FAQs and other information
How many different insoles do you do?
We do THREE insoles, Blue, Orange and Green. Wherever you see the same colour insoles, they are the same device.
The Blue and Orange insoles are interchangeable and are effective for all conditions caused by overpronation. The Blue device is better for the most active people as it is smoother – the Orange device is ever so slightly less firm, but just as effective.
The Green device is for supination (or underpronation) related conditions.
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Should I get soft insoles for extra comfort?
No. A lot of marketing material promotes soft cushioning for pain relief (particularly in the case of Plantar Fasciitis), but this is targeting the symptoms and not the cause. Firm is best for active people.
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Are insoles supplied in pairs?
Yes. They should also be worn as a pair unless specifically advised otherwise by a clinician. Insoles will create biomechanical improvements that are best mirrored to both limbs. They can also generate slight elevation changes.
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How soon will I receive them?
The Salford Insole is manufactured in the UK and will be shipped by Royal Mail, so you should expect to receive them within 2-3 days. UK postage is included in the price.
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Should I wear them all the time?
Yes, or at least whenever practical. Your feet will benefit from support whenever you are on a hard surface, whether running, walking or even just standing. This includes around the house, which is often overlooked (slippers are mostly ineffective).​
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Should I remove any existing insoles?
Yes. Our insoles are designed to provide all the support you need. Any existing insole or liner will just distort the effect.
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How long will they last?
Indefinitely. They carry a lifetime wear guarantee and will function consistently, indefinitely. You will never need to replace them and they can simply be moved to new shoes.
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How important is footwear choice?
Very. Footwear should be well fitting and fit for purpose. Most footwear is produced cheaply, with only notional attempts at providing effective arch support. Footwear choices should be made with insoles in mind for those of us that would benefit from them.
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Sizing
When we talk about sizing, we are referring to foot size and not shoe size. Manufacturers size their shoes differently to each other, but our feet do not change size. You should only use the size that best fits your feet and swap that between shoes, regardless of the size marking.
Once you get them, do a quick test before putting them in your shoes. If you stand on them, there should be 8-10mm extending beyond your longest toe and they should visibly fit your arch.
UK sizing is unisex, regardless of perceived differences between men’s and women’s shoe styles and sizing.
What if I have more than one condition?
This question gets asked quite often as it is possible to have multiple reactions to both overpronation and supination.
For example:
For Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis, go with the Achilles version as it also includes the heel support.
For Plantar Fasciitis and Supination, go with the Supination device as it provides arch support as well as lateral support.
If you’re not sure, just drop us a quick email.
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Pronation versus overpronation
Pronation is a normal part of the gait cycle and helps to provide shock absorption at the foot.
Overpronation is where the arch of the foot flattens excessively during gait which transfers this shock to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints of the foot, ankle and knee.
There are a number of painful conditions related to overpronation.
Supination and Underpronation
Supination and Underpronation are the same thing, where the foot has a tendency to roll out during gait. We only describe them separately because people tend to search on either one or the other.
The aim here is to support the lateral (outer) aspect of the foot and improve ankle stability, whilst at the same time avoiding causing overpronation.
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What does “evidence-based” mean?
The geometry of the Salford Insole was proven during two years of patient trials.
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Salford Insole v Custom Insoles (£30 v £300)
The Salford Insole was made from a cast of a foot and gave positive and lasting outcomes when trialled with patients during a two year structured study program. It contains no foam, so won’t compress and will work consistently and indefinitely. We’ve been supplying these for fifteen years and know who is still wearing one of the first pairs issued!
Custom insoles are significantly more expensive, will give differing results as they wear and will always need replacing.
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Allergies
The blue, orange and green insoles are all thermoplastic and represent no allergy risk.
They do not contain latex.
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How long has the Salford Insole been around?
We’ve been supplying the NHS and the professional podiatry profession for over fifteen years. Since the first lockdown associated with COVID, we’ve made this device available directly to the public. You will be investing in a tried and tested intervention that will last indefinitely.
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Insoles by Condition