No more wobbling in heels for me - the orthotics make this shoe ridiculously comfortable
As someone who used to be a total heel-wearing fanatic in high school, I thought I'd never give up my beloved high heels. I'd wear them to class, on walks, and even to the grocery store. And yeah, my feet would ache, but I just couldn't resist the allure of heels. That was until I got to college. Something changed, and I found myself drawn to sneakers instead. I started buying shoes with flat soles, and my heel-wearing days were behind me.
But then I discovered a game-changer, and I wish I'd found it sooner. Take a look at my trusty old heels - they're a few years old, but I still love 'em. They're from H&M, and I know they're not the sturdiest, but I just couldn't find a pair that fit my style and budget. So, I decided to give them a little upgrade with these amazing orthotics.
I picked up my Braus orthotics on Ozon, and when I searched for 'soft orthotics for sneakers', they were one of the first options that popped up. I was drawn to them because they looked pretty slim, but still had a thick heel cup. I actually used these insoles for the first time with my sneakers, and the soft heel cup was a lifesaver since the sole had been compressed a bit. And it got me thinking - these insoles would also work perfectly with high-heeled shoes.
I've since bought four sets, two for my athletic shoes and two for my boots and knee-high boots on heels. Plus, I ordered a pair for my mom, and she loves them too. One thing that really impressed me about Ozon, where I bought the insoles, is how detailed the size description is - both in length and width. This makes it super easy to measure your own insole and figure out if the insoles will fit.
I measured my existing insole and chose the right size. I opted for the double-size insoles, and for my sneakers in size 37, I chose the 37-38 size, which fit perfectly. For my size 38 sneakers, I chose the 39-40 size, and they're just a tad higher at the heel, but that's only a 3mm difference. It looks like it's better to go by the lower size. For my mom's size 39 cross-trainers, I chose the same insoles, and they fit beautifully.
The insoles are pretty rugged and dense, but not too much so, so they don't take up too much space in the shoes. The bottom is made of this spongy soft material that holds its shape and springs back when you press on it. But it's probably going to compress over time, and that's largely dependent on the weight of the person wearing them. And on top, there's this rough fabric that prevents your foot from slipping, even with compression stockings. It's like the fabric helps your foot grip better.
So, the insole is comfortable, pleasant, and not stiff like some orthopedic insoles can be. I know some people might not like that. I think these insoles aren't going to last forever. If you wear them every day, they'll probably compress over time since the material is soft and comfortable, but not super dense. But, you know, you get what you pay for, especially for something that costs 300 rubles. And replacing them won't be a hassle.
Now, here's a small minus that doesn't really affect anything. The text on the insole fades pretty quickly. Check out the photo above – after a couple of wears, it's already started to peel off. And in my mom's shoes, the text is completely gone, like it was never there to begin with. I've seen the same thing happen on the raised heel of my boots.
Yeah, it's a no-brainer. The orthotics are designed to mimic the shape of your foot, which makes all the difference. The density under the heel is just right - it absorbs shock and doesn't leave me with a throbbing heel after a long walk. And the cutout in the middle does wonders for supporting the arch of my foot. I'm not saying these are the best orthotics for the price (300 rubles is a decent investment), but they're definitely a solid choice for everyday comfort.
Frankly, I wish I'd thought of this idea sooner, because insoles have been around for ages - I just needed to think of buying them. Unfortunately, it wasn't until now that this idea struck me. I'd been experimenting with silicone inserts, but they weren't the solution I was looking for. Of course, these insoles won't make high-heeled shoes as comfortable as sneakers with a flexible sole. However, they do make a big difference in terms of comfort - your foot won't feel as much pressure on the heel bone, and you'll experience less pain in your heel.
That being said, your feet will still get tired after a long walk in high heels. But occasionally, it's nice to have a little trick up your sleeve to make high heels more bearable - like swapping out the insoles. These insoles are a game-changer. I've used them with both my sneakers and high-heeled shoes, and they fit perfectly in both. Plus, they're super affordable, so I ended up buying a few pairs to give my shoes a bit more comfort.