Choosing the Right Shoe Insole: A Complete Guide

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Choosing the Right Shoe Insole: A Complete Guide

A suitable shoe insole with excellent shock absorption and ergonomic surface is the best choice for arch support, reducing pressure on joints, and increasing comfort in daily and sports activities. These foam insoles with a dense structure are produced from standard EVA or Polyurethane materials and in various thicknesses of 3 to 15 mm, having high abrasion resistance and durability. Breathability, moisture resistance, and weight tolerance up to 150 kg are key features of this product, making it ideal for use in sports, work, and casual shoes.

Why is Choosing the Right Shoe Insole Essential?

In today’s active world, choosing the right shoe insole is not just a comfort decision, but a medical and functional necessity for maintaining foot, knee, and back health. A suitable insole with an ergonomic foam structure made of standard recycled EVA materials and supportive layers provides shock absorption, arch support, and balanced weight distribution to both upgrade ordinary shoes and relieve users from chronic pains like plantar fasciitis or lumbar disc pressure. If you use Foamiran foam insoles alongside this product, with a variety of models and custom sizes, precise support for your foot structure will be guaranteed. These insoles not only increase shoe life but also improve sports performance by reducing vibrations and preventing injuries caused by running or prolonged standing. In fact, orthopedic specialists recommend that you check and replace shoe insoles at least every six months to maintain the body’s biomechanical balance.

What is a Shoe Insole and How is it Made?

A shoe insole, or inner sole, is the internal layer of the shoe that directly contacts the sole of the foot and is produced from foam materials like EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) or Polyurethane, along with gel or memory foam layers under foaming and heat press processes. The result is flexible insoles with high arch support, appropriate shock absorption, and an anti-slip surface. These insoles are produced in standard dimensions (from size 35 to 45) and thicknesses of 3 to 15 mm (and even custom for specific foot problems) and are selected depending on the type of activity, from daily to sports models. The manufacturing process involves mixing foam granules with non-toxic adhesives, heating in ergonomic molds, and controlled cooling to preserve durability and breathability. Foamiran, using advanced technologies, produces insoles that absorb up to 90% of impact energy and bring the weight of each pair to less than 100 grams.

Choosing the Right Shoe Insole: A Complete Guide

Key Benefits of a Suitable Shoe Insole

  • Arch Support: Reducing pressure on the Achilles tendon and preventing flat feet.
  • Excellent Shock Absorption: Protecting knee and hip joints while running or jumping.
  • Balanced Weight Distribution: Reducing fatigue during prolonged standing or active jobs.
  • Breathability and Anti-Odor: Antimicrobial materials to prevent fungal infections.
  • High Abrasion Durability: Resistance to perspiration and daily pressure for up to 12 months of use.
  • Adjustable: Thermoplastic models for personalized shaping.
  • Lightweight and Thin: Increasing comfort without changing shoe volume.

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7 Important Facts About Suitable Shoe Insoles

  • 5 mm thickness is standard for daily use; each pair of insoles weighs about 50 grams and is ideal for office or walking shoes.
  • For running, a thickness of 8 to 10 mm optimizes shock absorption and prevents damage to tendons.
  • Size 40 insoles with 10 mm provide weight tolerance up to 120 kg without deformation.
  • In team sports like soccer, a thickness of 10 to 12 mm guarantees durability against abrasion caused by lateral movements.
  • Foam insoles can absorb up to about 85% of impact energy; a vital feature for reducing the risk of stress fractures.
  • Half-insole models with a thickness of 3 to 7 mm have low weight and are suitable for heel support.
  • In orthopedic cases, a thickness of 12 to 15 mm creates the most arch support and increases the insole’s life up to 18 months.

Choosing the Right Shoe Insole: A Complete Guide

Types of Shoe Insoles and Their Uses

Based on foot type, activity, and health issues, you can choose from the following options. To view technical details and receive consultation, visit the Foamiran foam insole page.

