Shoe inserts can be very helpful for a variety of foot ailments, including flat arches and foot and leg pain.
The most common types of shoe inserts are:
Arch supports: Some people have high arches. Others have low arches or flat feet. Arch supports are designed to support the foot’s natural arch.
Insoles: Insoles slip into your shoe to provide extra cushioning and support. Insoles are often made of gel, foam, or plastic.
Heel liners: Heel liners, sometimes called heel pads or heel cups, provide extra cushioning in the heel region. They may be especially useful for patients who have foot pain caused by age-related thinning of the heels’ natural fat pads.
Foot cushions: Do your shoes rub against your heel or your toes? Foot cushions come in many different shapes and sizes and can be used as a barrier between you and your shoe.