The human body is a complex machine that works optimally when all pieces fit together the right way. That said, many would be surprised to know that the slightest changes in the anatomy of the human body could cause significant problems in the future. The arch, for example, along the medial side of the foot, when absent, can become the root cause of chronic pain, discomfort, poor posture, and limited walking, running, and standing endurance.
Flat footedness, or ‘fallen arches’, is a condition wherein the feet have lower arches than usual. This arch is found along the side of the big toe and causes a slight space between the foot’s medial side and the floor when a person places their feet against a flat surface. Although the presence or absence of this arch might not seem like a big problem to some, it is only once you actually suffer from fallen arches that the issue becomes clear. Fallen arches can become the reason for different kinds of injuries, and may even cause chronic pain and discomfort in the long run especially if left unmanaged. Within this guide, you’ll not only learn what flat feet is, but you’ll learn how to treat it with the best orthotic insoles for flat feet.
What is the Arch For?
There are actually three different arches in the feet, but the most common is the medial longitudinal arch which is what flat footed people lack. This arch is responsible for helping people maintain their balance and propel themselves with ease when walking or running. The medial longitudinal arch also makes it possible for people to bear weight in the least stressful and uncomfortable way possible.
What Causes Flat Footedness?
There are several reasons why people might have flat footedness, and some of these are:
• Birth Defect – Flat feet can be acquired from a person’s parents, which means the condition can be present from birth. But because fallen arches aren’t likely to become apparent until after a child develops a more mature gait pattern, it’s not common for flat feet to be diagnosed until later on in the person’s life.
• Injury – There are several internal structures that keep your arches in place. These are held tendons and bones. In the event that any of these anatomical structures are injured and damaged, a foot can lose its arch either permanently or temporarily until the condition heals.
• Pre Existing Medical Condition – Some medical conditions that affect the bones are likely to cause flat footedness. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common medical condition to cause fallen arches.
• Nervous Problems – Sometimes, when a person is unable to feel stimulus from the feet, they are unable to correct themselves while walking or standing, thus causing flat footedness and fallen arches.
What are the Symptoms of Flat Footedness?
A person is unlikely to pinpoint flat footedness as the cause for their symptoms as not a lot of people are aware that this can become the reason for physical problems. Some of the signs and symptoms of flat footedness may include but are not limited to:
• Easily tired feet
• Painful or uncomfortable feet, particularly in the areas of the heel or the arch
• Swelling of the area where the medial longitudinal arch should be located
• Certain motions of the feet such as tiptoeing can be difficult to perform
• Pain or discomfort in the back or legs that can’t be alleviated by therapy, massage, or medication
How to Diagnose Flat Feet
There are several ways that you can determine whether you have flat feet, and some of the techniques include:
• Considering past injuries and accidents which may be linked to flat feet. Frequent falls, trips, and slips are just some of the indications that you might have fallen arches that make it difficult to walk, stand, and balance.
• Inspecting the soles of your feet for irregular wear, thickening areas of skin, blisters, or other markers of incorrect weight bearing and usage.
• Comparing your manner of walking or performing simple foot movements with the way others do the same tasks.
Different Treatments for Fallen Arches
• Massage, ice, and rest to relieve pain and discomfort
• Stretching and other preparatory exercises to help feet cope better with prolonged use
• Physical therapy for chronic pain and discomfort caused by fallen arches
• Orthotic devices like modified walking shoes and walking aids
• Medications like pills or injectibles that help reduce pain
Best Way to Treat Flat Feet
Although the previously mentioned methods can be effective at treating the side effects and symptoms caused by fallen arches, they can also be costly and tedious. Physical therapy and massage for example need to be attended frequently and consistently before relief can be experienced. That’s why many have chosen to go with more practical means of treating flat feet, like orthotic insoles.
Benefits of Using Insoles for Flat Feet
• Convenient – The main reason why people experience pain and discomfort when walking or standing on flat feet is because the weight distribution becomes problematic, causing stress in areas of the foot where it shouldn’t exist. While some would suggest visiting specialists to help relieve the pain and discomfort, not everyone has the time to see a therapist for treatment sessions. Insoles for flat feet prove to be a more convenient option especially those that can be purchased over the counter. Simply slip them into your shoes and go about your day as you usually would.
• Affordable – Unlike orthotic devices that need to be custom made, insoles for shoes can be purchased over the counter. This is because they’re designed to conform to any foot shape and resolve the symptoms of flat feet no matter the extent. Over the counter shoe inserts for flat feet can be very affordable, allowing people to purchase as many as they need for as many shoes as they might use in their day to day life.
• Effective – Yes, medications and other treatments for flat feet can be effective, but there’s never a guarantee. The thing about medical drugs and injectibles is that a person might need more than a single dose to feel significant results. Therapy also requires the same consistent participation before relief can be experienced. That’s why the effectiveness of arch supports for flat feet is most desirable because they can be used daily without interfering with other activities, and without having to spend too much too often.
• Comfortable – The more a person uses insoles for flat feet, the more they’re likely to feel greater comfort. That means as you walk and stand with your insoles, you’re likely to experience greater ease, giving you greater stamina and endurance to help you perform more tasks in a day than you used to.
Flat feet can be a big problem for those who have them, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through the pain. Something as simple as insoles for flat feet can greatly improve your condition, so be sure to get yourself a set of insoles to help you walk your way to a healthier, happier, and fuller lifestyle.
