Skip to content
foot wisdom
  • Home
  • Insoles
  • Sandals
  • Blog
foot wisdom
Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles

Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles?

Paula Mareen, September 20, 2023September 20, 2023

Wearing shoes with insoles helps you with better alignment of the ankles and prevents sores on feet. But it is not necessary that when you wear insoles your feet will be in perfect shape.

You can also put on shoes without inner soles and still walk with ease. Some people say that it is ok to wear shoes without insoles while other think of getting problems like plantar fasciitis.

In this guide, we will give a brief answer of can you wear shoes without insoles in a way that you will be able to understand in a better way.

Can You Wear Shoes without Insoles?

In a way, you can wear shoes without insoles. However, it is not recommended to do so as it may cause problems like plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is an injury that is common among runners and can be very painful. It occurs when the tissue along the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed.

If you do not have plantar fasciitis, wearing shoes without insoles should not cause you any problems.

Just be aware that you may not have the same level of support and comfort if you do not wear insoles.

Why Do People Wear Shoes without Insoles?

Why Do People Wear Shoes without Insoles? Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles?

There are many reasons that people wear shoes without insoles. One reason is that sometimes, people find that they can get away with not wearing insoles in their shoes because the shoes already provide good support and comfort. Shoes like this include athletic sneakers, casual shoes (like loafers), boots, etc.

Another reason is that some people do not have plantar fasciitis and do not experience any problems by not wearing insoles.

For lighter walk

If you are going for a light walk and do not plan on doing a lot of walking or running, you may be able to get away with not wearing insoles in your shoes.

If you have a good pair of shoes that fit well and offer good support, you may be able to walk without any problems.

Just be sure to check your shoes daily and make sure that they feel good on your feet. If you start to have a problem, stop walking in those shoes immediately. You can also switch back to insoles or wear slippers for a while.

To prevent smell

Some people find that not wearing insoles reduces the amount of sweat in their shoes.

Additionally, if you are someone who doesn’t like to wear socks with their shoes (sandals, flip-flops, etc), you may want to consider wearing shoes without inner soles so that your feet don’t get too sweaty inside the shoe.

Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles
Image credit: istockphoto.com

Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles? Benefits of wearing shoes without insoles

There are a lot of benefits to wearing shoes without insoles that are listed below:

No smell

Usually, the shoe is made out of leather which is a material that can absorb sweat and bacteria. If you wear them with no insoles, your feet will be able to dry much more quickly and they won’t come into contact with any of the bacteria absorbed by the shoes and they also won’t absorb your feet’s sweat.

No sweat

Another advantage of wearing shoes without insoles is that they will not absorb the sweat coming out from your feet.

Your foot’s perspiration has a bad smell as it contains bacteria that can be absorbed by the shoe sole and this means that you won’t have to worry about the foot odor with those lovely shoes.

Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles? How to Remove Insoles from Shoes?

Removing insoles from shoes is a pretty straightforward task. All you need to do is:

  1. Open the shoe and check whether there are more than one insoles (some shoes have two or three insoles) – If your shoes have more than one, remove all of them.
  2. Lift up the insole near the heel – This can be tricky as the insole is usually glued to the shoe. Try to use a knife or another sharp object to get underneath the insole and then pry it off.
  3. If there is any adhesive left on the shoe, you can clean it off with some alcohol or a solvent.
  4. Put the new insole in the shoe and press it down so that it sticks to the bottom.

Problems of Wearing Shoes without Insoles. Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles?

There are many problems that may occur when you do not wear insoles. Some of the most common problems are:

Flat feet or fallen arches

As we walk or run, our body weight is transferred to our feet and comes down through the bones in the bottom of our feet (like metatarsals).

But if you do not wear shoes with insoles, the weight is not distributed evenly on your feet that may lead to fallen arches or flat feet. This can cause discomfort and pain in your feet.

Foot problems

The relief of extra pressure provided by insoles helps you prevent corns, calluses, blisters, ingrown toenails, bunions etc. It also reduces stress on your muscles and tendons.

Back problems

The extra cushioning provided by insoles may help you reduce the amount of stress on your heel bone or back. It can be helpful for people suffering from minor backache due to standing or sitting for a long time. Some problems are seen with steel toe insoles.

Heel pain

This is one of the most common problems that people experience when they do not wear insoles. When you walk without insoles, your heel strikes the ground first, and this can cause a lot of pain over time. Most of the restaurant worker insoles cause pain.

Shin splints

Shin splints are another common problem that can occur when you do not wear insoles. Shin splints occur when the muscle along the front of your shinbone becomes irritated and inflamed.

This can be caused by excess activity (such as running), but it can also be triggered if you do not wear insoles or proper shoes.

