A small piece of fabric of great importance, which is everything you need to know about shoe inserts

What exactly are inserts and what are their functions?

Insoles are small pieces of material that match the shape of the inside of the shoe. Their use has many functions and brings a number of benefits.

The main purpose of wearing insoles is to ensure comfort while using the footwear. By filling the empty space between the foot and the inside of the shoe, they absorb shocks, provide additional support and ensure comfort both during walks and sports.

What's more, insoles are a great way to keep your footwear fresh. If you clean them regularly, you can be sure that there will be no unpleasant odor in the air when you take your shoes off. 

Specialist orthopedic insoles are also available in stores to help correct posture problems. In many cases, they are made to order to perfectly match them to the user. 

There are also podiatry insoles to help fight bunions, spurs or corns.

What type of insole to choose?

Many different materials are used in the production of shoe insoles. To help you choose the most suitable pair for you, we have prepared a short overview of each type. 

Leather insoles

If your favorite pair of shoes is made of synthetic materials, make sure that there are leather inserts inside. It is them that will provide the necessary support for your feet and at the same time prevent the problem of sweating. Their additional advantage is the fact that they do not take up much space, so you can fit them even in ballerinas.

Foam inserts

Foam is one of the most commonly used materials in the production of shoe insoles. It absorbs shocks in a natural way, it can also adapt to the shape of the foot. Thanks to this, it is comfortable to use and often used by athletes. Unfortunately, such insoles can take up a lot of space, which makes wearing them in some shoes sometimes not comfortable. 

Gel inserts

Many women who wear high boots choose to have gel inserts inside them. Their main purpose is to prevent the foot from slipping. What's more, they increase its adhesion to footwear, which ensures a more stable gait.

Should shoe insoles be aired?

Sweaty, wet feet can cause moisture to remain in hard-to-reach places in the shoe, which may lead to the multiplication of bacteria and fungi. To prevent this from happening, air the insoles regularly.

By doing this regularly, you may also notice any signs of deterioration. Be sure to replace the inserts in which there will be cracks and dents. Otherwise, expect painful blisters and corns.

How to care for shoe insoles?

In order to be able to enjoy the good condition of the insoles, they should be properly cared for. If there are visible signs of use on them, it is a sign that it is time for care.

Remove the leather or gel insoles from the shoes and wash them under running, warm water with soap, to get rid of dirt and unpleasant odors. You can help yourself with a brush with hard bristles. Rinse them thoroughly and let them dry completely. 

If the soap alone did not bring the desired results, use a washing-up liquid that is great for dealing with greasy stains. An effective method will also be the use of disinfectant or spirit. However, avoid using vinegar, which can increase the persistent smell.

Attention! Not all insoles can be washed under water. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent premature wear of the inserts. In many cases it is enough to wipe the dirt with a damp cloth.

Remember not to put wet insoles in your shoes. This can increase the multiplication of bacteria and germs. Under no circumstances should you dry them on a radiator, which may lead to bending of the inserts. The insoles should also not be dried in direct sunlight. However, it is worth providing them with air flow, leaving them, for example, in a shaded place on the balcony. Let them dry on their own.

If you have trouble eliminating unpleasant odors, use baking soda. Sprinkle it on dry pads and spread it evenly. Leave them on for a few hours, preferably overnight, allowing the baking soda to absorb odors. Then shake them thoroughly and place them back inside the shoe.

How often should shoe insoles be replaced?

If you take care of them properly, the insoles can last up to a year in everyday use. If you only wear the footwear for larger exits, then the insoles should last you for several years.

Give your feet the support they need

Your feet make a lot of movement every day. They are burdened both by practicing sports and standing still for many hours. Shoe insoles can relieve them and provide the support they need.

The cost to buy them is low, and the benefits that can come from using them are definitely worth it.