Arch support insoles add either rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible support under the arch of your foot. Often, this support is also supplemented with a heel cup to help stabilize the heel of the foot in addition to providing more support for the arch.

The arch support on a rigid support insole is very difficult to bend. Under pressure, the arch support holds its original shape, providing maximum support but very little in the way of flexibility. Conversely, the arch support on the flexible support insole is easy to bend. Under pressure, the arch support will flex freely, providing moderate support but bending easily when moving your foot. A semi-rigid support insole is in-between. Under pressure, a semi-rigid support will flex somewhat, providing good support while also allowing the foot to move mostly freely.

In general, we recommend most people try a semi-rigid arch support before trying anything else. Semi-rigid supports provide a good mix of firm support for the arch of the foot without being too stiff for most uses.

If you’ve tried a semi-rigid support and still need more support, or if you’re looking for maximum arch support, a rigid support insole would be our recommendation. Conversely, if you’ve tried a semi-rigid support and need less support, or if you’re only looking for light support, a flexible arch support would be our recommendation.

In general, it can take as long as a week for your feet to adjust to a new arch support, even if you’ve worn arch supports previously. The new support may feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even painful at first. We strongly recommend wearing a new arch support for only a few hours a day for the first several days to allow your feet time to adjust. As discomfort goes away while wearing your arch support insoles, you can increase how long you wear them for each day. After a week or after you feel no more discomfort, you can wear the arch support insoles permanently in your shoes.