Experts Offer Tips on Choosing Aftermarket Insoles

WOODSTOCK, Conn. - July 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Our lowly feet tend to get snubbed when beauty, health and well-being trends are reported. Well, not for long! According to foot-care experts, men and women are paying more attention to their feet for better health and wellness.  As a result, sales of aftermarket insoles and foot-care products are on the rise.

“Our population is growing more active and living longer, and as a result, podiatrists, orthopedics and sports-medicine professionals are zoning in on patients’ feet,” said Jon Auvil, with DARCO International, manufacturer of DARCO ProMotion® Plus insoles. “Replacement insoles provide noticeably more support and cushioning than the standard insoles found in today’s casual and athletic footwear.”

In Europe, where the vintage footwear trend is all the rage, aftermarket insoles keep feet feeling happy as they pound ancient city pavements.

“In these economic times, men and women are wearing their shoes longer than just a season or two. They’re also shopping in second hand shops for shoes that might need a bit of care,” said Goswim Timmerman of Debe Insoles headquartered in Belgium.  “Rather than replacing tired footwear, people have it repaired and add replacement insoles for comfort and support.”

Foot Petals offers stylish solutions that enable you to look great and feel fabulous in any shoe.  “Insoles allow you to customize the fit of any shoe and add cushioning and support so that your shoe feels brand new every time you step into it,” said Mistala Mooney, Marketing Manager, Foot Petals.

Whether on this side of the pond or the other, both experts agree on the following when considering a replacement insole for your casual or athletic shoes:

Support – For those who walk or stand for long periods of time, look for a firm, stabilizing insole with arch support to keep your feet properly positioned.  Supportive insoles will relieve stress on the feet, ankles and knees, not to mention make shoes feel more comfortable.

Shock absorption – For active sports enthusiasts, insoles are essential to protect and cushion against the damaging shock waves caused by running and jumping. Insoles made with PORON® Performance insole cushioning provide the right amount of durable shock absorption, resiliency and energy return for long-lasting comfort.      

Targeted Cushioning –High heels and strappy sandals can put undue stress on a woman’s foot, not to mention legs and back.  Shoe pads and cushioning inserts target certain areas of the foot and fit seamlessly into the skimpiest of shoes. They also keep feet feeling comfy and correctly positioned to prevent against unsightly blisters and calluses.

Temperature regulating – Depending on the season, your feet may have the tendency to be too cold or too warm.  Look for insoles with thin layers of breathable, moisture- wicking and/or insulating materials to keep your feet dry and comfortable.  

Odor Control –Feet can produce up to one pint of sweat a day. Since they’re cooped up in shoes most of the time, perspiration from feet tends to evaporate more slowly than other parts of the body – thus creating odor-causing bacteria.  Select insoles with antimicrobial protection to guard against microbes such as, bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration.

Fit – When you’ve selected an insole that’s right for you, make sure it fits properly. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions, and trim the insole for a custom fit if necessary.

Ideally, the best replacement insoles offer excellent support to keep feet properly positioned, shock-absorbing cushioning to protect against impact, and the best materials to keep your feet comfortably happy all day long.

About PORON® Performance Cushioning

For over 40 years PORON^® Cushioning, a division of Rogers Corporation, has provided footwear, apparel, and protective equipment brands with materials that cushion, support and  protect today’s athletes.  Rogers Corporation  is a global technology leader in specialty materials and components that enable high performance and reliability of consumer and power electronics, mass transit and clean technology.  Headquartered in Connecticut, Rogers operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Belgium, China, Germany, and South Korea, with joint ventures and sales offices worldwide.  For more information, visit http://www.poroncushioning.com.