A lot of people have to suffer from foot pain, which causes them even more pain when wearing the wrong type of footwear. That means they can get many benefits of arch support sneakers. They can provide you with a kind of cushioning to reduce pain and allow you to move more comfortably. Even when you have some foot problems such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, etc., wearing sneakers with good arch support can help a lot. So, without any further ado, let’s delve into the benefits of arch support sneakers and why you should wear them.
What Are Arch Supports?
Arch support is a phrase used to indicate a wide range of shoe inserts that provide support to our feet’ arch. There are different types of arch supports available on the market, ranging from a casual pad to a custom-molded support plate in hard graphite. In general, almost all arch supports a type of insole/insert that goes into your sneakers or footwear, helping to support the arch of your feet.
The Importance of Arch Supports
Arch supports have been becoming increasingly important. As you might know, our feet are not created to walk on stiff, flat terrains. Most available shoes on the market don’t feature support, or very little, if any. Hence, they will only provide you with enough protection from mild elements. Not to mention, lots of models are designed with style preferences other than functionality. That’s why you should wear arch support sneakers to give your feet much-needed support and also feel more comfortable during movement.
Benefits of Arch Support Sneakers
If you have foot issues, typically plantar fasciitis, flat feet, etc., wearing arch support sneakers can help improve the problem significantly. Even when you don’t have such issues, arch support is also a good addition you can consider getting for your shoes. Here are the benefits of arch support sneakers. Let’s take a closer look.
Help distribute pressure
A good pair of sneakers with excellent arch support will help you evenly distribute the pressure on the ball of your feet and the heel. Therefore, it will also significantly lower the fatigue you have to experience when walking all day long.
Provide ultimate support
Because of its name, lots of people have the misconception that arch support sneakers only offer support for their feet. In fact, it can give you much-needed support for the entire body. In particular, arch support sneakers can help you decrease pain and fatigue in the lower back, hip, knee, and other back-related alignment problems.
Experience the ultimate support and comfort with Birkenstocks. These shoes are designed with arch support, a deep heel cup, and a spacious toe box. With the use of high-quality materials such as cork and leather, Birkenstocks can provide relief for various foot problems while still remaining fashionable.
Decrease or prevent pain
If you wear a pair of shoes that don’t have arch support, you know how painful your feet are. That’s why lots of people find extra arch support, such as orthotics or padded insoles. The reality is that lots of people find that they almost don’t feel fatigued or pain at their feet after a long day wearing sneakers with arch supports.
Prevent your arches from being harmed
Lots of people choose to wear arch support sneakers to prevent inflammation, injuries, and other foot pain. However, arch support can even help you avoid the possible risk of harming the arch of your foot.
One of the most popular issues when it comes to harming arch issues is falling arches. Plantar fasciitis is also another common foot issue that can be avoided by wearing footwear with excellent arch support.
Provide added stability
One of the greatest features of arch support is filling the gaps in the arch of your feet. Thus, they will provide you with a more steady surface area for your feet to stand on. As a result, it will enhance your balance and stability when walking on different terrains.
If you are looking for added stability in your shoes, check out our article on shoe anatomy. Understanding the different parts of a shoe can help you choose footwear with the necessary support for your needs. From the arch support to the outsole, each component plays a crucial role in providing stability for your foot and body.
Knowing When You Need To Wear Arch Support Sneakers
The reasons why you need arch supports vary depending on different people’s foot health and problem. I know lots of people have a foot ailment. They visit a doctor and get advice on wearing a pair of sneakers with good arch support. When you use the arch support shoe properly, it will help you improve a lot of foot problems and other back, hip, and knee issues.
If you face any problem down below, it is recommended to get arch support sneakers to wear. Let’s see what those ailments are.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is considered the most common foot problem that lots of people face. Basically, plantar fasciitis is a kind of inflammation of the fibrous tissue. It will cause pain at the bottom of your feet, your arch, and your heel as well.
There are different reasons causing this problem. For example, wearing too tight or badly fitted sneakers is one of the many reasons. Besides, if you get trauma or have flat feet, the possibility of having plantar fasciitis is also high.
When you have plantar fasciitis, you might feel pain at your heel the next morning when waking up. Typically, if you don’t provide enough support for the arch of your feet, the inflammation and pain can be even more serious. That’s why plantar fasciitis sufferers are recommended to get proper arch supports by either using orthotics or sneakers with arch supports.
