How To Use Heat Moldable Insoles For Custom Support

Heat moldable insoles are easy to use and a much more affordable solution for custom foot support. You can use this type of insole with any shoes that have removable insoles to get adequate support. This way you can keep your current shoes but improve the comfort and support of the shoes. We have included a quick instructional video (below) as well as written out the steps to start using heat moldable insoles in your shoes.

Instructional Video for Heat Moldable Insoles

Supplies Needed

• Heat Source (Conventional Oven, Countertop Oven, or Heat Gun)
• Shoes with removable insoles
• Heat moldable insoles
• Scissors

Steps to Use Heat Moldable Insoles

Step 1 – GET HEAT SOURCE READY

You can use a few options to heat up the insoles including: conventional oven, countertop oven, or heat gun. For conventional ovens, you would pre-heat oven to 200 degrees F. Countertop ovens can be used as well with lowest heat setting. Pre-heat the oven or plug in your heat gun while you trim the insoles (step 2).

Step 2 – TRIM THE INSOLES

Remove the insoles in your current shoes to use as a template to trim the heat moldable insoles. Align the insoles at the heel and trim the insoles with scissors at the toe area to match the shape and length.

Step 3 – HEAT INSOLES IN OVEN OR USING HEAT GUN FOR 2 MINUTES

Once the oven has been pre-heated or heat gun is ready for use, you can heat up your trimmed insoles. For heating insoles in the oven, you can place on baking sheet to easily insert and remove insoles from oven. For heating insole with a heat gun, you can wave the heat gun over insoles. Set a timer for 2 minutes for insoles to be exposed to heat source.

Step 4 – REMOVE INSOLES FROM HEAT & PUT IN SHOES TO MOLD

Carefully remove the insoles from heat source and immediately place them in shoes. Once in the shoes, stand in the shoes for 2 minutes to mold the insoles to your foot shape.

Your insoles are now molded to support your feet!

What Are Heat Moldable Insoles Good For?

Heat moldable insoles are made of a moldable EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) material and used a for a variety of foot conditions. Since the material can be formed to the bottom shape of your foot by completing a few simple steps, this type of insole is an affordable option for lower body support.

Insoles are used to help with the biomechanics of our midfoot by providing support for a natural alignment of our lower body. This support works from the foot up to our hips to prevent pronating which can cause stress on the joint and ligaments in our feet, ankles, knees, and lower back.

Common foot conditions used with heat moldable insoles include:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Arch pain
• Heel spurs
• Metatarsalgia
• Knee pain
• Lower back pain from pronation

In some cases, heat moldable insoles may not be as effective in helping with foot and lower body pain compared to custom orthotics. Custom orthotics are more rigid and can be much more expensive than heat moldable insoles. Depending on the severity and the type of pain, custom orthotics may be the best solution for proper support. Consult with your podiatrist for the best solution for your foot condition.

How Long Do Heat Moldable Insoles Last?

The lifetime of a heat moldable insole can vary depending on factors like frequency of use, individual’s weight and foot shape. Generally, the insoles can last up to 3-4 months and should be replaced and remolded to your feet. The EVA material will eventually lose its shape thus compromising support for your feet. It is important to use new insoles for optimal support when your current insoles have lost shape due to wear. Look at the arch and heel areas of the insole to see if it has become flattened out or worn thin. This is a good indicator that the insoles should be replaced.

About author:

Derek Roach is a foot health specialist and has worked in the foot health industry for over 10 years. He is knowledgeable in various foot conditions and shoe features to help with those conditions. Also, he has been quoted on CNN, The Penny Hoarder, HuffPost, Dapper Confidential and other popular publications for foot and shoe-related topics.