Orthotics vs. Inserts: What Is the Difference? - Foot Levelers (2024)

Orthotics for shoes and inserts should not be confused with one another, as there are some crucial differences. Unlike inserts, Foot Levelers orthotics are custom-made for your body and feet, based on scans and doctor exams. Orthotics can manage foot disorders and posture problems, and they generally last much longer-lasting than insoles.

Over-the-counter insoles are available in stores and pharmacies. They are made from gel, foam, and other materials, and these insoles can provide good shock absorption and cushion. However, inserts cannot treat or prevent foot disorders, such as over-pronation or alignment issues. Moreover, since inserts are not custom-made for your specific feet, wearing them could cause pain and discomfort over time.

The Benefits of Custom Foot Orthotics

By using 3D scans, custom orthotics are designed and handmade for your feet. While over-the-counter inserts are cheaper, they are a “one-size-fits-all” product. Instead of adequately supporting your feet and ankles, insoles can cause problems, such as pain in other parts of your body, over-support, and other harmful effects.

In comparison to regular inserts, Foot Levelers orthotics can provide several benefits, including:

  • Individually designed for you
  • Made by hand in the US using only premium materials
  • Supporting your entire body weight (3 Arch Advantage)
  • Stabilizing the pelvis
  • Relieving whole body pain

What is 3 Arch Advantage support by Foot Levelers?

Our custom-made orthotics for shoes include a 3 Arch Advantage. They are designed to support all three arches of your foot: the inner arch, outer arch, and the arch across the ball of the foot. These three arches form the “plantar vault,” responsible for distributing your entire body weight.

At Foot Levelers, we provide the best possible support for the plantar vault, which is responsible for:

  • Propelling you forward
  • Balancing the body
  • Absorbing shock from the heel

Foot Levelers orthotics can prevent pain, correct posture, and immediately relieve discomfort when used with our innovative 3 arch support.

The Problems With Over-the-Counter Shoe Inserts

While over-the-counter (OTC) inserts can be cheaper than custom orthotics, they may do more harm than good. Wearing the wrong inserts can cause pain in your back, knee, or hip. Some problems with OTC inserts include:

Ineffective Support

OTC inserts are a one-size-fits-all solution. However, every individual has a different weight, height, and body composition, and our feet are also highly unique. Since OTC inserts are not custom-made, they cannot provide you with adequate and well-fitting support, and ineffective support can cause pain in your feet and elsewhere in your body.

The Need for Medical Treatment

You could need several trips to the doctor for pain issues after wearing OTC inserts. Buying insoles without professional advice or medical advice could lead to wearing the wrong type of insert for your specific problem, potentially causing more pain and discomfort in the future. You may not even know that your back or knee pain occurred due to wearing inserts.

Reduced Foot Function

Wearing insoles can diminish foot ankle function, cause ill-fitting shoes, and make walking difficult. You may feel that your foot pain is initially relieved with an OTC insert only to discover that your ankles hurt or your foot movement is restricted after some time. Since OTC inserts can impact the function of feet and ankles, they could cause new injuries.

How Foot Levelers Can Help

Do you have problems with lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, hip pain, sciatica, pronation, or other conditions? Your feet do not have to hurt to cause problems elsewhere in the body. A medical professional can determine whether you could benefit from custom orthotics. Individually designed Foot Levelers orthotics can:

  • Reduce pain
  • Stabilize joints
  • Prevent deformities
  • Adjust posture
  • Improve foot function

OTC insoles are not designed for your individual body and generally do not provide any of these benefits. If you have discomfort and pain, your best next step is to get a foot scan by a professional who can identify your problem and suggest treatment options. Getting custom orthotics right away can relieve your discomfort, help your body work properly, and save you money over time.

Why Foot Levelers?

With more than 70 years of proven performance, you can place your trust in Foot Levelers’ expertise and quality. No fewer than 37 clinical research studies back the effectiveness of our custom orthotics for shoes. More than 100,000 doctors have prescribed our foot orthotics for millions of patients. We guarantee 100% satisfaction and offer a one-year money-back guarantee.

Our orthotics are designed for maximum comfort and are available in various styles to suit your lifestyle. We even make custom orthotic flip-flops so you can enjoy the summer without compromising on your foot health.

Find a healthcare provider near you today who can help treat your discomfort with custom orthotics.

Orthotics vs. Inserts: What Is the Difference? - Foot Levelers (2024)
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