Many patients will choose to wear a pair of insoles because they are looking for some relief from the pain and discomfort that has been plaguing them for a long time. They love that the insoles are able to provide some comfort and relief, getting rid of the pain and providing support in all of the right places.
For some patients though, insoles can provide some discomfort and even pain when putting them on. Sometimes with insoles, you may wonder, “Why do insoles hurt my feet?”
Since this is going to be the opposite of what you may be hoping for, it is a good idea to find the source of the pain and work to make it go away. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons your insoles are hurting and how you can fix the problem.
Why Do Insoles Hurt My Feet?
There are different reasons why your insoles are going to cause your feet to hurt. Getting one that is not made out of high-quality materials, not taking the time to break them in, and more can cause many problems and may make your feet a little sore. Some of the most common reasons why your insoles are hurting your feet include
Wrong-sized Insoles Hurt
The first thing to consider when it comes to the insoles that you choose and whether they hurt your feet or not is whether you are getting ones that are the right size. This is not such a big problem if you are going with custom orthotics since you will get it made specifically for your foot and its size.
It can be a problem for over-the-counter insoles you may purchase. Over-the-counter insoles will often come in a variety of different sizes for you to choose from, however, it is very unlikely the insoles will be a perfect fit.
If you do not get it just right, the insole may not match up to your foot well or even fit into your shoe. It is important that you are careful with picking out the size and go for one that will fit and provide support in all the right places. Otherwise, you could deal with more pain when walking.
Insoles Made of Cheap Materials Can Also Hurt
There are many options that you can choose on the types of insoles that you put in your shoes. It is possible to pick out some that are lower in quality. These are going to cost less money, so can seem like an affordable option.
When you spend time on your feet and have those lower-quality insoles, you will quickly notice that it can cause a lot of pain in the feet. A better option to choose is to go for insoles that are made out of higher-quality materials.
You will find that for over-the-counter insoles, the best price point to go with is $30 to $50. This makes them affordable but often ensures that you will be able to get an insole that actually provides support and won’t hurt your foot.
If you really have a major foot condition, like flat foot, hammer toe, and plantar fasciitis, you really need to pay attention to the materials that are used in your insole. This is when you may want to consider going with a custom orthotic. These use the highest quality materials and are designed to work specifically with your foot to provide relief.


The Wrong Kind of Insoles Could Result in a Lot of Foot Pain
There are different types of insoles that you are able to pick from. If you go for the wrong one, it could end up causing a lot of pain in the foot.
You need to know what condition is bothering your foot and then pick the insole that is going to provide the exact support and comfort that you are looking for.
For example, if you are struggling with issues of alignment and need a good amount of arch support, you will need to work with a rigid or semi-rigid type of insole to help you out. These provide more support and will force your foot to stay in the proper alignment to alleviate the pain that happens to the joints when you are out of alignment.
For other patients, you may need to go with a softer orthotic. If you stand on your feet all day or you need to work on avoiding too much shock when walking and running on hard surfaces, the worst thing you can do is pick out a rigid insole. You need to choose some of the softer insoles that will have the cushioning that it needs.
Insoles Hurt Because You Haven’t Broken Them in
A good insole is going to help with many conditions of the feet, including putting them back in alignment. If you have been out of alignment for some time, the body has adjusted to make it work a bit better.
With the insoles in place and the new alignment being encouraged, it may cause sore muscles as the body gets used to it. You will need to give the insoles some time to adjust for the body to get used to it. It is often recommended that you will do this slowly.
Start with just wearing the orthotics for a few hours on the first day or two, then slowly increase until you can wear them all day long. You may have some pain and discomfort in the beginning, but breaking them in can help.
Your Insoles Hurt Because You’re Wearing the Wrong Shoes
You can have the best pair of insoles in the world, but if you have a bad pair of shoes, it is not going to be enough to help you out here. You need to make sure that you not only pick out a high-quality insole for your foot but that you pick out supportive shoes that will enhance the work that the insoles are able to do.
Take the time to try on several pairs of shoes and go for a pair that is high-quality and provides support, comfort, and everything else that you need all in one. It can be tempting to go for a cheap pair of shoes, but these can cause additional damage and pain to the foot and may make the insole ineffective for you.
A good pair of supportive and well-made shoes put together with an insole will help give your foot the support and attention that it needs to do well.
Get Insoles That Fit Your Feet Well and Don’t Hurt Them
There are many benefits to choosing a pair of insoles, but you need to make sure that you go with a pair that fits well and can help you fix any foot problem that you are dealing with at the time. You may also need to give the insole some breaking in time before it will feel good and comfortable on your feet.
When you are ready to see whether insoles are right for your feet and will feel good, it is time to give us a call or leave your contact information. Take our free analysis to learn more about the different treatment options available for your feet.
We can do an exam and then discuss whether insoles, custom orthotics or another foot treatment option is right for you.