Insoles for Flat Feet
Understanding Fallen Arches (Pes Planus)
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches or pes planus, are a very common foot condition. If you have flat feet, it means the arches of your feet are low or completely flattened, causing most or all of the sole of your foot to touch the ground when you stand. For some people, flat feet cause no problems at all. For others, they can lead to ongoing pain and discomfort that affects daily life.
What Are Flat Feet?
A normal foot has a visible arch along the inside that helps absorb shock and supports the body during walking and standing. With flat feet, this arch is reduced or collapses entirely. Flat feet can be present from childhood or develop later in life due to injury, ageing, pregnancy, weight gain, or conditions that weaken the muscles and ligaments in the foot.
Common Symptoms
Flat feet can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics (you may be born with them)
- Weak or stretched foot ligaments
- Injuries to the foot or ankle
- Arthritis or nerve conditions
- Long periods of standing on hard surfaces
Over time, poor foot support can make symptoms worse.
How Custom Insoles Can Help Flat Feet
One of the most effective ways to manage pain caused by flat feet is through custom-made insoles. These insoles are designed specifically for your feet, based on your foot shape, arch height, and walking pattern.
Custom insoles help support the arch, improve foot alignment, and reduce excessive strain on muscles and joints. By distributing pressure more evenly across the foot, they can relieve pain in the feet, ankles, knees, and even the lower back. Unlike off-the-shelf inserts, custom-made insoles offer targeted support that adapts to your unique needs, helping you stay comfortable and active throughout the day.
General guidance for selecting a custom insole
For Achilles Tendonitis
These are general best-practice guidelines and the most commonly recommended custom insole features. Final prescriptions should always be individualised. We recommend seeking professional advice and guidance where symptoms, medical conditions or complex demands are present.
- EVA density: Select high if you require a more rigid support
- Insole length: Select full foot if the current insole can be removed from your footwear. Select ¾ length where there is minimal space to fit an insole into your footwear. Sulcus is between the two lengths
- Heel cup Depth: select 25mm if you want more stability
- Middle layer: select Poron if shock absorbency is required, but this WILL take up space in your footwear when your foot is offloaded – please ensure you have adequate space in your footwear for this option.
Custom insoles help
Low Arch is also sometimes called low arch / flat feet / fallen arches/pes planus.
- Foot demands: Stability, arch support, motion control
- Typical shoe style: Trainers, work shoes, boots
- Shoe space required: Medium
- Custom insole type: Functional control
- EVA density: Medium–high*
- Insole length: ¾, sulcus or full foot*
- Heel cup depth: 20–25mm*
- Extensions: EVA
- Middle layer: None or 3mm Poron
- Top cover: 1mm EVA
- Design focus: Alignment, load redistribution
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear, helpful answers to common questions about our custom orthotics, fitting process, materials, benefits, care, warranties, and more to support your foot health and comfort.
How do I order bespoke custom-made orthotic insoles?
Simply purchase our Bespoke Insole Kit. We’ll guide you through taking accurate foot impressions at home, then hand-craft your custom insoles in our workshop and post them back to you.
Why do my feet hurt, and how can custom-made insoles help?
Your feet hurt due to poor biomechanics, flat arches, or uneven leg length, which strain muscles and joints. Our custom-made insoles correct alignment, support your unique foot shape, relieve pressure, and restore pain-free movement.
Why does shoe type matter when selecting and using bespoke custom insoles?
Shoe type matters because the right footwear complements your custom insoles. Stable, well-fitting shoes with enough depth ensure optimal support, proper function, and maximum relief from pain and misalignment.
How can custom insoles help with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility, and Foot Health?
Ehlers-Danlos and hypermobility cause unstable, over-flexible feet and excessive pronation. Our bespoke insoles offer precise support and control, stabilise your joints, reduce pain, and improve balance and daily mobility.
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"Before, my feet hurt while hiking, gardening and caring for the horses and home. After seeing Mark Smith Orthotics, I can walk for longer distances without pain."
Val Bell
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"Before the insoles, I had foot pain from a flat arch in my feet. Now, I am pain-free, and can move without lower back pain and can walk further and faster."
Tom Cartner
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"Mark Smith Orthotics have now become indispensable by correcting my posture, straightening my hips, dramatically reducing pain during daily activities and exercise, and providing surprising relief that has transformed my workflow."
Mark Freeman
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"I chose Mark Smith Orthotics over other options because of his highly professional approach, the time he dedicates, and the excellent quality of his work."
Tayyab Talu
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"I have experienced a significant enhancement in daily comfort, a substantial reduction in pain, and unexpectedly straightforward ease of use, making these custom orthotics indispensable."
N. Douglas
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"Before the insoles, I had foot pain from a flat arch in my feet and sometimes lower back pain because I also had one leg slightly longer than the other. Now, I am pain-free and can walk further and faster!"
Tom Carr
