Should You Remove Shoe Insoles Before Adding Orthotics?

If you are adding orthotic insoles to a new pair of shoes, one of the first questions is simple: should you remove the shoe’s original flat, spongy insole first?

In most shoes with a removable factory insert, the answer is yes. Full-length orthotic insoles are usually designed to replace the original shoe insole, not sit on top of it. This helps preserve shoe volume, keeps the heel seated properly, and allows the arch support to line up more naturally under your foot.

This article explains when to remove the original insole, when it may not be necessary, and how to check whether your shoes still fit correctly after adding orthotics. For a broader overview of available support options, see our orthotic insoles collection.

Quick answer: remove the original insole in most removable-insole shoes

If your shoe has a removable factory insole, take it out before placing a full-length orthotic insole inside the shoe. Most original shoe inserts are thin, flat, and cushioned, but they usually do not provide meaningful arch support. Leaving them underneath an orthotic can make the shoe too tight and may shift the orthotic out of position.

Why the original shoe insole usually needs to come out

What happens if you put orthotics on top of the original insoles?

Putting orthotics on top of existing shoe insoles may seem harmless, but it can change how the shoe fits. A shoe that felt comfortable in the store may suddenly feel cramped once you add another layer under your foot.

This is especially important if you are using orthotics to help with issues related to plantar fasciitis, flat feet or fallen arches, or overpronation. In those cases, the orthotic needs to sit in a stable position so it can support the foot more consistently.

How to tell if your shoe’s original insole is removable

Most athletic shoes, walking shoes, work shoes, and casual sneakers have removable inserts. You can usually check this by gently lifting the insole near the heel.

• If the insole lifts out easily, remove it before adding a full-length orthotic.
• If the insole is lightly glued, you may still be able to peel it out carefully.
• If the liner is firmly attached or built into the shoe, do not force it out.
• If removing it damages the shoe interior, use a slimmer orthotic style or choose a different shoe.

A good rule: if the original insert comes out cleanly, remove it. If it is permanently built into the shoe, do not tear the shoe apart just to make room.

When you may not need to remove the original insole

Not every orthotic works the same way. The right approach depends on the shoe and the insole style.

Three-quarter length orthotics

A three-quarter length orthotic may fit in some shoes without removing the entire factory liner, especially in dress shoes, loafers, moccasins, or slip-on shoes where the original lining is not removable. The key is whether the shoe still feels secure and not overcrowded.

High heels, flats, ballet flats, and very low-profile shoes

Some shoes do not have a removable insole at all. This is common in high heels, flats, ballet flats, and many dressier or very low-profile shoes. In these cases, forcing out the built-in liner can damage the shoe and still may not create enough room for a full-length orthotic.

For these shoe types, a very slim, low-profile orthotic is usually a better choice. Footminders Catwalk is designed for high heels, but it can also work well in flats, ballet flats, and other low-profile shoes where a standard full-length insole would be too bulky.

Very shallow shoes

Some shoes are simply too shallow for standard orthotics. If your foot feels squeezed, your heel slips, or the top of your foot presses against the shoe after inserting the orthotic, the shoe may not have enough depth. In that case, a slimmer orthotic style or a different shoe may be the better solution.

How to check the fit after adding orthotics

After removing the original insole and adding the orthotic, try the shoes on with the socks you normally wear. Walk indoors for a few minutes and check the fit carefully.

• Your heel should sit securely without slipping out.
• Your toes should have enough room to move slightly.
• The shoe should not feel painfully tight across the top.
• The orthotic should lie flat inside the shoe.
• The arch support should feel supportive, not sharply uncomfortable.
• Your foot should not feel pushed forward into the toe box.

If the shoe feels tight only after adding the orthotic, the issue may be shoe volume rather than the orthotic itself.

Which Footminders insole fits which shoe type?

The best insole depends on the shoe you plan to wear. A full-length orthotic is often best for shoes with removable inserts, while slimmer three-quarter length styles may work better in lower-volume shoes.

• Comfort: Best for roomy sneakers, walking shoes, work shoes, and other shoes with removable factory insoles.
• Casual: Better for loafers, moccasins, slip-ons, and dress-casual shoes with less interior space.
• Catwalk: Best for high heels, flats, ballet flats, and very low-profile shoes where the original lining is usually not removable and a standard insole may be too bulky.

What if the orthotic still feels uncomfortable?

Some adjustment is normal when you first start wearing orthotic insoles, especially if your feet are not used to structured arch support. However, the shoe should not feel painfully tight or unstable. For more information, please see our guide on how to break in new orthotics.

If discomfort seems related to pressure from the shoe, try a roomier shoe or remove the factory insert if you have not already done so. If the discomfort feels related to the arch support itself, reduce wear time at first and build up gradually.

If pain is persistent, worsening, follows an injury, or affects your ability to walk normally, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Related guides

• Shop orthotic insoles by shoe type
• Plantar fasciitis guide
• Flat feet and fallen arches
• Overpronation and foot support
• Arch pain causes and support options

FAQ

Do I remove the original insole before putting in orthotics?

In most shoes with removable factory insoles, yes. Remove the original insole before adding a full-length orthotic so the orthotic has enough room and can sit flat inside the shoe.

Can I put orthotics on top of existing insoles?

You can, but it is usually not ideal for full-length orthotics. Stacking an orthotic on top of the original insole can make the shoe too tight, raise the heel, crowd the toes, and affect how the support lines up under your foot.

What if my shoe insole is glued in?

If the insole is lightly glued and lifts out cleanly, you may be able to remove it. If it is firmly attached or built into the shoe, do not force it out. Consider a slimmer three-quarter length orthotic or a shoe with more interior depth.

Should orthotics feel tight at first?

Orthotics may feel different at first, but your shoes should not feel painfully tight. If your foot feels squeezed, your heel slips, or your toes are crowded, the shoe may not have enough room for that insole style.

Do all shoes work with orthotic insoles?

No. Orthotics usually work best in shoes with enough depth, a secure heel counter, and a removable factory insert. Very shallow shoes, narrow dress shoes, high heels, flats, and ballet flats may need a slimmer insole style.

Can Catwalk insoles be used in flats or ballet flats?

Yes. Although Catwalk insoles are designed for high heels, they can also work well in flats, ballet flats, and other very low-profile shoes where a full-length orthotic or thicker insert may not fit comfortably.

Bottom line

If your new shoes have removable flat, spongy insoles, take them out before adding full-length orthotic insoles. This gives the orthotic enough room to sit correctly and helps the shoe fit the way it should.

If your shoes are shallow, dressier, or do not have removable inserts, choose a lower-profile insole designed for that type of footwear instead of forcing a full-length orthotic into a shoe that does not have enough space.