What Is the Insole of a Shoe? A Simple Guide to Comfort, Fit, and Care

Pull the removable layer out of a child’s shoe, and you may notice flattened cushioning, worn spots, or a shape that has clearly seen better days. That small piece can influence how the shoe feels more than many parents realize.

Once you understand its role, decisions about comfort, fit, cleaning, and replacement become easier. Today, we’ll explain what the insole does, how to use and care for one, and when replacing it may make sense.

What Is the Insole of a Shoe?

The insole of a shoe is the interior layer directly beneath your foot when you wear the shoe. In everyday footwear language, you may also hear this part called the footbed or sockliner, although those terms can mean slightly different things depending on how the shoe is constructed.

That difference can make the shoe insoles meaning seem more complicated than it needs to be. In technical shoe construction, the structural insole may sit beneath a removable sockliner, while everyday shoppers often call the removable piece itself the insole.

Here are the basic shoe parts to keep straight:

• Insole: It’s located inside the shoe beneath the foot, and it creates the immediate surface the foot rests on.

• Midsole: It’s located between the interior structure and the outsole. Andit provides much of the shoe’s cushioning and structure.

• Outsole: It’s located on the exterior bottom of the shoe, and it contacts the ground and provides traction and wear resistance.

An aftermarket insert or orthotic is different because it is added or used as a replacement for a specific purpose. You may still see search terms such as shoe insoles inserts because shoppers often group these products together.

Pro tip: For another look at footwear anatomy, you can also learn how Oxford shoes are constructed .

What Is the Insole of a Shoe Used For?

The insole of a shoe is used to create a comfortable surface beneath the foot while contributing to cushioning, support, fit, and the overall feel of the shoe.

Its exact effect depends on thickness, material, shape, shoe construction, and whether you are using the original insole or an aftermarket replacement. So, the shoe insole's purpose can vary quite a bit from one design to another.

Here are the main functions we look at:

• Cushioning: The insole can create a softer surface and absorb some of the impact from everyday steps.

• Comfort: It helps create more even contact between the foot and the inside of the shoe.

• Support and stability: Some designs include shaped heel or arch areas.

• Fit: A thicker insole can make a shoe feel more snug, while a thinner design leaves more interior space.

• Moisture and interior comfort: Certain materials can help deal with sweat and improve how the inside of the shoe feels.

This helps explain why people look for shoe insoles for comfort, especially when they spend a lot of time on their feet. In a 2025 KURU Footwear survey , 55% of respondents with foot pain said extended walking was difficult for them.

Still, an insole cannot correct a shoe that is fundamentally the wrong size or shape.

How to Put Insoles in Shoes

To put insoles in shoes correctly, make sure the replacement matches the shoe, sits flat from heel to toe, and leaves enough room for the foot.

We have seen plenty of otherwise comfortable shoes become awkward once an insole wrinkles, shifts, or takes up too much space. Even the best shoe insoles for walking all day still need to fit the shoe itself.

You should follow these steps:

1. First, check that the replacement insole matches the intended shoe size.

2. If the existing insole is removable and the new one replaces it, gently take the old one out. Leave glued or permanently attached components alone.

3. Place the replacement heel-first and smooth it forward until it lies completely flat.

4. Trim it only when the manufacturer specifically allows trimming.

5. Have the wearer walk around and check the toes, heel, sides, and instep for pressure or movement.

For children, we also recommend that you check your child’s shoe size first. An extra insole should never become a way to stretch the life of shoes that growing feet have already outgrown.

How Long Do Shoe Insoles Last?

Shoe insoles can last anywhere from several months to much longer, although there is no single replacement schedule that works for everyone. Material, daily wear, walking activity, moisture, body weight, movement patterns, and the shoe itself all affect lifespan.

Even good shoe insoles eventually show wear. We would inspect them once cushioning feels flat, the surface curls or cracks, the heel or toe develops permanent compression, or odor remains after proper cleaning. A drop in comfort can also be a clue.

