How to Trim your Orthotics

Learn How to Trim Your Insoles Shoe sizes are not a precise science – everyone's been in that situation where a certain size in one shoe fits like a glove whereas the same size in another pair is far too tight. In the same way, an insole in size 9 from one brand might not be the same as a size 9 from another. The answer is you can trim your insole or orthotics. How Do I Trim My Insoles? Trimming your insoles is a simple process and anybody should be able to do it from the comfort of his or her own home. Check out this video for trimming your insoles to find the perfect custom fit! The first step in the trimming process is to select the pair of shoes that you want to use insoles with. For example, if you are buying a pair of insoles to reduce discomfort while you are running, you should choose your running shoes. Once you have selected the right pair of shoes, you must remove the manufacturer's insole that was originally supplied with the shoe. In most cases, this can be removed from the shoes without having to use force or in any way alter your shoes. Please Note: Some shoes may feature insoles that are unsuitable for removal, being attached to the sole of the shoe. In these cases we would recommend not removing the insole as this has the potential to damage your shoes. Once you have removed the original insole, you need to align it to the new insole that you wish to use. You should always align insoles from the heel – i.e. line the heels up. Many insoles feature either extra cushioning or an anatomical design to provide as the heel often needs a greater amount of support than other areas of the foot. Trimming this part of the insole can have negative effects on its efficacy. Once your insoles are aligned, use a pen to trace around the original insole at any points where your new insole overlaps. Please note that while we have only altered the length of the insole in the interactive guide above, it is also possible to trim the sides of insoles to improve their fit. Now that you are sure that your guideline is correct, you can start to trim your insole. To do this, we would recommend using a sharp pair of kitchen scissors, as insoles are often made of hardwearing material that can be tough. Using sharp scissors also helps to ensure that you are getting a clean cut – better for precision and accuracy. Your insole should now be a similar size to the one originally supplied in your shoe. Don't worry if it does not match the silhouette of the original insole exactly – it still may be suitable for your shoes. Now that your insole is the correct shape, it can now be fitted into your shoes.