Typically, people refer to insoles as the material located underneath the bottom of the foot area. Their purpose is to provide the feet with an extra layer of cushioning and comfort. Many types of footwear already come with a stock insole. However, if you are constantly on your feet, especially as an employee on a construction site or in any other place that requires physical effort, you might need an additional layer to prevent any injuries or foot related issues.
The purpose of this article is to guide and to inform people about what specific qualities and features they should look for before purchasing insoles. Without further ado, here are the best types of insoles for your work boots.
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The Importance of Insoles
Insoles are as vital to the health of your feet as a good pair of work boots. A top quality pair of insoles will not only provide comfort and safety but will also improve your well-being in general. Moreover, as of recent, many experts and online sources are stressing the importance of insoles and how they can reduce injuries, accidents and boost worker productivity. Here are a few brief reasons for equipping your work boots with insoles:
- If you work in extreme weather conditions with high amounts of precipitations, insoles can provide warmth and dryness through an extra layer of material between your feet and shoes.
- Some specialized insoles provide extra flexibility.
- Insoles can correct foot posture and alleviate various foot-related conditions.
- They make the process of finding work boots that fit easier. Because finding a perfect fit is hard for many people, they usually compromise and buy boots that are either slightly bigger or slightly smaller, exposing themselves to blisters, calluses, and other inconveniences. Insoles have the potential of solving this problem by preventing the material of the shoe from rubbing against the skin.
Insoles with Memory Foam
Memory foam, also called viscoelastic polyurethane foam, was first developed by NASA in 1966. This revolutionary technology was invented to improve cushioning and safety for astronauts and has since been applied to insoles as well. The foam molds around your foot by responding to its heat signature and unique shape until it reaches an ideal point of pressure.
Here are a few reasons why memory foam insoles are beneficial to your feet:
- Because it is constructed out of soft materials, the memory foam provides cushioning and comfort.
- The pressure on the feet is reduced because memory foam absorbs shock indirectly, spreading the effects of the impact evenly throughout the foot.
- Insoles with memory foam provide foot support by molding and transforming according to the shape of your arches. Thanks to this feature, you will have an easier time standing on your feet or performing various tasks at work.
- Foam prevents fatigue and sores by emulating the exact shape of your feet, allowing you to walk and work for extended periods of time.
As for their characteristics, you can expect the following things:
- Moisture absorption. Memory foam insoles are constructed out of a material that captures moisture and dissolves it in a timely fashion, keeping your feet dry. This feature is especially beneficial for people who are working in the garden on a daily basis because the insoles will counteract the effects of water and humidity.
- Qualitative memory foam insoles will allow your feet to breathe by providing sufficient ventilation, preventing blisters or various foot infections from occurring.
- Can maintain and even correct the posture of the feet by controlling and maintaining appropriate walking motions.
Height Increasing Insoles
These types of insoles are typically constructed out of rubber. As the name suggests, their purpose is to increase the height of the feet, typically out of medical reasons. They have the potential of alleviating pains located in the back, pelvis, and knees, as well as decreasing the pressure on the Achilles heel – a feature which is especially beneficial for people who stand on their feet for the entirety of the workday.
People who choose to wear height increasing insoles can expect the following practical and medical benefits:
- A significant reduction of sprains, as well as a higher chance of recovering from them in a timely fashion.
- A greater dynamical freedom at work. If your job involves constantly climbing and descending on flights of stairs, these insoles will help you perform this particular task without suffering any consequences.
- The blood circulation is improved because the insole prevents any pressure from being placed on the foot. As a result, the blood vessels from the front of the foot have a lower chance of getting clogged.
- Calluses and blisters, two hallmarks of physical labor, have the potential of being prevented.
- Great shock absorption for people with high, low or collapsed arches and flat feet. Height increasing insoles distribute the load equally throughout the foot instead of letting it affect only a few particular areas.
- Additionally, height increasing insoles also have the potential of preventing foot wounds and various types of ulcers.
Gel Infused Insoles
If you are looking for a compromise between foam and height increasing insoles, you might want to take a look at gel infused insoles. Unlike the other two varieties presented in this article, gel insoles are the most affordable and widely available insoles on the market. Gel insoles have the advantage of adapting to your particular foot shape and offering a layer of cushioning accordingly. Here are a few pros:
- Easy to clean and maintain, however, it must be done
- People who carry heavy objects at work do not have to worry about destroying the insoles’ shape.
- Very durable even if worn on a daily basis.
- Gel-infused insoles are very affordable and come in many varieties, catering to all foot shapes and needs.
However, all of these positive perks come with a price. Gel-infused insoles are quite heavy, so they are not suited for certain jobs where flexibility and adaptability are key requirements like logging and exterior building renovating. Moreover, they are not suited for rainy conditions – if you are not wearing a pair of thick socks, your feet might constantly slip. Finally, gel infused insoles severely lack in the ventilation department, so they are not recommended during Summer.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect insoles for your work boots is as important as the shoes themselves. They complement and support each other, providing your feet with comfort, safety, and stability. Since there are many varieties on the market, hopefully, this article will make your choice easier and help you find the best type of insoles for your particular job.