Related: Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to invest in shoes that offer adequate arch support. Choosing shoes with arch support can help relieve pain and discomfort in the heel and arch of your foot. Check out Hood MWR’s article on arch support to learn why arch support is crucial for foot health.
Arch Pain
When you feel pain at the arch of your foot, it might be time to wear arch support shoes. There are different reasons resulting in arch pain, including underlying issues, excessive workouts or, activities. Arch support sneakers not only lessen this problem but also benefit your entire body in the long term.
Overpronation
Overpronation is when your foot or ankles roll inward as you move. If you overpronate, it is possible to have pain in your arch. So when you notice this problem or are diagnosed with it, buy orthotics or insoles with good arch supports for your shoes. They will contribute to keeping your ankles and the whole body aligned correctly.
Wearing arch support sneakers is crucial for those who suffer from overpronation. Overpronation can lead to numerous problems, such as knee, hip, and lower back pain. Investing in a pair of supportive sneakers, like the ones offered at Nike, can help alleviate these problems and provide necessary arch support to relieve foot pain.
Supination
On the contrary to overpronation, when you supinate, your ankles tend to roll outward when you are walking. Similar to overpronation, wearing a pair of shoes with good arch supports or orthotics can help you improve this issue.
Related: Best Shoes for Supination
Standing For a Long Time
If your job requires you to stand all day or for an extended period, it is worth considering wearing orthotics or getting arch support shoes to wear during that time. It will help prevent the possible occurrence of more severe foot issues afterward.
Related: Best Shoes for Standing All Day
Heel Spurs
A heel spur is a calcium accumulation leading to bulging bones on the lower surface of the heel bone. While heel spurs are not really painful, sometimes you will feel pain at your heel. In this case, orthotics or arch supports can help release heel spur pain. The point here is that they can distribute pressure evenly, which will significantly lessen pain at your heel and other foot areas. What’s more, it will diminish the possibility of your heel spurs getting sorer.
Morton’s Neuroma
Although Morton’s neuroma is benign, it can cause pain and affect a lot on the ball of your feet. People suffering from Morton’s neuroma can get benefits from orthotics, typically types with a met pad. They are considered good at relieving pressure and pain around your toe areas.
If you’re experiencing pain in your toes while walking, it could be Morton’s Neuroma. This condition causes a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, particularly between the third and fourth toes. To learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma, check out this article on Pain in Toes When Walking.
Other Reasons
- Diabetes: If you suffer from diabetes, you might have pain and swell at your feet. As you might know, arch supports or orthotics can distribute pressure evenly around your whole feet, lowering pain that focuses on one area. Besides, they can keep your entire body and feet aligned properly.
- Arthritis: Different people will have different symptoms and foot pain when suffering from arthritis. For example, some have serious problems that require them to get lots of care, while others don’t have any issues such as pain in their feet and other parts of the body. Ideally, you can get orthotics or insoles to lessen your problems even when you don’t have any symptoms.
- Running: As you all know that running is good for your health. However, if you have existing foot problems, the risk of getting pain in your feet and other body parts such as joints, knee, back, hip, etc., is very high. Typically when you don’t wear the right pair of high arch running shoes. Arch supports will help you reduce overpronation or supination if any, when you run wrongly.
Types of Arch Supports
If you are scrolling to this part, you might know the importance of wearing arch support sneakers. However, there are various types of arch supports on the market, making it difficult for you to choose a suitable one. Follow this part to get the right orthotics or arch support sneakers.
Gel
Arch supports made from the gel are suitable for different types of sneakers. They are soft and flexible, reducing fatigue aching feet, relieving foot strain and other foot pain.
Heat Moldable
Heat doable arch supports, as their name suggests, use heat to mold your feet. They are usually made of specialized materials that have a great ability to resist heat. And of course, they will contour to your feet’ shape to ensure fit and comfort.
Heavy Duty
Heavy-duty arch supports, as their name implies, are specifically made for those who weigh over 200 pounds. These people tend to have lower back pain apart from common foot pain issues. Related: Best shoes for lower back pain.
Wearing heavy-duty and supportive shoes like arch support sneakers can ease the burden off of your feet and back while wearing heavy work boots. These shoes provide the necessary support and stability to help reduce foot fatigue and back pain associated with extended standing or walking on harsh surfaces.
