Arch support insoles: How do they work and why do Indian feet need these?

You kick off your shoes at the end of a long day and feel that sharp ache. You reach for a balm to soothe your aching feet every night before finally going to bed. Every morning, you tiptoe out of bed to avoid that familiar pain in your heels. You blame your shoes, add a more expensive pair to your cart but the discomfort lingers. Feels familiar?

Here’s why:

In India, most of us grew up walking barefoot at home or in flat sandals, often without realising the long-term impact on our foot health. Combine this with hard floors and hectic commutes, and it’s no surprise that conditions like flat feet, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis (explained below) have become increasingly common. Yet insoles are often ignored until the pain can’t be.

We are here to change that. By the end of this guide, you will understand your feet better, make informed choices, and find lasting relief with the right pair of insoles that fits your needs.

Let’s walk through it together.

What is arch support & why does it matter?

Your foot’s arch is like a suspension bridge bearing your weight and balancing each step. This arch acts like a spring absorbing shock and redistributes pressure while you run, walk or stand.

Without the right arch support, your foot can:

• Collapse inward (overpronate)
• Shift weight incorrectly (supinate)
• Cause pain in the heels, knees, hips, or lower back

How do I know if I need arch support insoles?

We spoke with Indian professionals working in jobs where standing for long hours and high daily activity are the norm.

“Because of the nature of my work, I have to stick to Birkenstocks or basic, comfortable shoes. Jordans are good for style, but they are not very comfortable for longer hours, “ says a female interior architect.

“We are working while standing for hours on end. This is easily overlooked, but somebody should address it now in India. It’s a real problem with chefs, and even the hospitality industry,” says a Chef.

These stories reflect what many people quietly endure as they are not aware of what can help them. Whether you are an architect, interior designer, doctor, nurse, chef, painter or field engineer, your footwear often prioritises style over comfort. When discomfort becomes routine, it is easy to accept it as part of the job. But often, there’s a deeper problem which is being missed.

How do I identify my arch type?

Knowing your arch type is step one in choosing the right support. While it's best to speak with your doctor regarding your foot pain or discomfort, you can also start with a simple Wet Foot Test to understand your arch type:

1. Wet your feet in a tub.
2. Step onto a paper or cardboard surface and stand for a few seconds.
3. Step away carefully.
4. Observe the imprint and compare it with the 8ease guide to identify your arch type.

Based on what you see, match your footprint to the descriptions below:

What kind of arch support do I need?

1. Flat feet / Collapsed arches

What you feel:

• Feet tire quickly.
• Pain in the inner ankles.
• Shoes wear out unevenly on the inside.

You need: A low arch insole with a structured lift that supports your midfoot and realigns your stride.

2. Plantar fasciitis (Sharp heel pain)

What you feel:

• Stabbing pain in your heels when you wake up
• Tightness under the arch
• Discomfort after standing for a long time

You need: Arch support that offloads tension from your plantar fascia and heel cushioning for impact absorption.

3. Heel pain or daily standing fatigue

What you feel:

• Constant soreness in the heels
• Relief only when barefoot or sitting
• Pain builds through the day

You need: Shock-absorbing insoles with heel-to-toe cushioning and firm-but-flexible arch reinforcement.

4. High arches

What you feel:

• Pain in the ball or heel of your foot
• Feet feel unstable, especially during activities like running or dancing
• Outer edge of shoes wears out faster

You need: High-arch insoles that cradle your foot, absorb impact, and stabilise every step.

Think prevention, not cure. Good support intervenes early, keeps minor discomfort from becoming a chronic condition, and reduces the need for pain meds or endless stretches.

3 things to keep in mind before choosing an arch support insole

1. Choose the right material

Most cheap insoles use basic EVA or gel that compresses over time, losing both shape and support. That’s where open-cell foam technology makes all the difference.

For example, 8ease insoles use proprietary Ortholite open-cell foam technology that was developed to reduce weight without sacrificing the comfort & performance that active consumers demand :

• Breathable – Keeps feet cooler and drier, especially in Indian climatic heat.
• Adaptive – Understands your foot shape and offers the corrective support required.
• Resilient – Maintains structure over 2 years of usage, unlike flimsy gel pads.

This ensures that comfort isn’t just temporary; it lasts, even if your work days are long and active.

2. Built-in arch support vs. Gel add-ons

Most people think arch support means extra padding. But that’s only part of the story. Gel inserts may feel nice when you first step in, but they’re just cushioning. Over time, they flatten, shift around in your shoe, and stop offering any real alignment.

What your feet need is a built-in structure: A contoured base that mirrors the natural arch of your foot and guides your posture back to balance. For instance, 8ease insoles have this pre-moulded arch contour baked into the design, meaning your foot isn’t resting on foam, it’s being gently held in the right position.

This means:

• Better long-term support
• Less fatigue by the end of the day
• More stability with every step
• Less heat retention during long days

3. Durability: Can it go the distance?

A good insole should bounce back, not break down. Here’s what to look for:

• High rebound: The insole material returns to shape after pressure and wear.
• Breathable & antimicrobial: Stays cooler, reduces odour buildup.
• Anti-peel top layer: Designed for long commutes and Indian heat.
• No slipping: Trim-to-fit and textured grip for a snug, secure fit.

Cheaper insoles might seem like a bargain, but if they flatten out in 3 months, they’ll cost you more in pain, replacements, and foot strain.

Are arch support insoles recommended by doctors?

If you’ve got chronic pain, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or postural issues, don’t gamble on untested products. Look for accreditation or expert approval. These accreditations serve as proof to ensure that what you’re using is clinically evaluated to help your foot health.

8ease Daily Relief Arch Insole is:

• Approved by podiatrists
• Made with tech which is APMA-certified (American Podiatric Medical Association)

This means the product is proven to support proper foot alignment, relieve pressure, and reduce fatigue for real-world users like you.

Final thoughts: don’t ignore your feet

Insoles aren’t just for the elderly or athletes. They’re for anyone whose feet feel tired, achy, or unsupported, which, let’s face it, is most of us. The right arch support insole can prevent long-term pain, correct posture, and make daily walking or standing significantly more comfortable.

Before you buy just any insert online, understand your feet, match the support to your needs, and choose products that are backed by science and certified by experts.

FAQs

Q1. I sweat a lot. Won’t insoles make it worse?

“I sweat a lot, and most of the insoles then become uncomfortable to wear.” – Interior designer.

Look for insoles made with open-cell foam that allow air circulation, wick moisture better, and tend to stay cooler, even in warm Indian weather.

Q2. How do I know if an insole will stay in place and last?

“Existing insoles do not grip the shoe properly and lose proper placement.” – Athlete

Choose anti-slip grip insoles that contour well to your shoe and maintain structural integrity over time. Features like washable material and structured arch support also help extend their lifespan, especially for daily wear.

Q3. Are there even good insoles available in India?

Yes. Look for high-performance insoles built for Indian conditions like heat, humidity, and varied foot shapes. Imported materials like open-cell PU foam offer a noticeable upgrade in both comfort and longevity.

Q4. Are arch support insoles worth it?

Yes, they are. A good pair of arch insoles helps to avoid long-term damage and feeling better doing the things you already do like walking, running, working, etc. Buy a pair that is washable and lasts over 2 years so that you can use it longer.