Three-quarter length orthotics have grown in popularity, offering biomechanical support without the bulk of a full insole. This shorter design is especially helpful in tighter footwear, such as dress shoes or cleats. Users frequently wonder whether the factory-installed insole should remain in the shoe or be removed before placing the orthotic. Proper installation is necessary for the device to function as intended and achieve optimal fit and therapeutic effectiveness.
Understanding the Difference Between Insoles and Orthotics
The factory insole that comes with a shoe is typically a full-length piece of soft foam or fabric designed primarily for cushioning and comfort. These components provide a soft layer between the foot and the shoe’s hard footbed, offering little structural support or biomechanical correction. Their main function is to enhance the initial feel of the shoe.
In contrast, a three-quarter orthotic is a medical-grade device engineered to correct foot and lower limb alignment. These orthotics are made from semi-rigid or rigid materials, like specialized plastics or dense foam, to provide firm support. They extend from the heel forward to a point just behind the ball of the foot, focusing corrective force on the rearfoot and the arch.
The Direct Answer: When to Remove the Factory Insole
For most corrective or prefabricated three-quarter orthotics, the standard practice is to remove the shoe’s original factory insole. This action is necessary because the orthotic is designed to sit directly against the firm, flat base of the shoe, which is the foundation for its corrective properties. The underlying surface must be stable for the orthotic’s arch support to be properly activated during the gait cycle.
Leaving the soft, original insole in place creates a layer of compressible material beneath the rigid orthotic. This soft base can reduce the orthotic’s stability and effectiveness by cushioning the heel and arch more than intended. Furthermore, doubling up the layers adds unnecessary bulk and reduces the shoe’s internal volume.
When the foot is pushed up too high by the extra material, it can lead to two common fit issues. The heel may sit too high, causing the foot to lift out of the shoe, or the toes may cramp against the top of the toe box. The orthotic’s arch support is also placed too high relative to the foot’s anatomy, resulting in improper alignment. Removing the factory insole ensures the foot sits at the correct depth, allowing the orthotic to align the subtalar joint and support the medial longitudinal arch correctly.
Placement and Fit Nuances
Once the factory insole is removed, the three-quarter orthotic must be seated snugly into the shoe’s heel cup. Proper placement is achieved when the orthotic’s heel is pushed firmly against the shoe’s heel counter, ensuring the arch support aligns precisely with the user’s foot. Because the orthotic is shorter than the shoe, correct heel positioning is the main factor determining whether the arch support is in the right place.
There are nuances to this standard removal rule that depend on the specific product or shoe design. Some manufacturers of softer, less-corrective three-quarter arch supports may instruct users to place their product directly on top of the original insole for extra cushioning. This approach is more common for products designed for comfort rather than rigorous biomechanical control. Another exception involves shoes, such as some boots, where the factory insole is permanently glued down and cannot be removed without damaging the footwear.
After installation, the user should check for symptoms of an improper fit. These include the foot feeling excessively tight or any sensation of the heel slipping out of the shoe. A successful installation results in the foot feeling securely nested within the shoe, with the orthotic’s arch support making firm, comfortable contact with the sole of the foot. If the toes feel cramped or the foot is pushed into the upper material, the factory insole likely needs to be removed.