Arch support in shoes - what is it?

Arch support in orthopedic shoes with flat feet is an important element. With this pathology, a large load falls on the spine. The arch support helps to distribute the load and fix the arch of the foot in the correct position . But is this element needed in ordinary shoes and is it worth paying extra for it? And the most important thing is whether shoes without arch support are harmful, what are the consequences of their absence and how to choose them correctly? Read more about this and other features of arch support.

A little bit about the structure of shoes

To fully understand what this element is, you need to have a good idea of ​​the structure of the shoe. In fact, everything here is not so simple. Shoes have 22 parts, bottom and top . Each part has external, internal and intermediate elements.

We will not dwell on the top for a long time, since it is not the main one in this matter. This is all that is above the sole. The arch support is in the lower part. Outside elements include the sole, heel, heel, heel and welt.

Reference! Outsole in shape resembles the toe-ankle part of the sole and is attached to its running surface. Needed to protect against abrasion. Rant is the main part of attaching the bottom of the shoe.

Internal elements include the main and insole inserts. The main insole is made of leather, insole cardboard, or a combination of these materials. Inserted serves for aesthetics and comfort, it completely repeats the shape of the main insole.

And finally, the intermediate elements:

  • arch support - fastens between the main insole and a sole;
  • prostilka - it fills the void under the main insole;
  • gasket - located between the substrate and the sole, it is necessary to increase the heat-shielding properties;
  • substrate - between the trowel and the sole.

What is an arch support element?

An arch support or a boot is a convex part of the insole or a separate pad for shoes. It is located in the front, middle or back of the foot, supports the arch of the foot and evenly distributes the load when walking . Another function is to maintain the shape stability of the sole, which is especially important when the foot is deformed.

Arch supports are of two types: a separate element and poured into the insole. Separate arch support is sold in the right part of the shoe, ready-made shoes with built-in baby shoes or orthopedic insoles.

Important! It is a mistake to call an orthopedic insole an arch support. This is only a protruding part of it.

What is it made of?

Elements differ not only in the location and destination - the materials also are different:

  • leather, leatherette;
  • bung;
  • metal;
  • plastic;
  • gel or silicone;
  • wood;
  • fiberglass.

Gel pads are sold separately or with the insole. In finished shoes are rare. For her, they often use a metal or plastic plate, curved in the shape of an arch and covered with leather.

Shoe support functions

It is designed to support the foot and reduce the load on the spine and joints. Some types of arch supports are made of elastic material. With flat feet, it supports the arch of the foot and helps form a longitudinal arch. Metal plates, in addition to supporting the foot, increase the service life of the shoe by reducing its deformation. Therefore, the price for such shoes will be higher than for shoes without a wrap, which will quickly wear out and require the purchase of a new one.

Types of arch support

The most common form is a metal plate curved in the shape of an arch . It is fastened between the sole and the main insole, covered with leather or leatherette. There are leather, cork or plastic pads.

For open shoes, a gel pad is suitable . It is attached to the insole with a transparent silicone plate and remains invisible. Such pads are for the heel, forefoot and central part of the foot. They help to distribute the load and ease the blow when walking, which is especially true for high-heeled shoes.

If the gel pads did not fit, you can try arch support on an elastic band . True, it is not suitable for open shoes or sandals. It consists of a soft pad and a rubber band that closes in a circle. The arch support is put on the foot so that the pillow is on the foot, and the elastic band fixes it around the foot.

Reference! Orthopedic insoles also have an arch support. As a rule, this is a seal in one of the parts of the sole - back, front, central.

How to choose shoes with arch support?

The choice of shoes with arch support depends on its purpose. For a healthy, anatomically correct foot, shoes with an orthopedic insole for prophylaxis are selected - VP-1 and VP-6. VP-1 has a seal of the internal longitudinal arch, and VP-6 has a calculation of the transverse and internal arch. Both options are used to maintain the correct shape of the foot. Useful for a strong and constant load on the joints of the legs - athlete, hairdresser, seller, pregnant woman and overweight people .