With children, check shoe size at the same time because growing feet may explain the change in comfort.

How to Wash Shoe Insoles

To wash shoe insoles safely, remove them when possible and clean them gently according to their material and manufacturer care instructions.

We prefer a careful approach here because aggressive washing can distort cushioning or weaken adhesives. A simple clean is usually enough. So, you should:

1. Remove the insole if it is designed to come out.

2. Brush or wipe away loose dirt first.

3. Use mild soap with a damp cloth or soft brush when the material allows it.

4. Wipe away soap residue without soaking the insole unnecessarily.

5. Leave it to air-dry fully before placing it back inside the shoe.

Keep insoles away from dryers, radiators, and other strong heat sources. Foam, adhesives, coverings, and structured materials can all react differently.

And if odor is part of the problem, our guide can help you keep kids’ shoes fresh .

Shoe Insoles: Where to Buy Them for Your Kids?

When buying replacement or additional insoles, we recommend checking shoe size, insole thickness, cushioning, support, and available interior space first. Those details matter more than simply choosing what sounds like the best insoles for shoes.

Perroquet offers dedicated kids’ shoe insoles in compatible sizes 20-41. They are flexible inserts made with soft materials, premium cushioning, and subtle arch support. This makes them a practical shoe insole replacement option when the existing shoes still fit correctly but could use refreshed cushioning.

If you are shopping for a shoe insole online, check compatibility before ordering and think about the shoe style as well. Perroquet currently offers boys’ options such as the Oxford With Wingtip and Monk Strap Shoe AW26 . We also offer girls’ styles such as the Round Front Mary Jane AW26 and Loafer With Bow AW26 .

The Bottom Line

The right insole should sit flat, stay clean and intact, and work comfortably within the available space inside the shoe. If comfort suddenly changes, check both the insole and your child’s current shoe size.

A November 2023 survey of 1,000 Americans found that 76% valued comfort more than style when selecting footwear. We agree with that priority, especially for growing feet. So, always confirm that there is enough room inside the shoe before adding another layer.

When the shoes still fit well, and the cushioning needs attention, Perroquet’s children’s insoles offer one practical replacement option.

FAQs

What Is the Inside of the Shoe Called?

The inside layer directly beneath the foot is commonly called the insole, footbed, or sockliner. The exact term can depend on the manufacturer and the way the shoe is constructed.

Do Insoles Make Shoes Smaller?

Yes, insoles can make shoes feel smaller because they take up interior space. Thicker designs reduce shoe volume more noticeably, so an already-snug pair may feel tighter around the toes, sides, or instep.

What Is the Insole of a Shoe Made Of?

Shoe insoles can be made from foam, EVA, gel, leather, cork, fabric-covered materials, or layered combinations. Perroquet children's insoles use soft materials with premium cushioning and subtle arch support, without identifying a specific material composition.

Where to Get Shoe Insoles?

Parents can get Perroquet children's insoles directly from the brand's online Insoles product page. Compatible shoe sizes currently run from 20 through 41, so check the size before ordering.

How to Remove Shoe Insoles?

To remove a removable shoe insole, lift it gently from the heel and slowly work forward. If the insole appears glued, stitched, or permanently attached, leave it in place rather than forcing it out.

Can Shoe Insoles Be Washed?

Some removable shoe insoles can be cleaned, although the safest method depends on their material and care instructions. Check the manufacturer's guidance first because water, soap, and heat can affect different materials in different ways.

Does Taking the Insoles Out of Shoes Make Them Bigger?

Taking out a removable insole can create more interior room and make the shoe feel slightly larger. However, it also changes cushioning and underfoot feel, so we would never use this as a substitute for correct sizing.

Can You Put Two Insoles in Shoes?

You generally should avoid stacking two insoles unless the shoe and products are designed for it. Two layers can reduce interior space, raise the heel, create pressure points, and change how securely the foot sits inside the shoe.