MortonsFoot.com offers 3.5 mm and 6.0 mm Posture Control Insoles^(TM) for men (US size 7-13, 14-16), women (US size 5-10) and youth (US size 2-6).   For women wearing extra-wide ladies size 8 or larger shoes,  we suggest purchasing men's Posture Control Insoles^(TM) and trimming them down.  Likewise for adolescent children, you may purchase women's Posture Control Insoles^(TM) and trim them to size.    

With Posture Control Insoles(TM) more isn't always better. Don't choose 6.0 mm Posture Control Insoles(TM) just because your back or your knees hurt really bad.  For some people, 3.5 mm is just right.  Some people do best starting with a pair of 3.5 mm insoles and switching to 6.0 mm after they get accustomed to them.  Here is the process that will give you the best results.

Part 1.  What do your shoes look like?

A.  If the bottom of your shoes wear like this with heavy wear underneath the first metatarsal head, choose 6.0 mm Posture Control Insoles(TM).

B.  If the bottom of your shoes wear like this with heavier wear on the outside edge of your heel, mid and forefoot, choose 3.5 mm Posture Control Insoles(TM) to start.  You may need to switch to a 6.0mm later (see part 2).




C.  A fairly even wear pattern may indicate that you have a stable foot, but since less than 20% of the population does, and assuming you are reading this because you have aches and pains, start with 3.5 mm Posture Control Insoles(TM).

Part 2.  Check your foot mechanics.

Next check if 3.5 mm is your optimal and permanent choice, or if you should start with 3.5mm and switch to 6.0 mm after about 2 weeks.  (You can also do this test to verify that choice A above is correct) 

Stand with your feet parallel.  If your knees are touching each other, take a slightly wider stance so they don't touch.  Keeping your heels on the floor, bend your knees (lower your hips) but don't squat as in leaning way forward and sticking your behind out.    Let your knees move freely and observe what they do. 

If your knees collide or press together more firmly, it indicates that you release your feet to freely hyperpronate. 
If your knees track just slightly to the inside of your feet, or over the top (center) of your feet, you may subconsciously brace your muscles to prevent hyperpronation.

Experience indicates that people who brace their muscles do better starting in a 3.5 mm pair even if their ultimate need is 6.0 mm.

Tear off two 6mm high stacks of post-it® notes, or find something similar building 6mm height to place underneath the first metatarsal head only on both feet.  Make sure it is placed underneath the full width of the first metatarsal head, but not underneath the second metatarsal.

When you have placed them both, do a knee bend again as above.
Make sure your knees are moving freely and naturally. 




This time, if your knees naturally travel close to or over the top (center) of your feet,   3.5 mm Posture Control Insoles(TM) is your best choice.

If your knees travel straighter, but still move toward the inside of your feet, choose  6.0 mm  Posture Control Insoles(TM).  (Exception:  if your shoes look like B or C, start with 3.5 mm and switch to 6.0mm after a couple weeks when you no longer notice the 3.5 mm insoles in your shoes.)