Custom Orthotics vs Off the Shelf Insoles: What’s the Difference?

Foot pain can quickly make everyday life become a struggle. Whether you are on your feet for long periods of time or you are walking more often than usual, even a small issue can worsen without the correct support.

When your feet aren't properly supported, it can have an impact on the rest of your body. Problems like back ache and mobility issues can quickly arise, making it difficult to move around comfortably.

There are two primary solutions that are common when it comes to extra foot support: custom orthotics and off the shelf insoles. Both of these options have great benefits, but in this blog we will look at what makes them different and which option is the best for you.

Why People May Need Insoles or Orthotics

Insoles and orthotics are used by people who experience foot or ankle discomfort and need additional support. Common causes of foot discomfort are:

• Flat feet
• High arches
• Plantar fasciitis
• Overpronation (where the foot rolls inwards during movement)
• Supination (where the foot rolls outwards during movement)
• Standing for long hours
• Sports and exercise
• Age-related changes

You may benefit from extra foot support if you regularly experience symptoms like heel and arch pain, knee or lower back pain and foot fatigue. Misaligned feet can cause your knees, hips and back to work even harder. This ultimately leads to uneven joint wear, fatigue and pain.

What Are Off the Shelf Insoles?

These are pre-made shoe inserts that are available in most pharmacies, supermarkets and sports shops. From extra cushioning and arch support solutions to gel inserts and sports-specific options, there are a wide variety of shop-bought products to suit your needs.

Benefits of Off the Shelf Insoles:

• Affordable option for a range of budgets
• Easy to access from both online and highstreet shops
• Immediate comfort from the start
• Good option for mild discomfort
• Can be replaced easily for continuous support

While these insoles can provide quick and affordable relief, they are designed to fit a wide range of people rather than the specific shape and needs of your feet. This means they may not offer enough support for more serious or long-term conditions and the level of comfort can vary from person to person. They also tend to wear out quicker than custom options, meaning they may need replacing more often.

What Are Custom Orthotics?

Custom orthotics are prescription medical devices designed specifically for your feet. They are usually created after you have undergone a gait analysis, a foot assessment or a 3D scan and mould. You can choose from Functional orthotics which control the way your foot moves or Accommodative orthotics which provide cushioning support.

Benefits of Custom Orthotics:

• Tailored to your exact measurements
• Better long-term support and chronic or complex conditions
• Can improve alignment and biomechanics
• May reduce pain in feet, knees, hips and back
• Durable and long-lasting

Custom orthotics can be highly effective, but they are not the right solution for everyone. They are more expensive than standard insoles and require a professional assessment and fitting process, which can take more time. Some people may also experience a short adjustment period as their body adapts to the new support. In cases of mild or occasional discomfort, custom orthotics may offer more support than is necessary.

When to See a Professional

Both custom orthotics and off the shelf insoles generally require a 2-3 week break-in period. During this time, you may still experience discomfort whilst your feet are adjusting to the inserts.

However, if you are still experiencing persistent foot pain, your pain has moved to a new part of your body or your mobility worsens after 4 weeks, it may be time to seek further medical help.

A podiatrist can provide an in-depth assessment of your feet and give you additional personalised orthotic care. Often, orthotics can be used alongside a comprehensive strength and conditioning programme carried out by a medical professional.

At Glen Foley Podiatry, we specialise in orthotics, designed to support injury recovery and improve foot function. Contact us today for a foot analysis or for more information on how we can help you.