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Written by Kelvin Tay Kai Ming, Senior Group Partner & Principal Podiatrist at Physio & Sole Clinic
If you’re active and dealing with recurring foot, knee, or lower-limb pain, chances are you’ve been told by a friend, a coach, or even Google that custom insoles might help. Some people swear by them. Others feel unsure, especially after seeing the price.
As a podiatrist in Singapore, I can fully understand the apprehension regarding custom insoles.
This article is here to help you understand when custom insoles actually make sense, when they don’t, and how to decide if they’re right for you.
The Problem: Pain That Keeps Returning
Many active individuals come into my clinic saying the same thing:
- “My heel pain keeps returning.”
- “My knees ache after runs, even though I stretch.”
- “My feet feel tired no matter what shoes I wear.”
You rest. You ice. You change shoes. Sometimes it improves until training picks up again.
That’s usually the point where custom insoles enter the conversation.
Why Generic Fixes Often Don’t Last
The mistake many people make is assuming pain comes from a single cause.
In reality, most lower-limb pain is load-related:
- How your foot meets the ground
- How often that load repeats
- How well your soft tissues tolerate it
Off-the-shelf insoles can help when support needs are mild. But they’re built for averages, and not for how you move.
When the underlying loading pattern isn’t addressed, symptoms often return.
What Custom Insoles Actually Do
Custom insoles (custom foot orthotics) are medical-grade inserts designed after assessing how your feet and legs function during movement.
They are not just shaped to your foot. Their role is to:
- Redistribute load
- Reduce strain on overworked tissues
- Improve efficiency during walking or running
Importantly, they don’t “fix” your foot. They help manage load so your body can cope better with activity.
Are Custom Insoles Worth It?
This depends far more on who they’re prescribed for than on the insoles themselves.
Custom insoles are certainly worth considering when:
- Pain is recurrent and activity-related
- Symptoms return despite rest or shoe changes
- There are clear biomechanical issues
- Activity levels are moderate to high
They may not be required if:
- Pain is mainly due to acute injury
- Strength, mobility, or training errors are the main drivers
- Expectations are unrealistic (for example, expecting a “cure”)
In short, value comes from appropriate assessment and prescription, not the product alone.
How Much Do Custom Insoles Cost in Singapore?
In Singapore, custom insoles typically cost between SGD $450 and $700+.
The range depends on:
- Depth of assessment (e.g. biomechanical gait analysis)
- Materials used
- Whether follow-up reviews and adjustments are included
Be cautious of very low-cost “custom” options that skip proper assessment. Without understanding why pain developed, even a well-made insole may not help.
How Much Do Custom Insoles Cost in Singapore?
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Type | Typical Cost (SG) | Suitable For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail insoles | ~$50–$150 | Mild support needs | Not condition-specific |
| Semi-custom | ~$450-$500 | Foot shape comfort | Limited functional control |
| Custom insoles | ~$500–$700 | Recurrent or load-related pain | Requires proper assessment |
Higher costs don’t guarantee better results, but better assessment often does.
Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend?
Podiatrists don’t recommend specific insoles as much as a clinical process.
What matters is:
- Identifying where overload occurs
- Designing support to address that load
- Reviewing and adjusting as your body adapts
This is why biomechanical gait analysis is often more valuable than a static footprint. How you move tells us far more than how your foot looks when standing still.
Which Insoles Do Podiatrists Recommend?
Flat feet, high arches, and pronation are often blamed, but they’re not automatically problematic.
What matters is capacity:
- Can your tissues tolerate your activity demands?
- Does pain only appear when the load increases?
Custom insoles don’t aim to “correct” foot type. They help manage load when demands exceed current tolerance.
When Custom Insoles Help the Most
From clinical experience, custom insoles tend to benefit active adults who:
- Walk or run regularly
- Stand for long hours at work
- Experience recurring heel, forefoot, shin, or knee pain
- Have tried basic measures without lasting relief
They work best when combined with:
- Strength and conditioning
- Load management
- Physiotherapy where needed
They are rarely a standalone solution.
When to See a Podiatrist or Physio in Singapore
Consider a professional assessment if:
- Pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks
- Symptoms worsen with activity
- You’ve reduced exercise due to discomfort
- Retail insoles haven’t helped
Early assessment often saves time, money, and frustration.
The Bigger Picture
Custom insoles don’t replace:
- Strength
- Movement quality
- Sensible training progression
What they can do is:
- Reduce excessive strain
- Improve comfort during activity
- Support recovery while tissues adapt
Used appropriately, they are a supportive tool, not a shortcut.
Final Thoughts
Instead of asking, “Are custom insoles good?”
A better question is:
“Are custom insoles appropriate for my body and my activity demands?”
That answer comes from assessment, not guesswork.
Deciding What’s Right for Your Feet
If you’re unsure whether custom insoles are right for you, a proper assessment can help clarify the root cause of your pain.
Book an appointment at Physio & Sole Clinic to understand your options and find what genuinely supports your movement and recovery.
