The result of the visit may include simple advice through off-the-shelf orthotic options or adapted devices, all the way up to custom-made functional orthoses. Warner’s advice is clear: the first thing to do if you are having severe problems – including pain in your foot, leg or back – is to visit a professional who can assess your needs. If you are experiencing symptoms, particularly if they are sudden and severe or have been long-standing or recurrent, it is advisable to seek a professional opinion.’ How do you find the right insole for your needs as a runner? ‘In some cases, it may be that all that’s necessary to overcome the problem is to advise on stretching and strengthening muscles allied to good footwear. ‘Assessing whether or not an orthotic insole would be beneficial requires undergoing a biomechanical/musculoskeletal examination carried out by a podiatrist or physiotherapist, who is able to evaluate your gait and joint functions to assess the best approach to your problem. ‘The efficacy is dependent on the underlying problem and achieving a good balance between the individual via their foot, the orthosis and the shoe,’ he says.

Warner says that orthotic insoles may be beneficial in ameliorating pain and fatigue in the feet, legs and back that’s associated with gait, whether walking or running.

We asked Stephen Warner, podiatrist and clinical educator at Market Street Clinic, why you would wear a running insole, and how to choose the best insole for you. Show more How do you know if you need an orthotic insole for running?

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