Different Brands of Arch Supports

Arch supports assist the underside of the foot. You can place molded and pre-designed supports inside shoes to raise the arch of the foot. This relieves strain on foot muscles while walking or standing for long periods of time. While manufactured arch supports work well for some people, others need form-fitted supports designed for a particular foot problem, such as plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, bunions and heel spurs.

WalkFit

• Arch supports by WalkFit provide relief for sore feet, ankles and legs while eliminating foot pain. WalkFit insoles strengthen your feet and distribute your weight evenly over your foot. Insoles also act as shock absorbers, protecting your feet, legs and spine while walking, running or playing sports. WalkFit manufactures arch supports for general use and custom-fit orthotics designed for treatment of plantar fasciitis. A line of custom-fitted arch supports for children provides an alternative to severe treatments of walking problems.

Spenco Medical

• Spenco Medical provides a variety of orthotic arch supports that are heat-moldable for a custom fit. Thin- soled orthotics help relieve arch pain, improve balance, stability and stride. Spenco RX Arch Cushions are soft enough to soothe tired feet while being durable enough to improve body alignment, absorb shock and reduce the friction that often results in blisters. Spenco Medical offers a full line of insoles for many types of shoe and foot problem, in sizes ranging from kids to adult.

Dr. Scholl's

• Flat feet or a collapsed arch causes inflammation and severe pain during weight-bearing activities, such as walking, standing or running. This condition pulls the body out of alignment; the resulting strain falls on ankles, knees and the lower back. Dr. Scholl's offers an adjustable arch pain-relief orthotic designed for all-day comfort. Dr. Scholl's products are readily available in most stores that sell shoes as well as in some grocery stores, near the pharmacy.

Superfeet

• The opposite of flat feet is a condition called cavus foot, in which the arch is higher than normal. This condition results in a tripod-shaped foot. The arch of the foot transmits energy from the rear foot to the forefoot while moving into a position for adequate shock absorption. Arch supports for cavus foot fill the gap between the arch of the foot and the insole of the shoe. The thickness of the orthotic insole provides support for a high arch. Superfeet offers high-arch supports that accommodate the height and depth of your arch. People with extremely high arches can wear custom-molded orthotics.

Birkenstock

• The contoured arch and deep heel cup of Birkenstocks arch supports relieve heel pain and plantar fasciitis symptoms. The silk lining absorbs moisture, keeping feet cool and dry. Birkenstock's insoles come in various widths for a better fit inside your shoes. This arch support fits in casual and dress shoes with up to 1 and 1/2 inch heels.