  • Everyday Insole (Soft and Flexible): Suitable for walking and work; moisture absorption and basic support.
  • Sports Insole (With Heel Gel): For running and gym; vibration reduction and increased speed.
  • Orthopedic Insole (High Arch Support): For flat feet or back pain; heat moldable.
  • Anti-Odor and Breathable Insole: For high-perspiration jobs; antimicrobial materials with mesh layer.

What Insole Thickness is Suitable for Each Activity?

Activity Type Recommended Thickness Key Feature Description
Daily Walking 3–5 mm Basic Comfort + Lightweight Standard for daily use; fatigue reduction without extra volume.
Running/Jogging 8–10 mm High Shock Absorption For long distances and joint protection.
Team Sports 10–12 mm Lateral Support + Durability Resistance against fast movements and direction changes.
Prolonged Standing (Work/Nursing) 5–7 mm Weight Distribution + Anti-Fatigue Lightweight and economical for 8-hour shifts.
Orthopedic Problems (Flat Feet) 12–15 mm Maximum Arch Support Customizable for personal shaping.

How to Select and Maintain a Suitable Shoe Insole

  • Foot Assessment: Check arch type (high, medium, flat) with the wet test; for flat feet, choose a supportive insole.
  • Matching with Shoe: Test the insole in the shoe; it shouldn’t be overly compressed or create empty space.
  • Material Selection: EVA for durability, Gel for shock absorption; use hypoallergenic materials for sensitive skin.
  • Shaping: Heat thermoplastic models in the oven (about 80 degrees) and shape inside the shoe.
  • Washing: Wash with cold water and mild soap; dry without direct heat.
  • Periodic Replacement: Select a new insole every 6–12 months or upon signs of wear to maintain support.

Choosing the Right Shoe Insole: A Complete Guide

“At Foamiran, we believe that healthy steps are the beginning of every success. From supplying standard foam and orthopedic insoles to providing specialized foams for shoe insole manufacturers, we support the value chain seamlessly and sustainably.”

— Valiollah Jahangiri, CEO of Foamiran

Foamiran EVA Foam for Producing Standard Foam Shoe Insoles

Shoe insoles produced with Foamiran EVA foam are the result of combining technical knowledge, standard raw materials, and stage-by-stage quality control, designed exclusively for professional shoe insole manufacturers. As the largest producer of EVA foam in the Middle East, Foamiran produces various types of lightweight closed-cell, semi-compressed, and resilient foams in diverse densities and thicknesses (3 to 15 mm) to meet the needs of sports, medical, and everyday insole production lines.

Foamiran EVA Foams are an ideal base for producing foam insoles due to their uniform cell structure, high flexibility, rapid resilience, effective shock absorption, and abrasion resistance. These sheets are capable of CNC cutting, die-cutting, lamination with gel or fabric, and adhesive backing, making them easily usable in shoe and insole production lines.

Foamiran products are manufactured according to international standards ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety) and are made from non-toxic and recyclable materials. This commitment to quality and sustainability has led major shoe manufacturers both domestically and internationally to choose Foamiran EVA foam as the base material for their products.

In addition to supplying ready-made foams, Foamiran also provides the possibility of custom production based on density, hardness (Shore C), color, thickness, and cutting type. To receive technical advice and a test sample, simply contact Foamiran experts so that the best grade of EVA foam suitable for your design and production line needs can be recommended. By choosing Foamiran, you benefit from a reliable supplier with over two decades of experience in the foam industry and cooperation with renowned shoe brands.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between foam insoles and gel insoles?
Foam insoles (EVA) are suitable for durability and general support, while gel is ideal for localized shock absorption (heel).
Which insole is suitable for running?
8–10 mm models with heel gel; medium arch support for long distances.
Are shoe insoles washable?
Yes, most models can be cleaned with cold water and soap. Do not use a dryer.
What is the suitable insole for flat feet?
Orthopedic insoles with high arch support (12–15 mm); choose after consulting a doctor.
How long should I keep the insole?
6–12 months depending on usage; check for signs of wear such as indentations.

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