Best Orthotic Insoles For Flat Feet – Our Reviews
Do you know that roughly 25% of Americans struggle with flat feet? What this means are that there are 60 million people in the US alone who are at increased risk of suffering from a wide range of complications including fallen arches, knee problems, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and more. Luckily, there is a wide range of products currently on the market that seek to address this issue and leave you experiencing reduced pain and discomfort. If you are having issues with flat feet, then the following 4 options represent a great way for you to address and solve your problem.
1. Samurai Insoles (The Best Choice)
Instead of paying $500 for customized orthotics for flat feet, why not go with a product that is orders of magnitude less expensive and also proven effective? The Orthotics for Flat Feet by Samurai Insoles is an inexpensive option that gently controls the overpronation that is often associated with flat feet. The insoles follow conventional shoe sizes, saving you the hassle of guessing what the right insert might be. Their slim design utilizes proven material to offer a lighter more structured insole that helps to alleviate pain faster without crowding the inside of your shoe. Designed by a podiatrist, these orthotics have already passed the rigid testing put in place to ensure quality and effectiveness.
The Samurai orthotics comes in bright red with black bottoms and siding. They come in a full range of men’s and women’s sizes to better meet your needs when wearing them. Lightweight and coming in a simple green/black box, you can have these orthotics in no time at all.
Previous customers loved how effective the orthotics ended up being. Providing relief across the board, the vast majority of individuals reported stellar results starting in only as little as a few days after they began using them. Lauded for being durable and high quality, people appreciated that the insoles did not wear down quickly, even with extended daily use. Offering a service and material quality that is well above what people were expecting to pay, you should strongly consider the Orthotics for Flat Feet by Samurai Insoles.
Why You Should Consider This:
• Great for those experiencing plantar fasciitis or ankle pain
• Helps to remove your pain and discomfort, reversing a negative trend and promoting healing and growth
• The best insoles for flat feet on our list
2. Superfeet Black Insoles
Another prime contender in the insoles industry. These insoles are great for arch pain, foot pain, heel pain, and plantar fasciitis. In addition, it sports a far narrower profile which makes it perfect for tight fitting styled shoes. The insoles include low arch support for light support that is easy to insert and none-the-less effective. With a special design crafted through experience, the Superfeet Black Insoles can support all arch types.
The insoles come in black for both the interior and exterior sides. Light grey writing spells out the logo on the interior side. 8.5 centimeters wide, the insoles utilize synthetic material and lining for a comfortable and light fit. A natural NXT anti-bacteria coating is provided for this latex-free and vegan friendly insole alternative.
Customers who purchase these insoles gave it overwhelmingly positive marks. Comfortable, individuals noted that these insoles were perfect for dress shoes. The difference that people report is a stark as night and day as some report an end to their pain in as little as a few days. With these glowing recommendations and a product that is supported by good design and material selection, the Superfeet Insoles are our second choice on our list of the best arch supports for flat feet.
Why You Should Consider This:
• Great for foot pain, heel pain, arch pain, and plantar fasciitis
• A good choice for tighter fitting shoes
• Supports all types of arches
• Latex free & vegan friendly
• Great for dress shoes
3. Footminders Comfort Insoles
One of the best orthotics for flat feet on the market today. They combine cushioning that provides firm foot arch support along with a dual layer of firm material padding. They are also great for plantar fasciitis and general foot pain. Recommended by chiropractors and podiatrists, the Footminders Orthotics is an inexpensive option that anything if not practical.
The Footminders Orthotics is black on both sides. There are two blue sections that highlight the padding on the far side. A total of 5 sizes are offered ranging from men’s 3.5-13. They can also be used by women as well. They include a 2+mm of soft, cushioning material for the heels well as a forefoot padding.
A lot of runners wrote in reviews appreciating the support provided by the Footminders Comfort Orthotics. Equally recommended by those suffering from high arches, customers express gratitude for how much good these insoles can do. With some going so far as to say that they worked better than the custom orthotics they were given, these orthotics for flat feet by Footminders is definitely worth considering. With such a low price, it is well worth taking the risk and seeing these shoe inserts work for you.
Why You Should Consider This:
• They come recommended by podiatrists and chiropractors
• Great for plantar fasciitis and general foot pain
• An inexpensive option that is proven to work
• Appreciated by runners
4. SmartSole Exercise Insoles
Last but not least, we arrive at another good shoe insert for flat feet, the SmartSole Exercise Insoles. Despite their low cost, they manage to hold up surprisingly well. First, SmartSole offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Providing comfort for your shoes, the inserts are a little wider than others we reviewed and are perfect for things like work boots. Relieving pressure from your joints and back, SmartSole Exercise Insoles provides a decent solution to flat feet, shin splints, fallen arches, and more.
The SmarSole Insoles are green on their interior and black, grey, and purple on their exterior. They are made from a basic foam material and provide a lot of arch support.
Customer reviews for these insoles were positive. People reported that they provided the comfort they were looking for and helped reduce their chronic pain over a few weeks. Some even went as far to recommend them for providing better looking posture.
Why You Should Consider This:
• Made for those who are active on their feet
• Inexpensive option on our list
• Well recommended for relieving pain
• Holds up decently long
Best Orthotic Insoles for Flat Feet – Comparison Table