Important! Distinguish between valgus and varus deformity. With valgus, the foot bends inward, with varus - outward. Varus deformity is called clubfoot, hallux valgus - flat feet.

When hallux valgus use shoes with insoles VP-2 and VP-5. VP-2 is equipped with an arch support under the heel of the foot, and the VP-5 has both the heel and the forefoot.

As mentioned above, an important aspect when choosing shoes with gelenki is its purpose . And if you need a preventative couple, you can pick it yourself. The main thing is that the size fits perfectly, and the arch support gets into the right part of the foot. But with any kind of deformation of the insole, only a doctor prescribes, and they are done individually from the foot impression.

Why arch support in children's shoes is very important?

Gelenk in shoes for children is a separate and controversial topic. The fact that it is necessary for pathology or foot injury is known to all. The situation with the so-called preventive arch support is much more complicated. The opinion of orthopedists is divided. Some consider it necessary to buy orthopedic insoles for a healthy child as a prevention of flat feet. There are orthopedists who believe that using an insole with arch support is important from the first steps . They explain this by the fact that arch support:

  • supports longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot;
  • reduces the load on the fragile children's spine;
  • prevents diseases associated with deformity of the foot;
  • forms the melting shape of the foot with a characteristic arch;
  • facilitates walking, adding stability.

Other experts are categorically against this approach. They explain this by the fact that wearing shoes with an arched seal with a healthy foot up to 7–9 years of age can provoke longitudinal flatfoot. This can happen due to the fact that muscles that constantly have tight support atrophy and cease to fulfill their function.

The famous pediatrician Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky is skeptical about arch support in children's shoes. He says that this element in no way affects the formation of the foot in the same way that gloves do not form hands, but a hat on the head.

Reference! We are born with a flat foot and have a fat pad serving as a baby gel. Only by the age of 7-9 years the child’s foot is fully formed and becomes like an adult. Then the use of orthopedic insoles as prophylaxis is allowed. But the instep of such products should be low and soft.

How do orthopedic arch supports fight flat feet?

It is important to distinguish arch support from the pronator . The second is used to correct lateral flat feet, or rather, support the forefoot or transverse arch. Arch support is used to treat longitudinal flatfoot. It supports a longitudinal arch along the inner central edge or in the heel area.

Important! Fully cure flat feet and return the anatomically correct shape to the foot is possible only in childhood, when the bony and muscular-ligamentous apparatus only forms.

Flatfoot in adults is not completely treated . All bones and muscles have already formed, which means that it will only be possible to alleviate the symptoms and stop further deformation. For this, we need an orthopedic insole with a gelenk. It fixes the normal position of the foot and acts as a shock absorber, which is important for the musculoskeletal system.

Indications and contraindications for orthopedic arch support

Orthopedic arch support is indicated for changes in the shape of the foot and a large load on the joints of the legs. For adults and children without flat feet, this element is needed only during exertion - playing sports, working on legs, and overweight. It should be preventive - VP-1, VP-6. Tough, high gelenk in daily shoes is contraindicated for healthy people.

In case of violation of the shape of the foot or disease of the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic insoles are shown. You can not pick them yourself . First, they are prescribed by an orthopedist, then, according to a cast of a person’s foot, an insole is made with a gellet of the desired stiffness, height and location.

What is bad shoes without arch support?

Such shoes are generally not bad with a healthy musculoskeletal system . It allows the normal development of children's joints and feet, adults do not deform feet. But if there are violations, excess weight or a high load on the legs - you cannot do without instep support. Otherwise, pain and deformation of the feet are provided.

For children, the most important point is the presence of a soft, low arch support in shoes for sports . Note - not in sneakers for daily wear, but in sports or physical education. It will soften strokes when running and jumping, and will protect the child from injuries. For a healthy child, shoes without a baby gel are suitable for every day, and there is nothing wrong with that.