High Heel
If you have ever worn high-heeled or dress footwear, you might experience foot pain. Therefore, dress arch supports are typically designed for high heel sneakers. Just like other types of arch supports, these contour to the shape of your feet and insoles to distribute pressure evenly and reduce as much pain as possible.
Kids Insoles
Just like adults, kids also suffer from foot pain if they don’t get the right footwear. Typically when your children take part in running clubs or they just walk a lot, they might experience overpronation, supination, and other foot-related issues. So, make sure you get the certain type of orthotics specialized made for kids.
To ensure kids’ growing feet are well-supported, consider adding insoles to their shoes. Our shoe size chart can help you determine the right size of insoles needed for your child’s shoes. It’s important to select insoles that offer good arch support and cushioning to protect their feet from damage and discomfort.
Memory Foam
Memory foam insoles come in a thick and full length. Therefore, they are more suitable and fit the best memory foam footwear featuring detachable insoles.
Sandals and other types of footwear
You can find some kinds of arch supports that are thin enough to put on your sandals without discomfort. Besides, there are a lot of sandals featuring built-in arch supports such as Sovella, Aetrex. So, there is no need for separated orthotics.
Wool or Warm
Wool insoles are typically made to give you extra insulation to withstand cold weather. This type of arch support will also provide you with added support to lessen foot pain. Different work shoes brands use different materials to make wool/warm arch supports, including angora, merino wool, shearling lambskin wool, etc.
Don’t suffer in cold weather. Click to explore 17 Ways To Keep Your Feet Warm In Boots and make sure your feet are cozy all winter long. Whether you opt for wool socks, heated soles, or simply layer insulating pieces, you can build a footwear system that will keep you warm and comfortable in any situation.
Things To Consider When Buying Arch Supports/Orthotics
There are two most crucial things to consider when purchasing arch supports. One is the arch supports themselves, and the other is your sneakers. Let’s take a closer look at the following part to understand more about it and make the right decision.
Types of Sneakers
When looking for the best arch supports or orthotics for your sneakers, the first thing you need to consider is the type of sneakers you are wearing. A lot of sneakers don’t accumulate full-size insoles. If your footwear has detachable insoles, you can easily accumulate full-size orthotics.
For this point, athletic sneakers usually offer thin yet removable insoles. Therefore, you can quickly replace them with new, thick arch supports. Make sure you measure your sneakers’ insoles and the new orthotics to get the best fit.
When it comes to sneakers, there are 44 different types, and understanding the differences between them can help you choose the best pair for your needs. From athletic sneakers to lifestyle sneakers and high-tops to slip-ons, each type has its own unique features and benefits. Check out this list of 44 different kinds of sneakers to find the perfect pair for you.
Materials
Arch supports are made of different materials, such as plastics, hard molded, or soft memory foam, etc. However, the two most common materials used in almost all sneakers are polyurethane and EVA. They are similar to the materials used to design midsoles of running shoes.
Many shoe brands use this kind of material because it has a great ability to absorb shock, impact, and good rebound property. They also offer an excellent comfort level. Arch supports made from harder plastic tend to be used to create custom-molded insoles. These types will contour to your feet’ shape and offer ultimate comfort.
Footbed Type
There are two primary kinds of orthotic footbeds, including ¾ length and full length. The first type is typically made for placing at either top or under your existing footbed. The second one can be used to replace the current insoles of your shoes.
Placement
You might want to place the arch supports or insoles on the back of your sneakers with the heel pad placed flat on the inner heel of the footwear. The right arch position begins at the front of the heel and should end just before your big toe’s end. If it is a kind of metatarsal support, it is recommended to put the metatarsal cushion to sit just behind the bone in the ball of your foot.
Sizing
As you all know, sneakers offer a wide range of sizes, for both men and women. Therefore, the best way to get the perfect fitted arch supports for your shoes is to have them on your feet while you are wearing your shoes.
Besides, the width of your sneakers is a determining factor. Some types of sneakers tend to have narrow arch fit, making it harder for standard insoles to fit them perfectly. In this case, make sure that the heel cup of the arch supports stays flat into your sneakers’ heel cup. In addition, the arch section should comfortably fit the middle of the shoes’ insoles. Your toes also need to perfectly fit the toe extension without feeling hurt.
