Insoles (Foot Orthoses)

Reason for wearing the insoles/foot orthoses

The insoles (foot orthoses) have been supplied to you with a specific goal in mind. In some cases this will be for a short period of time until a problem subsides, and in others this may be as an ongoing protective measure.

How do we decide what you may benefit from?

Our assessments may include tests of muscle strength, range of movement at important joints, visual inspections, and questions about the nature of your problem. Many devices exist that can appropriately address common problems, and so if there are no concerns around the size or shape of your feet, you may be supplied with a device the same day you are seen. If the goal of the insole is more specific, or there are specific features of your feet that may not fit appropriately with a standardised device, we may take a drawing or mould of your foot to make a device from scratch.

You will need to ‘break in’ you orthoses initially. Wear your orthoses for 30 minutes on the first day, then 60 minutes on the second day, increasing the wear by up to 30 minutes each day, until you have built up to wearing the foot orthoses all day. It is normal to feel some strain or minor aching in your feet, knees, hips or lower back. If this becomes painful; remove the insoles until the pain gets better and then try your orthoses again beginning ‘break in’ regime again from the beginning.

After a few weeks you should be wearing your insoles for most of the day, when you are on your feet for pro-longed periods or doing any significant amount of walking. We recommend that insoles should be worn for a minimum of 7 hours per day, 7 days per week.  If you are wearing your insoles during sporting activity use you should build up tolerance in walking before any sports are tried. If you have any prolonged increase in pain, persistent pressure marks (which remain after 20 minutes of removing the insoles), rubs or concerns; the insoles should be removed and please contact the department for a review.

Wearing your insoles/orthoses

The insole will take up space within the shoe, so for this reason they are not suitable to be worn in slip on or court style shoes. They will fit into shoes with a lace, Velcro or buckle fastening, or trainers which are deep enough to contain the insole without causing your heel to slip. Ideally the shoe will have a removable insole which can be taken out to give space for your orthoses. Your Orthotist will be able to advise you on suitable shoes.

Care of the insoles/orthoses

They should be cleaned by wiping them down with a damp sponge with gentle soap and dried naturally. They should not be fully submerged in water or put on a direct heat source such as a radiator to dry. It is recommended to remove your insole from footwear overnight to air.

Reviews, refurbishments and replacements

Your Orthotist may arrange a review appointment after getting your insoles so they can be checked. Please bring your orthotics to any review appointment. Your Orthotist may specify when you are entitled to have the insoles replaced or refurbished in writing on this leaflet. Please contact the Orthotic Department to arrange for this to be ordered.

Specific instructions, recommendations, or notes of interest

To be completed by your orthotist.

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the Orthotic Department at Dorset County Hospital on 01305 254408.

About this leaflet

Author: Matthew Wood, Orthotist
Written: June 2020
Updated and approved: July 2025
Review date: July 2028
Edition: v2

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk