FAQ Removable insoles: Everything you need to know about replacement, comfort and orthopaedic insoles

A removable insole is an interchangeable shoe insole that is specifically designed to accommodate your own orthopaedic insoles or to adjust the comfort level to your individual needs.

Individual fits: Allows the use of your own orthopaedic insoles, specially adapted to your personal foot requirements.

Better hygiene: Footbeds can be cleaned, aired or completely replaced on a regular basis.

Increased wearing comfort: adaptation to different needs such as arch support, pressure relief and shock absorption.

Longer shoe life: replaceable footbeds protect the inner material of the shoe and extend its life.

Typical use: Removable footbeds are particularly useful for people with special orthopaedic needs, sensitive or wider feet, diabetics and users who place particular emphasis on hygiene and individual comfort. Shoes with removable footbeds are ideal for everyday wear, work and leisure.

Shoes with removable insoles are particularly suitable for people who wear orthopaedic or medical insoles, as well as for people with sensitive, wide or demanding feet.

Diabetics, people with foot deformities such as hallux valgus or flat feet, and anyone who attaches particular importance to individual comfort, optimal hygiene and flexible adjustment of their shoes also benefit.

Not in every ara shoe – but in all models with removable insoles. These are specially designed so that you can easily remove the existing insole and replace it with your own orthopaedic footbed.

To ensure that your insole fits perfectly, you should make sure that:

• the model is explicitly labelled as ‘with removable insole’,
• your insole matches the shape of your shoe in terms of length, width and thickness,
• the shoe offers sufficient volume (especially for insoles with strong correction).

Discover all shoes with removable insoles.

The frequency with which a insole should be replaced depends on usage, material and individual requirements. As a rule of thumb, a removable footbed should be replaced every 6 to 12 months – or sooner if it shows signs of wear.

Typical reasons for replacement:

• Loss of cushioning or support
• Odour formation or hygiene reasons
• Deformation or material fatigue
• Change in orthopaedic requirements

If worn daily (e.g. at work or in everyday life), it may be advisable to change them frequently. Orthopaedic insoles should also be checked regularly by a specialist and adjusted or replaced if necessary.

Tip: If the insole no longer provides noticeable support or the shoe ‘feels different’, it is usually time to replace it. Also pay attention to pressure points or unusual walking comfort – these can be early signs.

Click here to go directly to our insoles and interchangeable footbeds.

Ventilate regularly: After wearing, remove the insole from the shoe and allow it to air dry – not on the heater or in direct sunlight.

Clean gently:

• Textile or foam soles: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth and mild soapy water, then allow to dry thoroughly.
• Leather footbeds: Wipe with a damp cloth and treat occasionally with leather care products.

Do not wash in the washing machine: Most insoles are not machine washable – the materials could swell, become misshapen or lose their support.

Prevent odour formation:

• Air out footbeds and insoles regularly.
• Optionally treat with odour neutraliser or special hygiene sprays (suitable for the respective material!).

Check regularly: Check for abrasion, deformation or pressure marks. If the structure is giving way, replacement is recommended.

Conclusion: Ventilation, gentle cleaning and proper moisture management extend the life of your footbed and ensure lasting freshness and comfort.

Yes, shoes with removable insoles can be very suitable for diabetics – provided they meet certain requirements in terms of fit, padding and pressure relief.

Many diabetics suffer from sensitive or poorly circulated skin on their feet, which means that pressure points, friction or minor injuries can quickly lead to serious problems. A removable footbed allows individual insoles suitable for diabetics (e.g. with soft padding or pressure redistribution) to be inserted into the shoe.

What diabetics should look for in shoes with removable insoles:

• Seamless interior finish to prevent friction
• Good padding and softly rounded edges
• Sufficient volume for insoles and toe freedom
• Breathable materials to prevent moisture and heat build-up
• Non-slip, shock-absorbing soles