Finding the correct shoe size is vital to your comfort while wearing shoes throughout the day. Check out our Puma Shoe Sizing Guide & Conversion Charts to determine the perfect fit for Puma shoes. Puma shoes can vary in size and shape, making it essential to have the right size chart handy to guarantee the perfect fit.
Types of Arch
Different people have different shapes of feet, but all of their feet will fall in one of the three types of arch. Those include low arch, normal arch, and high arch feet. In particular, the low arch feet are also considered flat feet. High arch feet are commonly known as cavus feet.
One of the best ways to identify your arch type is looking at your bare footprint on a hard, even surface if your feet are wet or on a sandy place. You will have lower arch feet if they tend to contact close to the ground, leaving a full mark. If you notice only the ball of your foot and heel, and there is no mark of the middle of your feet, then you have high arch feet.
No matter if you have a normal, flat, or cavus arch type of feet, they can benefit a lot from arch supports. In particular, they decrease foot pain, provide you with better stability when walking on uneven surfaces, and can help prevent other foot-related problems.
When picking shoes for high arches, You can choose these Adidas running shoes. They are used by many runners and walkers and are really rich in arch support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some popularly asked questions about arch supports sneakers in general. Have a look!
Why is arch support crucial?
Arch supports are very important because they can help distribute pressure evenly to keep your body balancing. What’s more, they can reduce your feet pain and other body part’s pain such as joints, knees, hips, back, etc.
How do I know which arch support is suitable for my sneakers?
If you are finding orthotics or arch supports for flat sneakers, it is recommended to go for ¾ length types. They are usually thin and take up very little space in your shoes yet providing ultimate support. Insoles or arch supports for running shoes can be either ¾ length or full-length. This is because the insoles are detachable. However, it is better to get full-length arch support for this type of sneakers.
How do arch supports benefit my sneakers?
Firstly, arch supports will help extend the longevity of your sneakers. They can also absorb impact and shock, lessening fatigue. Moreover, they keep your feet and the whole body supporting and balancing. Besides, some foot issues can be reduced if you have orthotics while wearing shoes.
Will insoles hurt my feet if I have flat feet?
If you have flat feet, arch supports might hurt your feet when you first insert them inside your shoes. This is owing to the pressure that orthotics put on your arch. It can result in a little pain just because your feet are not used to it. However, once your feet adapt to that pressure, you will feel the support, and you are ready to walk comfortably.
Are custom orthotics the same as over-the-counter orthotics?
Not really. The biggest difference between these two types is that custom orthotics are often designed to mold to your feet’ shape and arch. They are made from hard materials and come in a hard molded form. Therefore, you can get arch supports that are designed to perfectly meet your needs. Over-the-counter insoles, on the other hand, are usually pre-molded, and they can fit almost all types of arch and foot shapes. If you are just a beginner, you can opt for this orthotic type.
What type of insoles should I get if I have plantar fasciitis?
If you have to suffer plantar fasciitis, the best type of arch supports might be hard orthotics, if your arch can tolerate them. Usually, your feet will have any issues adapting to stiff insoles. A rigid orthotic will provide your arch with more support. They also give you a faster recovery time.
Is it bad to wear sneakers without arch support?
When you wear shoes without proper arch supports, your feet might flatten over a period of time. In other words, it might cause flat feet, making your feet more painful, and you might even have to suffer from plantar fasciitis.
How do I know if a pair of sneakers has good arch support?
One of the most simple ways to test if your sneakers provide enough arch support or not is using the twist test. First, hold your shoes in both hands and rotate your toes away from your body. Also, twist the heel in that direction. If you feel it hard, then it will have enough support and vice versa.
Do arch supports help back pain?
Proper arch supports can help reduce back pain significantly. This is because they can align your back and legs correctly. What’s more, good arch supports can lessen impacts on your back and the entire body when your feet contact the ground during movements.
What women’s shoes have the best arch support?
There are different types of shoes offering good arch support and also comfy to walk or run. They include Skechers, New Balance, Eileen Fisher, Aetrex, ECCO, Dr. Scholl’s, etc.
Conclusion
I hope that you can find your suitable arch support sneakers through my post. It is not always to buy the best one. Besides, you can consider buying separate orthotics if your shoes don’t offer enough support. If possible, invest in a good-quality arch support pair of sneakers because they give you lots of benefits.
