The growing demand for orthotic insoles highlights the importance of foot health in fitness, providing trainers with a unique way to improve their clients’ performance and prevent injuries.
The foot is the foundation of the kinetic chain and is fundamental to the absorption and transfer of energy throughout the body during any movement pattern. Orthotic specialists will often ask clients about their footwear during an assessment, and healthy feet lead to healthy movement. Orthotic insoles are a great solution for many people.
According to a recent study, the global insoles market is expected to experience strong growth and is expected to increase by USD 3.22 billion from 2024 to 2028 Technavio’s reportThe market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.03% during the forecast period, driven by rising awareness about foot health and increasing popularity of physical fitness activities.
As fitness enthusiasts become more aware of the importance of proper foot support, the demand for orthotic insoles, which provide improved comfort, stability and alignment, is increasing. They are increasingly recommended by healthcare professionals to treat common foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, flat feet and over-pronation.
Continuous advancements in insole technology are further driving market growth, providing consumers with more tailored and effective solutions.
Challenges and innovations in the insole market
Despite promising growth prospects, the insole market faces challenges due to the diversity of foot conditions and individual anatomical differences. Manufacturers are tasked with developing products that meet a variety of needs, from standard support insoles to custom orthotics for more complex conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis.
To address these challenges, major market players including Aetrex Worldwide Inc. Superfeet Worldwide LLCand Bauerfeind AG are investing heavily in research and development. The companies aim to create innovative insoles that offer personalized support, make them accessible to a wider audience, and ensure that shoes fit better and are more effective for different foot shapes and conditions.
For fitness professionals, the rise of the foot insole market presents an opportunity to improve client care and performance. Proper foot support is essential to preventing injuries and optimizing movement during workouts, making orthotics a valuable addition to fitness regimens. Trainers can make recommendations for specific insoles for running, weightlifting, or general fitness activities based on the needs of individual clients.
Chuck Wolf, M.A., FAFSMany coaches don’t think they need to know how the foot functions and that many of their training routines “are built from the calf up,” said Carolyn Miller, director of Human Motion Associates in Orlando, Fla., and author of “Insights into Functional Training.”
Wolfe advocates for more attention to foot function. “With 33 joints, 24 muscles and 26 bones, the foot is the conduit to the ground and provides the platform for the body’s response,” he says.
Fitness facilities could explore partnering with insole manufacturers to offer customized services or exclusive insole products, adding a profit center to their services and potentially improving customer retention.
