Prefabricated Orthoses

Orthotic Therapy· Also known as: off-the-shelf orthotics, prefabricated orthotics, over-the-counter insoles, pre-made orthoticsUpdated Oct 2026

Reviewed by Andrew Schox, BSc(Hons) PGradDipPod MPod, October 2026

At a Glance

Prefabricated orthoses are ready-made insoles, usually foam, that your podiatrist can adjust to suit your foot. They are used to guide how your foot moves or to take pressure off painful spots. They are most often used for heel pain in adults and for flat feet in children. For heel pain, the benefit is small and can take 7 to 12 weeks to show. Pre-made insoles work about as well as custom ones for adult heel pain. Mild aching at first is normal. If you have diabetes or numb feet, get professional advice before using any insoles.

What is it?

Prefabricated orthoses are pre-made, off-the-shelf insoles that sit inside your shoes. They are usually made of foam, and they can be modified to suit your foot. You may also hear them called orthotics or stock insoles.

Custom orthoses are different. They are made for your own foot from a cast, an impression or a digital image. Prefabricated insoles cover a range, from basic shop-bought ones to pre-made devices that a podiatrist adjusts and fits for you.

Insoles are meant to do one of two things. Some guide your foot so it moves in a more efficient way, which is meant to help your muscles and tendons work better. Others take pressure off a painful area of your foot.

What is it used for?

The most common use is heel pain in adults, meaning pain under the heel bone. Insoles are one option among several for this problem. The results are mixed, which is covered below.

They are also used for children with flat feet that cause pain. The results here are mixed too, and the benefit is not certain.

Some insoles are designed to cushion or protect your feet rather than change how they move. These are used for foot shape changes such as those from arthritis, for high-pressure spots such as corns or callus (thickened, hardened skin), and for feet with reduced feeling, such as in diabetes. How well pre-made insoles work for these problems isn't clear yet.

Is it right for me?

Pre-made insoles may suit you if your podiatrist's assessment suggests they will help your problem. Your podiatrist will look at how your feet and legs work, your foot shape, how you stand and walk, your usual shoes, your job and your lifestyle. This helps them choose the right device.

For adults with heel pain, insoles are one part of a plan. Their big advantage is that they take less effort to keep up than stretching or exercises. They don't suit everyone with heel pain, so it helps to talk with your podiatrist about what you prefer and how likely you are to wear them every day.

For children, things are a little different. If a child has flat feet but no pain, there is no support for paying for expensive custom insoles. For a child with painful flat feet, insoles may be considered, with care. Ask your podiatrist whether any treatment is needed at all.

If you have diabetes or loss of feeling in your feet, get professional advice before using insoles. Don't choose them yourself. You may not feel damage from an insole until it is serious.

What happens?

Your podiatrist starts with the assessment described above. A pre-made insole can often be fitted on the same day. If you need a custom one instead, it is ordered from an outline or impression of your foot.

Your podiatrist will often adjust the insole and explain how to use it. Your clinician will also give you a wearing-in plan. Plans vary between clinics, so follow the one you are given. The aim is to let your feet and legs get used to the insoles step by step.

Insoles need to fit inside your shoes. Check that your shoes can take them before you start.

There is no set number of appointments. You will usually come back for a review so your podiatrist can check how the insoles are working. Bring them with you each time.

How well does it work?

For adults with heel pain, the answer is mixed. Some findings suggest insoles may reduce pain a little in the medium term. Others found they were no better than a fake insole or other simple treatments. The effect is small, and for some people it won't be enough.

If insoles help, it can take time. The full effect may not show until 7 to 12 weeks after you start. Don't judge them after a few days.

Pre-made and custom insoles worked about equally well for adult heel pain, for both pain and function. Pre-made insoles that are shaped to fit the arch of your foot may also cost less.

For children with flat feet, the results are less certain. Some findings point to less pain with insoles. Others are inconclusive. For children with flat feet who have no pain, insoles made little or no difference to whether they were pain free a year later. There is no strong proof that wearing insoles for a long time changes the shape of a child's flat feet.

Some people expect a lot from insoles and are disappointed. Aim for realistic expectations.

Risks and side effects

The common side effects are mild. You may feel aching in your feet, legs, upper thighs or lower back, feel a lump under your arch, or have tired muscles while your body adjusts. This is expected at first and should settle within a few days.

Insoles should not cause pain, redness or rubbing. After you take them out, look at your feet. Watch for:

redness or pressure marks that don't fade within 30 minutes
blisters, cuts or rubbing spots
swelling or pain in your feet or ankles

If you see any of these, stop wearing the insoles. Let any blisters heal, then build up your wearing time slowly again, and take the insoles to your review.

If you have loss of feeling in your feet, start with only 15 minutes of wear. Check your feet after every wear for skin damage, redness, blistering or bruising.

For children, an insole with a very high arch or very thick material may put extra stress on the joints, ligaments and cartilage. Your podiatrist can choose a suitable one.

Afterwards

Keep wearing your insoles as your clinician advises and bring them to review visits. Your podiatrist can check them for wear and see how your symptoms are changing.

Insoles aren't replaced after a set time. You need a new appointment if your pain or discomfort comes back or if they wear out.

When to see a podiatrist

Book an appointment if

Book a visit with your podiatrist before using insoles if you have diabetes or loss of feeling in your feet. Also book if aching lasts longer than a few days, or if pain or pressure is still there after the first week. Book if the insoles feel uncomfortable, worn out or unstable, or if your walking or pain changes a lot. Stop the insoles and book if you get redness or pressure marks that don't fade within 30 minutes, blisters, cuts or rubbing spots. Book too if your pain comes back. A child with ongoing foot pain should be seen too, because flat-foot pain is often put down to growing pains.

Seek prompt assessment if

Stop the insoles and contact your podiatrist or the clinician who prescribed them without delay if your pain is severe or getting worse, or if aching turns into pain. If you have diabetes or numb feet and notice skin damage, redness, blisters or bruising, stop and contact your podiatrist straight away. Don't wait for your next appointment. If your foot becomes red, warm or swollen, or has an open wound, discharge or blood, get assessed promptly by a health professional. Don't wait.

Frequently asked questions

Should I pay extra for custom insoles for heel pain?

For adult heel pain, custom insoles worked no better than pre-made ones. If your podiatrist recommends a custom pair, it is fair to ask why. Pre-made insoles that are shaped to your arch may also cost less.

How long do prefabricated insoles last?

They can last 12 to 24 months, depending on how much you use them and the type. Take them to your review appointments so they can be checked for wear. See your podiatrist sooner if they feel uncomfortable or unstable.

What shoes should I wear them in?

Insoles should fit into your trainers, casual shoes and work or school shoes. The best shoes are supportive, have an insole you can remove, and fasten securely with laces, a supportive buckle or a strap. If a shoe can't take the insole, ask your podiatrist.