If you’ve ever walked into a specialty shoe store looking for the “perfect” pair, you probably had an idea of what you wanted—maybe a specific brand, a cool color, or something your friend swears by. But from my own experience, I can tell you that what you think you need and what actually works for your feet are often two very different things.
I spent five years working in a specialty shoe store, and every day was spent basically educating customers on feet, footwear, and the connection between the two. Sure, I loved trying out all the cool new shoes, but the real takeaway was understanding just how vital proper footwear is—not just for comfort, but for your overall health. Here are some key lessons I learned:
Foot Health is Full-Body Health
A lot of customers came in complaining about heel pain, bunions, knee issues, even back pain. Almost every time, their feet were at the root of the problem.
Here’s why: when your feet aren’t properly supported, the rest of your body has to work overtime to compensate. Your ankles, knees, and hips start moving in ways they’re not supposed to, which can lead to more pain and even long-term damage.
The fix? Start by making sure your shoes actually fit—not just in size, but in support. There are times that the right size still feels a bit loose and if you need extra help, an insole can bridge the gap between your foot and the shoe, giving you the alignment and comfort you need.
Read more: Why You Should Measure Your Feet When Buying New Shoes
Buying Shoes Based on Looks = Big Mistake
Shoes purchases are largely decided by design or brand preference. So when it comes to shoe shopping this is one of the biggest mistakes I saw: Choosing shoes based on color, brand, or whatever your friend is wearing. Sure, style matters, but if your feet aren’t happy, you won’t be either.
What really matters:
✅ Fit – Your heel should feel snug, but your toes need room to move.
✅ Function – A running shoe isn’t built for hiking. Make sure the shoe fits your activity.
✅ Support – Some people need more arch support or a deep heel cup for stability.
At the end of the day, comfort beats coolness. If your shoes don’t feel right when you try them on, they won’t magically get better later.
Speaking of the right footwear for the right activity, we recently launched the Orange Sport Insole: Specifically designed for athletes!
Foot Pain? It’s Not Just About New Shoes
Every shift, I had customers walk in, desperate for relief.
“My heel hurts! Somewhere in the middle of my soles, it keeps aching!”
“I get sharp pains at the ball of my foot whenever I run—it's killing me!”
“Why do my knees ache so badly after walking just a mile or two?”
A lot of them thought the answer was just buying new shoes but that’s only part of the solution. They assume that their shoes are causing them pain (and sometimes this is true especially where size is the issue), but as I talked to them more, we uncovered several other factors that needed to be addressed.
Here’s what else helps relieve foot pain:
✔️ The Right Insoles – Shoes come with factory insoles that don’t always provide much support. A good insole can make a world of difference.
✔️ Better Socks – Yep, socks matter. Good moisture-wicking socks can prevent blisters and discomfort.
✔️ Recovery Tools – Things like foam rolling, heat & ice, and massage guns can speed up recovery and keep your feet happy.
✔️ Rest! – Sometimes, your feet just need a break. It’s not uncommon to have people actually forget to rest in between intense activities.
Trial & Error is Part of the Process
Even with expert guidance, finding the right shoe or insole takes some trial and error. Your feet change over time, so what worked last year might not be the best fit today.
That’s why I always tell people:
➡ Test different options. Walk, run, move around in the store before deciding.
➡ Be open-minded. The best shoe for you might not be the one you expected.
➡ Give it time. Adjusting to new support takes a little patience, but it’s worth it.
The Right Insoles Can Change Everything
One of the biggest takeaways from my time in the shoe store? How much of a difference the right insole can make.
I saw customers walk in with pain and walk out relieved just by adding an insole to their shoes. I saw people come back weeks later just to buy “another pair of the orange ones” because they made work, running, or everyday movement so much easier.
That’s why I do what I do now at Orange Insoles—to help people find that same relief. Our Original Full Length insole provides deep heel support, and our Orange Sport insole uses high-rebound foam for extra comfort and durability. It’s amazing to see how it significantly helps people with their daily lives. We can’t stress enough how many people might be missing out on the preventive and supportive measures that insoles provide.
Take Care of Your Feet, and They’ll Take Care of You
You’ve seen our blogs and our podcasts where we talk about all these health tips but if I could give just one piece of advice, it’d be this: Don’t ignore your feet. They support you every single day, and small changes—like wearing the right shoes, adding insoles, and stretching—can make a huge difference in how you feel.
Taking a preventive approach, where you’re addressing all the important stuff for your feet early on, is the better mindset. Don’t wait for pain to be the call to action on investing in your feet. Take action today by heading to your local running specialty or “comfort footwear” shop so your future self will thank you tomorrow.
Got questions about foot health or insoles? Reach out—I’m happy to help!
-Owen Keenoy
