Switching Between Shoes? Don’t Leave Your Insoles Behind
Switching Between Shoes? Don’t Leave Your Insoles Behind
Dr. Jesse Ropat, Doctor of Pharmacy and Foot Health Expert
If you wear insoles to help with foot pain, arch support, or posture, you're already ahead of the game. But here’s a mistake many people make without realizing it: they leave their insoles behind when they change shoes.
This small oversight can actually undo a lot of the benefits you’ve gained from wearing insoles in the first place. Think of your insoles as an extension of your support system. When they’re missing, your feet are working harder than they should, which can lead to discomfort and strain.
Why Your Insoles Should Follow You
Insoles are not just soft padding. A high-quality insole shapes the way your foot meets the ground. It provides the right amount of arch support, distributes pressure across your sole, and encourages healthier posture from the ground up.
If you only use them in one pair of shoes, your feet get used to that support. Then when you switch to another pair that doesn't have insoles, your body has to readjust. That back-and-forth can trigger a chain reaction of issues, such as:
-
Heel pain
-
Arch soreness
-
Shin splints
-
Tightness in your lower back
-
General foot fatigue by the end of the day
Imagine only wearing your prescription glasses some of the time. Your vision would strain. Your head might hurt. Your eyes would feel tired. The same principle applies to your feet. They function better with consistency.
Are Some Shoes “Supportive Enough” Without Insoles?
It’s true that some shoes are built with decent support. Running shoes, walking shoes, and orthopedic options often have better structure than cheap or flat-soled alternatives. But even those lose their shape over time. Their built-in insoles compress and flatten after months of wear.
Plus, mass-produced insoles aren’t made for your foot. They don’t match your exact arch height or strike the right balance of firmness and cushion for your unique stride.
This is where custom or high-performance insoles shine. They stay firm, hold their shape, and support your body properly. If your other shoes don’t include this kind of support, your feet are starting from scratch every time you put them on.
Which Shoes Can Use Aftermarket Insoles?
Most everyday shoes can easily accommodate an insole. All you need is a bit of space inside the shoe and a removable or flat insole base. Look for shoes that offer:
-
A deep enough footbed
-
A removable original insole
-
A wide enough fit that doesn’t feel cramped
Insoles work well in:
-
Running shoes
-
Everyday walking sneakers
-
Work boots
-
Dress shoes
-
Casual slip-ons
-
Travel shoes
-
Hiking boots
How to Rotate Your Insoles Between Shoes
If you have just one great pair of insoles, it’s worth moving them with you throughout the week. Try keeping this routine:
-
Start your day by placing the insoles in your go-to walking shoes
-
Before work, move them to your office shoes or supportive slip-ons
-
For workouts or physical activity, slide them into your athletic sneakers
It might sound like a hassle, but it only takes a minute. And the benefits far outweigh the extra step.
Of course, having multiple pairs makes it even easier. If you rotate between a few types of shoes regularly, consider getting a second or third pair of insoles. That way, each shoe has dedicated support ready to go.
How to Know If You Need More Than One Pair
Pay attention to how often you change your shoes in a day or throughout the week. If you:
-
Go from home shoes to work shoes to gym shoes every day
-
Have shoes for yard work, errands, walking the dog, and relaxing
-
Experience discomfort when you wear certain shoes that don’t have your insoles
...then multiple pairs might be worth it.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to your body’s alignment. The fewer variables your feet have to adjust to, the more stable and pain-free you’ll feel.
Final Thoughts
Your insoles aren’t just an extra layer of comfort. They are a piece of equipment that helps your body function the way it’s meant to. If you’re taking the time to support your feet with insoles, make sure that support follows you wherever you go.
Leaving your insoles behind when switching shoes is like forgetting your glasses when you head out the door. You might manage without them, but you won’t perform your best and you might feel the consequences later.
Invest in your comfort. Let your insoles be a part of every step, no matter the shoe. Your feet, knees, and back will all thank you for it.
...