Insoles, also known as footbeds or inner soles, are removable shoe inserts designed to provide cushioning, shock absorption, and a better overall fit inside footwear. They help keep the foot in a neutrally aligned position, which distributes pressure evenly and supports the musculoskeletal system during movement. Correctly installing a replacement insole or orthotic ensures the insert performs its function, preventing discomfort and potential alignment issues. This guide outlines the steps for achieving a perfect fit for your new insoles.
Preparing the Shoe and New Insoles
The process begins by preparing the shoe cavity and sizing the new insert. Most quality insoles are designed to replace the existing liner, so first, remove the factory insole that came with the shoe. Removing the original liner is necessary because adding a new insole on top will crowd the shoe, reducing interior volume and causing tightness. Once the shoe is empty, the original insole becomes the template for shaping the replacement.
Align the heel cup of the factory insole directly on top of the heel cup of the new insole, ensuring the inner edges are perfectly matched. This alignment is important because the structured support elements of the new insole, such as the arch, must not be trimmed. Using a pen, trace the outline of the old insole onto the new one, focusing only on the toe area that extends past the old liner. When cutting along the traced line with sharp scissors, cut slightly outside the line, leaving a small buffer of material. Check the fit of the slightly oversized insole inside the shoe and trim small amounts from the edges until it lies flat.
Step-by-Step Installation
Once the new insole is trimmed to the correct length and width, proper placement ensures it functions as intended. Start by angling the insole and sliding the toe section into the shoe first. Then, gradually push the rest of the insole toward the heel, ensuring it follows the contours of the shoe’s footbed. A misaligned insole will not provide the intended biomechanical support, potentially leading to foot fatigue or discomfort.
The most important action during insertion is firmly seating the insole’s heel cup against the internal back wall of the shoe, known as the heel counter. This anchors the structured support in the correct position relative to your foot. Use your fingers to press the insole down, smoothing out any creases or ripples, working from the heel toward the toe area. The surface must lie completely flat and smooth against the base of the shoe, especially in the arch area, to prevent the material from bunching up beneath the foot.
Post-Installation Fit Check
After the insole is placed, a final check confirms proper installation and fit. Put on the shoe and lace it up normally, then stand up and walk a few steps. You should check for two things: the feeling beneath your foot and the overall shoe volume. The insole should feel stable, and you should not perceive any sliding, movement, or shifting of the insert beneath your foot while walking.
Pay attention to whether the shoe now feels too tight, especially across the top of the foot or at the toes, which might indicate the new insole is too thick. If you feel the insole sliding forward or backward, it may be slightly too short, or the shoe’s interior material is too slick. If sliding occurs, apply a small piece of double-sided tape or a non-slip adhesive patch beneath the heel of the insole to anchor it securely to the shoe’s footbed.