
Why most insoles stop working after three weeks
Walk into any pharmacy and the insoles on the shelf are all the same thing: a slab of soft foam, cut to a shoe shape. They feel great for the first few days, because soft feels like relief.
Then bodyweight does what bodyweight does. The foam compresses. The arch flattens. And you're standing on a thin pad with nothing structural underneath — usually inside a month. Most people blame the insole for not being soft enough and buy a softer one.
The problem was never softness. It's that nothing in there was ever holding the arch up.
Two layers, two jobs
ArchCore separates the two things a foot actually needs.
The base is a firm contoured shell, moulded to the shape of a supported arch, with a deep heel cup that cradles the heel pad and stops it spreading sideways on impact. It's stiff on purpose. That's the layer that stays put under your full bodyweight, hour after hour, shift after shift.
On top sits a soft EVA cushion that takes the shock of each step and stays breathable and dry.
Soft where you feel it. Firm where it counts. That's why the arch is still where it should be on day 90.
What customers say
What to expect
The support is noticeable, sometimes firm. Most people start with 3–4 hours a day while their feet get used to being held in position.
Full days feel normal. This is when most customers tell us the end-of-day ache starts easing off.
A long day on your feet stops being the thing you dread. Rotate a second pair between shoes so both keep their shape.
How it compares
| PHARMACY FOAM | BUDGET ONLINE | ARCHCORE | CUSTOM ORTHOTICS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $15–25 | $20–30 | $24.95 | $300–600 |
| Arch structure | Soft foam only | Foam + thin shell | Firm contoured shell | Rigid custom shell |
| Deep heel cup | ✕ | Shallow | ✓ | ✓ |
| Holds shape at 3 months | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wait time | — | — | Ships in 24h | 2–6 weeks + appointment |
Find Your Perfect Fit
Choose your usual shoe size and trim to fit.
✓ Easy trim-to-fit
✓ Global sizing
✓ Comfortable in any shoe
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How long before I feel a difference?
How long before I feel a difference?
Most people notice the support immediately — it feels firmer than a foam insole because it is. The change most customers write to us about, less ache at the end of a long day, tends to show up somewhere in the first two weeks.
How do I pick my size?
How do I pick my size?
Go by your normal shoe size using the chart above. If you're between two sizes, take the larger one — the toe end is trim-to-fit, so you can cut it down along the printed guide line with scissors. You can't add length back, so sizing up is the safer error.
Will they fit my shoes?
Will they fit my shoes?
They're a medium-width, 1–3cm profile, which covers most trainers, work boots, walking shoes and roomier everyday shoes. In very narrow dress shoes or slim-fit trainers you may need to remove the existing factory insole first — most shoes have one that lifts straight out.
Can I wear them for running or standing all day at work?
Can I wear them for running or standing all day at work?
Yes, both. Standing work is what most of our customers bought them for. For running, give yourself a week of normal wear first so your feet adjust before you take them into a training session.
I have flat feet — are these right for me?
I have flat feet — are these right for me?
Flat feet and overpronation are exactly what the contoured shell is shaped for. If you have very high arches, the arch height may feel too pronounced — you'd be better off with a cushioning insole than a supportive one
How long do they last?
How long do they last?
With daily wear, expect around 8–12 months before the top cushion starts to lose bounce. The shell holds its shape considerably longer. Rotating two pairs between shoes stretches that out on both
What if they don't work for me?
What if they don't work for me?
Email us within 90 days and we'll refund you in full. You don't need to explain yourself and you don't need to ship them back at your own cost