As their name suggests, the half-soles cover only half the sole of the foot, from the heel downwards. They come in a variety of types, and are equally practical in many situations. Whether foam, gel or cork, half soles can be used to protect against cold or shock, or to readjust oversized shoes. SmartFeet is the French leader in the sale of insoles. We offer a wide range of half insoles to meet all your needs your needs.
Half-sole materials
When purchasing a pair of half-soles, the choice of material material is essential. Indeed, it will entirely determine the result you want. Semi soles, just like insoles, are made up of a base and a lining.
The latter can be leather, or simply the insole of the shoe (in which case the half-sole must be placed underneath). But it's really the base which offers a wide range of choices.
Here are the three main materials making up the base of a half-sole:
- Foam. Extremely widespread, it can be made of latex or polyurethane. A half-sole made of foam has the added benefit of effectively absorbing perspiration. This may seem trivial, but it's an advantage that helps prevent the shoe from getting wet.moisture from stagnating and allowing bacteria and fungi to proliferate.
In addition to its excellent support capacity, it is also extremely shock-absorbent. Between polyurethane and latex, our choice is latex. The latter makes the half-sole hypoallergenic and offers good density.
- Gel. Often used in sports shoes, silicone-gel half-sole insoles are a real winner. shock-absorbing. Designed for sportsmen and women, the gel half-sole significantly reduces the impact of walking and running. It can also be useful for anti-and anti-slip applications. The gel used is of more or less unknown composition, as this is the secret of every brand. The downside of this material is that it doesn't wick away moisture very well. Fortunately, manufacturers systematically perforate these insoles.
- Cork. Its insulating qualities more than compensate for its low breathability and absorbency. In fact, it insulates, at least in part, from the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Cork is also used in the design of the soles of top-quality shoes.
- Leather : Half soles in bi-sole leather are particularly comfortable and durable. Leather is perfect for both open and closed shoes.
Of course, there are many other materials that can be used in the composition of some half soles, depending on the problems encountered. From natural wool against the cold to coconut fibers against perspiration, manufacturers offer solutions to suit every need.
For which illnesses are half insoles useful?
Although half insoles provide additional comfort for the wearer, they can also be useful for the following conditions orthopedic. In this way, they can help to heal or relieve certain foot diseases.
This is the case, for example, with heel pain. People suffering from these ailments either lack sufficient natural cushioning or are overweight. To remedy this, the use of half-soles is highly recommended. This considerably improves shock absorption and reduces pain.
The principle remains the same if the user is the victim of a calcaneal spur. Indeed, the pain felt results from the presence of a bony spike on the calcaneum (under the heel). So what better way to relieve this pain than with an absorbent half-sole? Half-soles designed specifically for this condition, of course!
It's a well-known fact that heeled shoes are not always pleasant to wear, leading to pain in the forefoot or hindfoot. To remedy this, half-soles are ideal. They enable the wearer to minimize the shock to the heels. Even if heels are still bad for the foot, the half-sole is a real help. relief.
Last but not least, some half-soles can fill out the arch of the foot, providing great comfort. In this way, the arch benefits from an absorbent half-sole. This reduces or even eliminates arch-related pain.
How do I fit half insoles?
Half insoles are easy to fit. Depending on the shoe and the insole, there are different solutions.
For sneakers and non-leather insoles, simply remove the insole (removable insole supplied by the manufacturer). Once removed, you can apply orthopedic insoles at the bottom and place the insole securely on top.
Some shoes have an insole glued to the bottom of the shoe. In this case, you'll need to place the half-sole over. This process is also necessary when the half-sole is leather-covered. In this way, the comfort of the soles of the feet is preserved.
Half soles, the solution to oversized shoes
Unfortunately, you may find yourself buying a pair of shoes that are too big for you. too bigin a hurry or on the Internet. Now's your chance to try our half-soles! In fact, it's advisable to choose half a size, or even a size larger, when buying a pair of shoes. shoes with half soles.
This is because the half-soles take up enough room in the shoe to fill the excess space. So, to achieve the same level of comfort, you generally need to increase the size by half a unit.
The reverse is also possible. Those with oversized shoes will be delighted to be able to enjoy their shoes, with a new, more comfortable fit. improved comfort. The half-soles we have selected will therefore work to provide a more comfortable fit. firm support and optimized shock absorption.
Just as sizes vary, so do the thickness and size of the half-soles. So you're sure to find what you're looking for, so you can feel right at home in your shoes.
The advantage of half soles over conventional insoles
While conventional insoles raise the whole foot, half insoles only raise the foot. the heel. In this way, they are much more useful for filling shoes that are too big. Because they raise the heel slightly, the tip of the foot is wedged at the bottom of the shoe.
They are also very useful for people wearing heeled shoes. A full insole is not very effective, as the foot is not flat. The half-sole, on the other hand, can relieve the wearer's overworked heel, by absorbing shocks.
Visit half soles Heel insoles also help your foot to fit snugly in the shoe. By absorbing shock in the heel area, they ensure a perfect fit. greater stability that a conventional (non-orthopedic) insole cannot provide.
How to choose half insoles
If you're looking for a pair of half-soles, then you've got some specific needs.
Whether it's for simple comfort, to relieve aches and pains, or because your shoe size is too big, there are 1001 reasons to adopt half insoles.
The first step is to analyze your problem, then turn to the solution. Choose your materials as well as the function of your half-soles. We offer products specially adapted to heel spurs, for example. You can also choose half-soles with cushion that raise your heel to different sizes.
Don't forget that if you're going to buy a pair of half-soles, you'll need to have shoes a size larger than yours beforehand.
You can buy demi-semelles in stores, pharmacies (especially for the scholl brand) or online. SmartFeet offers you a wide selection of half-soles, all of which are ideally suited to your needs.
