Insoles: Stop Fighting It And Buy Them Already (Your Feet Deserve It)

Women have been fed the lie for centuries that beauty is synonymous with pain. Corsets, super low-cut hip huggers, high-heeled shoes, pointy-toed shoes — the list goes on and on. But no matter what people are wearing in Hollywood or in the latest women's magazines, fashion does not and should not have to equate to discomfort.

Shoes are a prime example. How many times have you worn a pair of uncomfortable shoes, simply because they looked good? While there's always the option to cough up more money for shoes that offer style and comfort, or look into treatments like foot Botox, there are other options. You can keep your shoes and wear insoles (shoe inserts) to make them more comfortable. You can also add them to your already-comfortable running or walking shoes, too.

Insoles offer a number of benefits for your feet, including arch support, decreased risk of foot problems, and pain relief, to name a few. And although insoles are mistakenly assumed to be intended for senior citizens, they can benefit people of all ages.

Insoles are sole-shaped inserts that you place in your shoes. There are many different types of insoles, each of which serves a different purpose. One of these is arch support. Having flat feet can lead to problems like foot and ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, and other unpleasant conditions. If you're a runner, it can increase your risk of injury and cause overpronation, a condition characterized by the foot rolling inwardly when you walk or run.

While many shoes come with inserts, not all of them offer arch support. Insoles provide some extra padding near the arch area to eliminate or reduce the risk of foot problems and injuries. If your shoes have removable inserts, it's best to replace them with the insoles; don't place the insoles on top of the existing inserts.

Not sure where to get arch-supportive insoles? Insoles are sold at department stores like Walmart and Target as well as drug stores like CVS and Walgreens. You can also find them on Amazon or directly from the manufacturers' websites, including from Dr. Scholl's and PowerStep.

If you already have problems like plantar fasciitis or knee pain, or your shoes just aren't quite as comfortable as you want them to be, a pair of insoles can make all the difference. There are insoles made specifically to prevent lower body pain, provide all-day relief from plantar fasciitis pain, and just offer a layer of cushioning. You can even find insoles that offer massaging gels and cushioning on specific parts of the foot, depending on where you're feeling pain or discomfort.

Another thing to consider with insoles is that many of them can be trimmed down for a more precise fit in your shoes. Some even come with guiding lines. To make trimming easier and more accurate, use the inserts that came with the shoes as stencils.

Have a favorite pair of high heels or boots that are lacking in the comfort department, but are too cute to get rid of? Try a pair of insoles that are designed for high-heeled shoes. And yes, you can find them for shoes with open sides, too. Many are clear and discreet, so no one will know you're wearing them. But even if someone does notice, who cares? Your priority should be your comfort, not what people think of your insoles.