It can be great excitement for a skateboarder to ace a new trick, but unfortunately, skateboarding can also be physically demanding and cause serious foot and ankle injuries. These injuries range from minor cuts and bruises to open wounds and more serious foot and ankle sprains and fractures, which may require surgical repair. Insoles can't repair an injury that may need surgery, but they can give your foot the strategic support it may need to assist in a proper landing or to avoid misstepping and unnecessary twisting.
Arch
The strain of repetitive motion can also cause painful foot and heel conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bone spurs and tendinitis. Skateboarders must use caution and wear protective gear, including properly supportive shoes and insoles to maintain a healthy arch of the foot. A misconception about foot and ankle fractures is that if you can walk on the foot there isn't a fracture, but that's not always the case. Only a doctor or skilled health professional can make a proper diagnosis, usually with the help of an X-ray or CT scan.
Comfort
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society says footwear should feel comfortable when you first try it on; you should not need a break-in period. Many skateboarders purchase padded insoles to cushion and maintain the contour of the foot structure. Shock-absorbent, removable insoles provide support and can be removed for cleaning or replacement as needed.
Moisture
The skateboarder's insole should be made of an absorbent material. As your foot sweats, the moisture trapped inside your shoe should be wicked away by the material of your sock as well as that of your insole. Blisters, corns and open wounds can develop and interrupt your training with pain or infection if you do not keep your feet clean and dry. Buy sneakers with leather uppers and a moisture-wick lining to help keep your feet protected.
Prescriptions
Consult a doctor for a prescription insert if you feel you need one. Sports physicians, physical therapists, orthopedic physicians and podiatrists are among the many qualified health care professionals who can assess the proper fit of an insole. You should also be sure your insoles are made reliably by a trusted source for all your safe skateboarding activities.
