Many companies who specialize in products for the feet are trying to cash in on the trend towards those fashionable, and occasionally painful, high heel shoes. If you wear high heels, which according to the American Podiatric Medical Association are about 90% of women, and have experienced some foot pain, you may have spent some time in the foot care aisle at your local grocery or pharmacy. They are marketing insoles made specifically for high heel wearers that claim, “guaranteed relief of foot aches and pains” or “all day comfort.”
So, did those claims stand up to the test? Consumer Reports says no. In a report just published this month, consumer reports noted that of the 14 women who tried these insoles made specifically for high heels, none of the wearers reported a relief in their foot pain. A couple wearers said that the shoes were a little more comfortable, but the insoles were not worth the money.
Local podiatrist, Dr. Allen Guehl, says that much of the foot pain that he sees can be attributed to ill fitting shoes. The size of feet changes over time, and you should measure your feet each time you are considering purchasing a new pair of shoes. The other recommendation that he has is a pair of insoles that are made custom for your feet by your podiatrist. He says that they can be a little more expensive, but they will provide more support and last for many years. He agrees with Consumer Reports, saying that these insoles act more as a cushion than actual foot support.
So, did those claims stand up to the test? Consumer Reports says no. In a report just published this month, consumer reports noted that of the 14 women who tried these insoles made specifically for high heels, none of the wearers reported a relief in their foot pain. A couple wearers said that the shoes were a little more comfortable, but the insoles were not worth the money.
Local podiatrist, Dr. Allen Guehl, says that much of the foot pain that he sees can be attributed to ill fitting shoes. The size of feet changes over time, and you should measure your feet each time you are considering purchasing a new pair of shoes. The other recommendation that he has is a pair of insoles that are made custom for your feet by your podiatrist. He says that they can be a little more expensive, but they will provide more support and last for many years. He agrees with Consumer Reports, saying that these insoles act more as a cushion than actual foot support.
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