At Biocorrect, we love seeing how folks with different lifestyles enjoy the benefits of custom orthotics, whether it’s finally walking around the house without pain or discovering it’s a lot easier to run with the right support.
But with the number of options for running insoles you see in stores and online for way less money than custom orthotics, is it even worth it to consider a custom fit? Especially since you don’t spend that much time running?
We’re here to show you how your outdoor enjoyment is best suited for custom orthotics, and how we make ours to hold up better than cheap alternatives for those with active lifestyles.
Benefits of running insoles
In general, people look to insoles when their favorite pair of running shoes just don’t provide enough support or cushioning to make it comfortable to keep logging miles in them. Whether they want an insole to extend the life of the shoe for low cost, or because their needs, gait, or biomechanics have changed, people look for insoles that provide:
- Better support
- More cushioning
- More snug shoe fit
- Longer shoe life
Although many pro-grade insoles claim to provide these features, all of them have a severe “con” in common: they are one-shape-fits-all. Custom orthotics, on the other hand, are tailored to your foot anatomy and can provide all the above benefits for longer than a $50 pair of insoles.
Benefits of custom orthotics
For runners, hikers, and anyone who enjoys being outdoors on their feet, the key benefit to custom orthotics compared to running insoles is that they solve the underlying problems that give you pain, discomfort, or decreased performance. You see, insoles may cushion your feet for a few miles or weeks, but eventually, your foot anatomy will still make its impression and you’ll be back to where you started.
Orthotics, on the other hand, start with your anatomy and gait, providing targeted support that aligns your joints, balances your footfalls, and supports weak points that may have caused you problems in the past.
This goes beyond the preference for comfort when you consider how many runners deal with regular injuries, soreness, and stiffness that can be made worse when they’re running on feet that have untreated issues. You may be surprised that what you’re “used to” feeling after a long run may be an early symptom of injury or misalignment that an evaluation by a pedorthic specialist can identify before it gets worse.
And no matter how little or often you run, orthotics can be customized to your individual activity level. Some of our insoles can even be adjusted for different levels and areas of support if you really need it.
Best orthotic insoles for running
We understand that the materials used in making custom orthotics don’t always work well for people who are running, hiking, or spending a lot of time outdoors, which is why we encourage people to describe their ideal or current lifestyle when being fit. Key features we can provide for runners include:
- Strong arch support
- Breathable, durable materials
- Extra cushioning where needed
- Slim-fit design when needed
- Shoe recommendations for your lifestyle
Supportive, stable, and durable running insoles
Runners and folks who love being outside deserve to be curious about their foot and joint health as they continue living their lives. You might be able to get away with the pair of cushioned insoles you’ve always used, but when soreness, shin splints, or injuries occur, it may be time to consider something a little more tailored to your needs.
If you have any questions about our process, materials, and solutions for runners, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’ll walk you through what our orthotics can do and whether the benefits make sense for your routine.
