The Beginner’s Guide to Insoles

The Beginner’s Guide to Insoles

The right pair of insoles can completely change how your shoes feel. Whether you’re dealing with foot pain, standing all day at work, training for a race, or just looking for more comfort, supportive shoe inserts can make a noticeable difference. But with so many options available, choosing the right insole can feel overwhelming. This beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need to know about insoles, including what they do, who needs them, which brands we recommend, and where to buy insoles in Milwaukee.

What Are Insoles?

Insoles, also called shoe inserts or orthotic inserts, are removable footbeds placed inside your shoes to improve comfort, support, and alignment.

Most factory shoe inserts provide minimal cushioning and little to no arch support. Replacing them with a high-quality insole helps customize your footwear to your specific foot shape and needs.

Insoles can be worn in:

  • Running shoes
  • Walking shoes
  • Work shoes
  • Boots
  • Dress shoes
  • Casual sneakers

They are typically made from structured foam, stabilizing materials, and supportive arch components designed to improve foot function and reduce strain.

 

Benefits of Wearing Insoles

Arch Support

Proper arch support helps distribute pressure evenly across your feet. This can reduce strain on the plantar fascia, improve posture, and help align your ankles, knees, and hips.

Shock Absorption

Extra cushioning reduces impact on your joints, especially if you run, walk long distances, or stand for extended periods.

Reduced Foot Fatigue

Supportive insoles help minimize muscle strain and prevent that tired, achy feeling at the end of the day.

Extended Shoe Life

Insoles can reduce internal wear on your shoes, helping them last longer.

 

Do I Need Insoles?

Insoles are helpful for almost anyone, but especially if you:

  • Have high arches or flat feet
  • Experience plantar fasciitis or heel pain
  • Overpronate or supinate while walking
  • Have knee, hip, or lower back pain
  • Stand or walk for most of the day
  • Feel regular foot fatigue

Even if you’re not currently in pain, insoles can act as a preventative measure by improving alignment and cushioning before issues develop.

Best Insole Brands at Stan’s Shoes

The best insole depends on your arch height, activity level, and footwear type. At Stan’s Shoes, we carry trusted brands known for quality and performance.

 

Aetrex Insoles

Aetrex insoles are designed with a focus on comfort, arch support, and full-body alignment. Their signature feature is a biomechanically engineered arch that helps support your foot’s natural structure while improving alignment from the ground up.

By stabilizing the arch and supporting proper foot positioning, Aetrex insoles can help reduce strain not only in the feet, but also in the ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Key benefits of Aetrex insoles include:

  • Supportive arch design that promotes healthier alignment
  • Cushioning that absorbs shock and reduces impact on joints
  • Pressure relief for common pain points like heels and forefoot
  • Improved posture and stability during walking and standing
  • Reduced foot fatigue for long workdays or active lifestyles
  • Antimicrobial top cover to help reduce odor and bacteria buildup

If you want an insole that blends structured support with all-day comfort, Aetrex is an excellent choice.

Woman putting an Aetrex insole into her shoe

Aetrex Insoles

 
 

Superfeet Insoles

Superfeet insoles are designed with a focus on stability, structure, and long-lasting support. Their signature Encapsulating Stabilizer System reinforces the heel and midfoot, helping guide your foot naturally from heel strike to toe-off while redistributing pressure more efficiently.

Unlike overly soft inserts that collapse over time, Superfeet insoles provide a firm, supportive foundation that helps improve alignment and control excess movement.

Key benefits of Superfeet insoles include:

  • Structured arch support for improved foot alignment
  • Deep heel cup that stabilizes and cradles the heel
  • Enhanced shock absorption on hard surfaces
  • Reduced foot fatigue during long days
  • Improved motion control for overpronation
  • Durable construction that maintains shape over time

If you need reliable support that helps control motion and reduce strain, Superfeet insoles deliver a stable, performance-driven solution.

Unisex Superfeet EVERYDAY Pain Relief Medium to High-Arch Insoles

Superfeet Insoles

 

How Do I Know Which Insole to Buy?

The best way to determine the right insole is through a professional foot scan.

At Stan’s Shoes, we use the Aetrex Albert 2 Pro 3D Foot Scanner, which captures millions of data points about your feet in just 12 seconds. It measures:

  • Arch height
  • Foot length and width
  • Pressure points
  • Alignment

Based on this data, we can recommend the ideal insole and shoe combination for your needs.

No appointment is required, walk-ins are always welcome at our Brookfield, Greenfield, and Glendale locations.

 

How to Clean Insoles

Yes, you should clean your insoles regularly.

To clean insoles:

  1. Remove them from your shoes
  2. Wipe with mild soap and warm water
  3. Gently scrub with a cloth or soft brush
  4. Air dry completely

Do not submerge them in water or use heat to dry them.

If odor is an issue, consider using a shoe-safe odor eliminator that removes, not masks, smells.

Man kneeling putting an Aetrex insole into his shoe
 

How Often Should Insoles Be Replaced?

Most insoles should be replaced every 6 to 12 months or around 500 miles, depending on use.

Signs it’s time to replace your insoles:

  • Flattened or compressed foam
  • Visible wear or tearing
  • Loss of cushioning
  • Recurring foot pain

Athletic insoles may need replacing more often, especially for runners.

Women's Superfeet Insole

If you’re looking for insoles in Milwaukee, Stan’s Shoes is your go-to destination for supportive inserts and expert fitting. We carry trusted insole brands like Aetrex, Superfeet, and custom orthotics at all three Stan’s Shoes locations in Brookfield, Greenfield, and Glendale, making it easy to find the right support close to home. If you’re a runner or training for an upcoming race, visit Goodmiles Running Company in Brookfield or Greenfield for performance-focused insoles, complimentary gait analysis, and specialized fitting guidance. Our Certified Fit Specialists are ready to help you choose the best insole to improve comfort, stability, and overall foot health. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, standing long hours at work, logging miles on the road, or simply looking for better everyday support, the right insoles can make a major difference. Stop into Stan’s Shoes to get scanned, fitted, and matched with the ideal insole solution for your feet, because true comfort starts from the ground up.