing.
  • What we definitely do not recommend: flip-flops, ballerinas and sneakers with stiffened heels. Children should only wear such shoes for beautification and during holidays. Soft slippers in kindergarten are also not a good choice. Not even for a healthy child.
  • At home, it is sometimes possible to walk barefoot, especially if the floor is of different types: smooth floors, deep-pile carpets, massage paths and mats. But on pebbles, grass and sand – children's running is used a lot there. And do not forget.

We would like to emphasize once again that o.Thomas' heel is a very useful invention of mankind. – is a very useful invention of mankind that helps our children to be healthier. So why not make use of it?

The Bashmachok online store offers a wide range of orthopedic shoes: both preventive and therapeutic. The range also includes shoes for children with a Thomas heel. Our advisors will be happy to advise you and help you make the right choice. We know how to find the right shoes, even from afar.

Size charts from other manufacturers

Shoe size for children

Different manufacturers differ in the way of making shoes, the materials used and the parameters of the shoes. Below you will find size examples for children's shoes from well-known manufacturers.

'Kotofey'.

This manufacturer is concerned about its reputation, so the shoe sizes and mesh counts are the same. However, there are always nuances to consider when buying. For example, shoes or sandals from this brand are more suitable for children with narrow feet. Some models are also short, which is a feature of winter shoes.

No matter how closely the actual size coincides with the grid published by the manufacturer, you should choose responsibly: measure the length of the insole yourself and check the fit.

skazka

This company specializes in shoes for all seasons and occasions. Here you can buy Christmas sandals and school shoes. Snow boots are also part of the range.

You can use this table to find out the shoe size of some other companies.

'Kuoma'

Children's shoe size chart

This is a Finnish shoe brand. The company specializes in sewing soft and warm shoes for children and adults. At the same time, they do not have zippers, so they are convenient to wear.

This manufacturer produces shoes of different sizes up to 49, the choice should be based on the length of the foot.

Crossway

In order for a child's feet to develop properly, it is important to consider not only the length but also the width of the shoe. The company has such a size grid:

So that the shoes or boots do not pinch, one should choose a pair where the distance between the big toe and the tip of the product is 5 mm.

What to look for when choosing children's shoes

Children's shoe size chart

To ensure that your child feels comfortable in their new shoes or boots, you should observe the following principles when choosing shoes:

  1. The shoes should be light so that the feet do not tire too quickly. If the shoes are too heavy, they are probably of poor quality. At the same time, too light a pair can indicate the same thing.
  2. To prevent flat feet, shoes should have supinators (a bulge under the midsole on the inside).
  3. Rounded socks prevent toes from being pinched on the sides.
  4. It is best to choose an outsole that flexes well and does not slip. If it protrudes slightly in front of the toe of the shoe, the child cannot injure his foot on a stone or curb.
  5. Shoes should be made of natural materials of good quality: membrane, leather or fabric.
  6. The presence of buckles or laces depends on the tastes of the parents and the child's ability to handle such fasteners. The most important thing is that the child feels comfortable in it.
  7. When choosing a model, it is also important to pay attention to the neatness of the seams, the strength of the joints and the appearance of the product.
  8. The season should also be taken into account. Shoes should not contribute to hypothermia or overheating of the feet.
  9. For kids, choose a pair that has a firm back for heel attachment.
  10. Proper shoes for children should have a small, stable heel.
  11. Sandals (or other shoes) should not be bought 'excessively' with a 1.5-2 cm margin, but they should not be too tight either. A range of 0.5-0.7 cm is optimal.
  12. It is not desirable to inherit 'shoes', especially if they have visible flaws - signs of worn soles, warped products, etc. It is better to choose an inexpensive but quality pair from local companies.

How to choose orthopedic insoles?

When choosing orthopedic insoles, you should consider not only the size of the foot, but also other factors related to the type of insoles and the shape of the flat feet. Above all, it is important to know what effect you expect from wearing these insoles. This is important, because a wrong choice not only has no therapeutic effect, but can cause even more damage.

The general recommendations for choosing insoles are as follows

  • all insoles, regardless of the shape of flat feet and the size of the foot, should fit snugly to the insole of the shoe - this way they will be evenly distributed in the shoe and will not cause the feet to slip in it and cause discomfort;
  • orthopedic insoles are not selected according to the shape of the shoe, but according to the shape of the flat foot and the size of the foot. Weight, activity and work habits are also taken into account;
  • For prophylaxis, insoles are selected according to the anatomical shape of the foot;
  • When buying shoes, it is necessary to choose models in which the size of the insole is well adjusted and which do not cause discomfort when worn.

When choosing orthopedic insoles in shoes, special attention is paid to the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the degree and form of this pathology.

In adults, there are several types of flat feet, which when choosing insoles determine the shape of the insoles:

  • Transverse flatfoot – when the transverse arch of the foot is completely absent or deformed. A distinction is made between mild (slight deformation of the metatarsals), moderate (metatarsal move apart, heads droop) and severe (complete lowering of the metatarsals) degrees of this form of flatfoot. ;
  • Longitudinal flatfoot – the longitudinal arch of the foot is fully or partially deformed. There are several stages of this disease: stage 1 – the height of the foot arch is 2.5-3.5 cm, stage 2 – the foot arch decreases to 2.4-1.7 cm, stage 3 – the height of the foot arch is less than 1.7 cm and the foot widens;
  • Combined - transverse/longitudinal flatfoot - a condition in which both structures of the foot are affected.

Where can you buy orthopedic insoles?

A large selection of orthopedic insoles can be found in the catalog of the manufacturer Ayurveda Bel. Thanks to the detailed description of each model, each buyer can determine not only the correct shape of the insole, but also its size, studying its design features and components. Ayurveda Bel insoles are not only designed for therapeutic use, but also for preventive use.

Orthotics for different types of flat feet are a win-win option that can reduce discomfort and pain caused by foot deformities. The right choice depends not only on the size of the foot, but also on the shape of the pathology. Knowing the characteristics and nature of the anomaly makes it easy to find the right insoles. Only high-quality insoles offer a preventive and therapeutic effect.

last step

The next step is to press the insoles together as tightly as possible. Check that all parts of the inserts are glued together. If everything is ok, continue.

Apply the glue to the heel and landing area and let it dry for 10 minutes. Then glue the heel back on. Prepare the metal plate as follows. Cut two corners and round them in the shape of the back of the shoe.

Using a 5mm drill bit, drill a hole in the center of the panel and two on the sides just below center. Now place this plate on top of the insole in the heel of the shoe and line up the center hole with the hole in the insole made by the factory assembly. Then screw the plate onto the heel with three self-tapping screws. The work is now almost complete.

Finally, glue a piece of leather, oilcloth or fabric to the metal insert to cover it up and create a more aesthetic look. Take the insole out of the sock and glue it in place. That's it, the insole has been replaced. The shoe can be used after 24 hours. This time is necessary for the glue to harden.

This allows the insole to be replaced at home without any special tools, without having to visit a shoe repair shop.

Picture of the process of replacing a foot insole with your own hands

Read more:
Save the article?
Orthopedic group practice in Radebeul
en_USEnglish