3D printed insoles - there is such a thing

Many of us discover during life that we need insoles. The reasons for this can be many and varied. These can be people who deal with back and knee pain, patients with diabetes and joint diseases, athletes who perform strenuous physical activity and also those whose foot structure creates deformations and causes them to maintain a long and stable relationship with the insoles. A correct and informed choice of quality insoles will provide support for the position of the foot and help maintain the health of the legs, knees and back. They have the ability to dampen shocks and wear of the cartilages and reduce back, knee and leg pain.

The use of insoles became popular already in the 80s of the last century, but they have been around for over 500 years. Orthopedists, orthotists (foot specialist) and many institutes began to offer a variety of insoles. In practice, there are two main types. One: The built-in insoles that are intended for people with minor problems. The second: Customized insoles designed to provide a solution to complex problems that you will find in orthopedic centers and various institutes.

Quality insoles will be the ones that affect walking, posture, knees and back. AA Orthopedia, the largest chain in Israel for orthopedic insoles and aids, presents the thinnest and most advanced insoles in the world, custom made. The insoles were designed in collaboration with doctors and foot experts from Israel and the world, and are FDA approved. The insole is custom designed in three stages: A professional diagnosis of the foot by a qualified orthotist on behalf of the Ministry of Health and scanning of the foot with innovative 3D technology that accurately copies the structure of the foot. The final stage in the production of the insoles is done using special industrial 3D printers that print them using medical materials and CNC machining.

I arrived for a diagnosis during which the orthotist was careful to obtain essential information that would help with a perfect fit of the insoles. After the diagnosis, we moved to the second and short stage - scanning the foot using a computer with innovative 3D technology that accurately copies the structure of the foot. I admit that this stage was so short and was done during a conversation in which the foot specialist finds out more details about the lifestyle and the feet. The data was collected and the specifications were sent to the company's factories in Israel.

The production is done using industrial 3D printers that print the insoles layer by layer using medical materials and a sophisticated CNC machine that is able to make biomechanical thin cuts, posture devices, with an exclusive finish and high durability. 

The insoles were ready in two weeks and I arrived with the walking shoes to measure them. The orthotist explained that we must have a non-suffocating relationship with them, in the framework of which every day we will gradually increase the number of hours we use the insoles. I admit that I am not disciplined and already on the second day I walked long distances with them. Happily, the insoles were indeed light and provided great stability, were comfortable and "grabbed" the foot already in the first phase of the walking days. The thinness made them imperceptible - which helped to adapt quickly. 

After about two weeks I came to the inspection as required. A little tip - the inspection is a mandatory step in the purchase of insoles and an institute or center that does not adhere to this - is not recommended. During the inspection, the orthotist explained that minor changes should be made to the insoles. He did this using equipment that was in place and added a part that provided better support than what was already there. These are comfortable, high-quality insoles that work even when walking long distances.

Price: NIS 2,000-2,875 (depending on the HMO arrangement), available at AA Orthopedia branches nationwide, and on the website