Footwear for senior citizens and baby boomers should support our arches. For many of us, our feet become wider and flatter with age, making support for the arch of the foot more important.

We should realize we are candidates for corrective insoles if we wake up with pain in the arches of our feet, or in our heels. It may seem strange to have foot pain after six to eight hours of bed rest, rather than during or after activities, but this is how the prolonged effect takes place. Another symptom is if you find that your heels are rolling inward.

The specific part of the foot that is protesting is known as the plantar fascia, which in layman's terms is the padding of fibrous tissue. If we don't support our arches within our footwear, the plantar fascia becomes stretched and irritated and spurs may develop.

For just one example, the basketball star Larry Bird was forced to retire in his prime years, during the early 1990s, because he developed painful bone spurs on his feet, and Larry Bird was only in his mid 30s when he made his swan song on the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team. We are never too young to look out for our feet.

Because we ask our feet to do so much work for us, we need to make sure that as much of the foot as possible shares the brunt of the impact for each step we take. Those of us with high arches require insoles that apply pressure and support up into those arches, or otherwise we are requiring the heel and the sides of the arches to do extra work. Those of us with flat feet need insoles that create a sort of artificial arch. The arches often are supported by lifting the heels slightly higher.

Our feet won't just feel better. So will our knees and our lower back areas. Our mental outlooks also will remain strong, because we'll be able to spend more time on our feet.

SOURCES
http://www.walkfit.com/arch-pain/
http://www.doctorfoot.com/index.html
http://www.footsmart.com/healthcondition.aspx?ailmentId=64

Shoe-conscious baby boomers, and especially senior citizens, may give little thought to shoe insoles. If boomers and seniors don't follow the marketing for shoe insoles, they may wrongly perceive that the only manufacturer is Dr. Scholl's, and that the only type is that old-fashioned thin brownish foam pad with the tiny absorption holes on top.

Today we can find an array of shoe insole products to fit (literally and figuratively) our every footwear need.

Yes, we can still find foam shoe insoles, but we can also find shoe insoles made of other materials, such as rubber and gel.

Furthermore, as baby boomers and senior citizens, we are learning that shoe insoles serve purposes other than prevention of foot pain. Comfortable footwear for everyday living, walking and athletics also can make us feel better in our knee and hip areas, and can especially help to ease and prevent soreness in the back.

Shoe insoles do more than simply reduce the jarring impact of walking and running. They also can make our shoes fit better. Let's face it, aging makes us more prone to bunions and bone spurs and other doo-dads that can change the shapes of our feet. We also may discover that our feet may become wider and flatter with age. Shoe insoles are the variables that mold to each of our own unique foot shapes.

Sales personnel at shoe stores will tell us that the two prime benefits of shoe insoles are cushioning and support. This is well and good, but cushioning and support must be balanced. Too much cushioning can lead to not enough support, and vice-versa. We don't want to feel like we're walking along pathways of down pillows, but we don't like to feel like we're walking with bare feet on concrete, either. When it comes to shoe insoles, it's a question of balance between cushioning and support.

If we have low and/or flat arches, the use of insoles with arch supports can be especially important. Otherwise, we may unconsciously roll our feet, leading to other foot problems.

SOURCES

http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/the-benefits-of-wearing-insoles-648847.html

http://www.sevendeals.com/p-5683-walkfit-orthotics-insoles.aspx?OVRAW=shoe%20insoles&OVKEY=shoes%20insoles&OVMTC=standard&OVADID=1599805522&OVKWID=216563591022

http://www.ehow.com/how_4924153_build-shoe-insoles.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

The shape and design of the foot is genetic. That being said, a lot of foot pain is associated with the shape of one's foot, the arch and a variety of other attributes. Other foot pain however may be a result of lifestyle activities such as one's choice of sports. Trying to find ways to cope with conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and other issues particular to athletes is challenging. Short of going to the podiatrist and constantly performing the necessary exercises, there are other alternatives that can be added to the routine to help avoid the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Foot problems can attack a person of any age. Realizing that help is available is important. For athletes that regularly participate in high-impact sports, heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is quite common. One readily available alternative solution is the use of Superfeet Insoles.

Superfeet Insoles were originally created by the sports division of a podiatric laboratory. Today, Superfeet Premium Insoles offer a variety of insole products based on the type of feet, as well as providing the proper support for the foot, based on the specific sport and activity. Superfeet Premium Insoles are designed to provide, not only comfort and support, but also shock absorption to those who participate in high-impact activities.

Superfeet Premium Insoles are color coordinated to shoe type and the athlete's sports. Case in point: the Superfeet Premium Yellow Insoles are designed for the individual requiring a narrow heel and wide forefoot. Ideal for ice skaters, hockey players and road cyclists, Superfeet Premium Yellow Insoles offer a bacterial control system, a stabilizer system for support, and high-density foam for comfort in addition to other features.

Superfeet Premium Wintergreen Insoles are designed for the individual who is an active snowboarder, skier, or one whose activity or job requires the use of snow boots and removable insoles. These insoles are designed to prevent heel pain, align the bones of the foot and provide metatarsal support. The moderately priced Superfeet Premium Insoles, which average $45 a pair, can put one on track to foot health.