What Are Insoles? Comprehensive Guide to Orthotic & Arch Support Insoles UAE

Foot pain, tired feet after long hours, and everyday discomfort are extremely common in the UAE, especially among professionals who stand all day, athletes, and individuals experiencing flat feet or fallen arches. Yet many people still don’t fully understand what insoles are, how they work, and how to choose the right type for their foot condition.

This expert, medically backed guide explains everything you need to know about insoles, from orthotic insoles and arch support insoles to specialized options such as diabetic insoles and height-increasing insoles with practical UAE-specific insights and recommendations from the Health Mart UAE perspective.

What Are Insoles? 

Insoles also known as shoe inserts or footbeds are supportive layers placed inside shoes to improve comfort, posture, alignment, and foot function. They can be pre-fabricated or custom-made, depending on the user’s needs.

Modern insoles are designed to:

• Support the arch
• Absorb shock and reduce pressure on joints
• Correct biomechanical issues
• Provide cushioning for daily comfort
• Improve shoe fit
• Prevent or reduce foot pain
• Manage conditions such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or diabetic neuropathy

In the UAE, insoles are widely used by office workers, teachers, retail staff, construction workers, athletes, and individuals dealing with sand-heavy walking environments that strain the feet.

Related: 

• Orthopedic Shoes
• Diabetic Shoes

Why Insoles Matter for Foot Health?

More than 70% of adults experience foot pain at some point in their lives (general estimate from podiatric journals). The warm climate of the UAE, long working hours, and active lifestyle contribute to increased foot fatigue.

Insoles Help By:

• Rebalancing body weight distribution
• Providing arch alignment for low, medium, or high arches
• Reducing heel pressure
• Stabilizing the ankle
• Preventing overpronation or supination
• Supporting conditions such as flat feet or fallen arches
• Reducing the risk of knee, hip, and lower back pain

As a general rule:

If your feet hurt, your entire posture is affected. Insoles restore natural balance.

Types of Insoles 

A. Orthotic Insoles / Orthopedic Insoles

Designed to correct biomechanical foot issues and recommended for:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Flat feet
• Heel pain
• Overpronation

These are often termed the best orthopedic insoles because they provide structured correction rather than just cushioning.

B. Arch Support Insoles

Ideal for individuals with:

• Low arches
• Medium arches
• High arches

These insoles stabilize the arch, reduce pressure, and support natural foot movement.

C. Flat Foot Insoles & Fallen Arches Insoles

For people with:

• Collapsed arches
• Flexible flat feet
• Rigid flat feet

Flat foot insoles lift the arch and reduce inward rolling (overpronation).

D. Gel Insoles

Made from medical-grade gel, offering shock absorption and comfort. Ideal for:

• Long hours of standing
• Runners
• Daily wear
• Older adults needing pressure relief

E. Cushion Insoles & Cushion Insoles for Shoes

Primarily for comfort. Best for:

• Office shoes
• Casual shoes
• Workers walking on hard surfaces

They focus on softness, not structural correction.

F. Height Increasing Insoles

Popular in the UAE for:

• Increasing height discreetly
• Improving posture
• Enhancing confidence

G. Diabetic Insoles

Designed to reduce friction, pressure, and hot spots for individuals with diabetes. They use soft, seamless materials to prevent ulcers.

H. Custom Foot Insoles

Made specifically for the user’s foot shape.
Recommended for chronic conditions or severe deformities such as:

• Severe flat feet
• Leg length differences
• Recurrent plantar fasciitis

Best Insoles for Common Foot Conditions

Choosing the Right Insoles in the UAE

When choosing insoles, consider:

• Foot type: flat, high arch, or neutral
• Activity level: athletes vs. office professionals
• Shoe type: athletic, formal, or medical footwear
• UAE climate: opt for breathable, sweat-resistant materials

At Health Mart UAE, you'll find insoles tailored for local needs from low arch insoles to orthopedic diabetic insoles that meet UAE Ministry of Health standards.

Below are some expert recommendations

Best Insoles for Flat Feet

Look for:

• Firm arch support
• Deep heel cup
• Motion control design

Best Insoles for Heel Pain

Look for:

• Heel cushioning
• Shock absorption
• Orthotic-grade support

Best Insoles for High Arches

Look for:

• High arch contour
• Flexible support
• Cushioning under the heel and forefoot

Best Insoles for Standing All Day

Look for:

• Gel or dual-density foam
• Pressure distribution
• Breathability (important in UAE heat)

Best Orthopedic Insoles

Features:

• Medical-grade materials
• Arch support
• Heel stability
• Customizable fit

Best Insoles for Basketball Shoes

Basketball athletes in the UAE need:

• Shock absorption
• Lateral stability
• Moisture-wicking design

Best Insoles for Football Boots

Should include:

• Slim profile
• Arch stability
• Forefoot cushioning for sprinting

Best Insoles for Foot Pain

General recommendation:

• Orthotic-grade support
• Cushioning to reduce load
• Corrected alignment

How to Use Insoles Correctly

• Insert insoles into clean, dry shoes.
• Trim edges if needed (most are trimmable).
• Break them in over 2–3 days.
• Replace original shoe insoles if orthotics are thick.
• Switch between shoes only if the insoles are removable.

How to Clean & Maintain Insoles

• Hand wash with mild soap.
• Air dry only (never use heat)
• Use foot powder to reduce moisture.
• Replace every 6–12 months, or sooner for athletes.

UAE-Specific Considerations When Buying Insoles

Due to the region’s warm climate and high humidity indoors, choose:

• Breathable materials (mesh, ventilated foam)
• Moisture-wicking insoles for sports
• Durable insoles for sand-heavy walking
• Orthotic support if wearing flat sandals frequently
• Gel or soft cushioning for hard-floor environments (malls, offices)

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are insoles?

Insoles are supportive inserts placed inside shoes to improve comfort, provide cushioning, and correct foot alignment.

How to clean insoles?

Hand wash with mild soap, rinse gently, and air dry. Avoid direct heat to prevent deformation.

How to use insoles?

Insert them into your shoes (trim if needed), wear them for short periods initially, and increase usage gradually.

Where to buy shoe insoles?

In the UAE, you can buy insoles from Health Mart UAE, pharmacies, orthopedic clinics, and sports stores.

Do I remove original insoles when using orthotics?

Yes. most orthotic insoles require removing the shoe’s original insole to ensure proper fit and support.

Are memory foam insoles good?

Good for comfort but not ideal for structural support. They suit daily walking but not serious foot conditions.

Can insoles fix flat feet?

They cannot “cure” flat feet but can significantly reduce pain, improve alignment, and improve mobility.

How long do memory foam insoles last?

Approximately 3–6 months, depending on usage and weight-bearing pressure.

How often should you replace insoles?

Every 6–12 months, or earlier if they lose shape or support.

How to get insoles approved by an insurance company?

You usually need a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist’s prescription and diagnostic report (varies by UAE insurance provider).

Conclusion 

Whether you’re dealing with flat feet, long workdays, athletic demands, or chronic conditions, the right pair of insoles can transform your comfort, posture, and overall foot health.

Health Mart UAE offers a wide range of high-quality orthotic, gel, diabetic, and sports insoles tailored to the UAE market’s needs ensuring you get medically backed, durable, and comfortable solutions for daily life.