Support Insoles or Inlays: Types, Forms, and Theories – Which arch supports are good for me?

Support insoles or inlays come in many types, shapes, and are based on various theories. Although they may seem broadly similar, there are significant differences between the various kinds of support insoles. Below, we explain the differences and which insoles are best for your feet:

Types of Support Insoles

Support insoles can be categorized into two main types:

• Prefabricated
• Custom-made

Prefabricated support insoles are support insoles that are mass-produced. These can be purchased at sporting goods stores, shoemakers, or online, including from our webshop. Like custom-made insoles, prefabricated insoles can generally be divided into three perspectives or approaches:

• Podological
• Podotherapeutic
• Orthopedic

The education and perspective of the person taking the measurements influence the type of support insoles they create:

Podological:

Podological insoles are fitted by a podologist. The title “podologist” is unprotected, meaning anyone can use it. A podologist often takes a course, but some may claim the title without much knowledge. There is a distinction between a “regular” podologist and a registered podologist, some of whom complete a module at the college level. However, these modules have no admission requirements, are not accredited, and do not result in an official degree.^[1]

Podotherapeutic:

Podotherapeutic insoles are exclusively fitted by a podotherapist, a licensed paramedic under the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport. The title “podotherapist” is protected by law and can only be used by those who have completed a government-accredited four-year college program. Podotherapists can independently diagnose conditions, often with tools like ultrasound, and treat a wider range of issues than podologists.^[2]

Orthopedic:

Orthopedic insoles are fitted by an orthopedic (shoe) technologist, often in collaboration with or upon referral by a medical specialist such as a rheumatologist, orthopedist, or rehabilitation doctor. Like podotherapists, orthopedic (shoe) technologists complete a four-year college program.^[3]

What Are the Differences?

Beyond educational levels, there are other reasons to explain the differences between podological, podotherapeutic, and orthopedic insoles:

1. Many podologists have a background as pedicurists. As a result, podological insoles are often designed to relieve pressure points and calluses but are less suited to correcting structural abnormalities such as flat feet.

Conditions suitable for podological insoles:

• Localized pressure points
• Calluses or corns

2. Podotherapists primarily work in primary care, meaning care accessible without a referral, such as from a general practitioner or physiotherapist. They collaborate extensively with these professionals to correct foot misalignments. Podotherapeutic insoles generally provide more support than podological insoles, often incorporating “standard” digital elements to closely approximate foot shapes.

Conditions suitable for podotherapeutic insoles:

• Early-stage flatfoot
• Early forefoot problems
• Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis
• Rheumatic foot problems
• Diabetic foot problems

3. Orthopedic insoles are primarily provided in secondary care, often for patients referred to clinics or hospitals after unsuccessful treatment in primary care. Advanced diagnostic techniques allow medical specialists to provide a precise diagnosis. Orthopedic insoles generally offer more support and correction than podological insoles and often include custom-made corrections and elements.

Conditions suitable for orthopedic insoles:

• Moderate to advanced flatfoot
• Collapsed forefoot/metatarsalgia
• Morton’s neuroma
• Hallux valgus
• MTP-1 arthritis
• Tendon inflammation around the ankle

The above does not only apply to custom-made insoles, but prefabricated insoles can also be inspired by podological, podotherapeutic, or orthopedic insoles. For example, consider the GoMedical flatfoot insoles, which closely resemble podotherapeutic insoles. Even more unique are the Kingmed Full Contact insoles, which feature excellent forefoot support and arch support. These are among the few prefabricated insoles designed according to orthopedic principles.

Flatfoot – Normal foot – High arch

In short, podology and podological insoles are not protected terms. Any insole can easily be labeled as a podological insole. Podological insoles are often used to relieve pressure points or corns.

The majority of insoles in the Netherlands are made by podotherapists. Podotherapists have completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree, work primarily with general practitioners and physiotherapists, and can independently diagnose foot problems. If podotherapeutic insoles fail to provide relief, you may be considered “finished with podotherapeutic treatment.” In such cases, you are often referred to a medical specialist in a hospital or clinic.

In a hospital or clinic, it is likely that for certain foot-related problems, you will be fitted with different insoles—this time orthopedic insoles made by an orthopedic (shoe) technologist. These insoles provide more support than podotherapeutic or podological insoles and are suitable for addressing significant foot deformities.

^[1] Difference Between Podologist and Podotherapist

^[2] Difference Between Podologist and Podotherapist

^[3] Orthopedic Shoe Technology

^[4] Primary Healthcare

^[5] Primary and Secondary Care