In a perfect world, all presentations would be ten minutes long with a mandatory table of doughnuts and coffee for everyone. However, if you are giving a lengthy presentation in the real world, you may want to consider something to make the process a little less painful: shoe insoles.
The stock insoles that come with your shoes are usually made of inexpensive fillers and can often be removed. They aren’t built with comfort in mind, and in the case of most flats and sandals, they don’t even exist. Over-the-counter insoles usually cost between $40-$50 dollars, and come in two varieties:
Comfort Insoles: These are primarily made of foam or gel, and are used for cushioning, comfort, and shock absorption. Due to their thickness, they may alter the way a shoe fits, and should be tested with the shoe you plan on wearing.
Support Insoles: Usually made of a harder material, the goal of these insoles is to provide stability and support rather than cushioning. They keep the foot in a more neutral position, support the arch, and ensuring that any natural “bad tendencies” in the foot are corrected, i.e, leaning on the outside of the foot, the heel etc.
But which insole material to choose? Here is a brief guide to the different materials commonly used:
Plastic: A long-lasting solution for support insoles. The only drawback is that plastic has very little give and provides no comfort.
Foam: Commonly used in comfort insoles, foam provides a lot of cushioning. The only problem with foam is that it tends to break down and needs to be replaced.
Silicone: Extremely comfortable and soft, silicone won’t break down as easily as foam will in the long run. However, it provides little to no structural support for the foot.
If you haven’t tried insoles before, start with a comfort insole for standing. The shock absorption may help you through a long day of standing and presenting. If the problem persists, consider a support insole or perhaps even see a doctor for a custom-fitted orthotic insert.
The “Perfect” Fit
“Personalization” is the key word when it comes to insoles. The important thing is to try different kinds of materials and styles to see which works best for you; there is no perfect answer. When you try an insole on in the store, ask yourself:
Do I feel steady?
Is there too much pressure under the arch?
Do I feel pressure in a weird spot?
Is my heel supported and cupped?
Does my shoe feel too tight with the insole?
Once you have selected an insole that works, consider that most insoles only last about 12 months if they are used daily. If you’re only wearing them for presentations, however, you could extend their use for several years. Periodically check your insole for signs of wear, especially if it’s made out of foam.
Insoles are a perfect solution for relieving tired feet, preventing blisters and hot spots, and alleviating symptoms of misalignment. Don’t let your feet suffer during a presentation: buy an insole.
Question: Can insoles help relieve some of your presentation pain?