Ankle or foot pain

If you walk around all day with shoes that do not have proper arch support, you may experience pain in your ankles or feet. This is because you are not getting the same level of support that you would if you were wearing shoes with insoles.

Blisters

Another common problem that can occur when you do not wear insoles is blisters. Blisters can form on your feet if they are not properly cushioned and supported.

Is it uncomfortable to wear shoes without insoles?

Some people may find that it is uncomfortable to wear shoes without insoles, especially if they are not used to it. However, others may find that it is more comfortable to walk barefoot or in shoes without insoles. It really depends on the person.

Is it bad to take the insoles out of your shoes?

You should not remove the insoles of your shoes without consulting a doctor. Taking out the insoles can throw off your posture and alignment of joints. It may also cause problems with the way you walk, which increases your risk for injury.

FAQs: Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles?

  1. What is the problem with wearing shoes without insoles?

Generally, there is no problem in wearing shoes without insoles if you have healthy feet and do not have a high risk of getting foot problems or injuries. You should maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting extra pressure on your feet when your body weight goes up and down while walking.

  1. Is it ok to wear shoes without insoles?

You should always wear insoles for your own comfort and safety. If you do not want to use insole then you can buy a minimal or barefoot type of shoe that is flat. This may be helpful in reducing the pressure on your feet when you stand or walk for a long period.

  1. How do I know if it is bad for me to not wear insoles?

You should always consult your doctor before making any changes to your regular routine, especially if you are experiencing pain in your feet or ankles. Removing the insoles from your shoes may cause discomfort and increase your risk for injury.

  1. What is the difference between good shoes and bad shoes?

There is no such thing as a “good” shoe or a “bad” shoe. Comfort is subjective, and people have different preferences when it comes to what they like in their shoes. It does not matter if you wear insoles or if your footwear is expensive – ultimately, it is important to find shoes that fit well and are comfortable for you.

  1. Why do I need insoles in my shoes?

Insoles offer extra support and cushioning for your feet, which can help reduce the risk of developing foot problems or injuries. They also help to properly align your ankles and distribute pressure evenly across your feet.

Conclusion: Can You Wear Shoes Without Insoles?

We hope that this article has helped answer some of your questions about wearing shoes without insoles.

Shoes with insoles offer extra support and cushioning for your feet, which can Insoles help to properly align your ankles and distribute pressure evenly across your feet.

They also offer extra support and cushioning for your feet, which can help reduce the risk of developing foot problems or injuries.

If you do not want to use insoles, you can buy a minimal or barefoot type of shoe that is flat. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your regular routine.

Author

  • Paula Mareen, Author
    Paula Mareen

    Paula Maureen has collaborated with famous shoe brands and designed popular women’s sandals. As a proofreader, she contributes to foot wisdom.

    View all posts
Paula Mareen
Paula Mareen

Paula Maureen has collaborated with famous shoe brands and designed popular women’s sandals. As a proofreader, she contributes to foot wisdom.

Insoles

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Related Posts

Insoles

How Long Do Insoles Last?

June 7, 2024September 9, 2024

How Long Do Insoles Last? Insole life span varies depending on the brand and style you buy as well as how often you use them. It depends on a variety of factors, including the type of arch, the level of pronation, and whether you have flat feet. In general, most…

Read More
Insoles Best Insoles for Overweight

The 5 Best Insoles for Overweight in 2025

May 6, 2024January 17, 2025

Overweight people also tend to pronate their feet more than what is healthy. This can cause a lot of problems such as inflammation in the arch, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and even calcaneal spurs (heel bone). The best solution for these issues is insoles that will stabilize your arches and…

Read More
Insoles Best Insoles for Steel Toe Boots

The 5 Best Insoles for Steel Toe Boots 2025

September 14, 2023May 22, 2025

Best Insoles for Steel Toe Boots… Steel toe boots are a necessary piece of safety gear for many professions, but they can also be extremely uncomfortable. Many people find that their feet get sweaty and hot in the boots, and the steel toes can be quite stiff and pinch your…

Read More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Best Shoes

Best Sandals Under 50$
Best Shoes for Cuboid Syndrome
Best Slide Sandals for Flat Feet
Best Shoes for Charcot Foot
Best Shoes for Gout
Best Running Shoes for Morton’s Neuroma
Best EMS Boots
Best Birkenstocks for Plantar Fasciitis
Best Sandals for Neuropathy

Best Insoles

Best Memory Foam Insoles
Best Insoles for Football Boots
Best Insoles for Fat Pad Atrophy
Best Insoles for Overpronation
Best Hoka Replacement Insoles
Best Insoles for Chuck Taylors
Best Sheepskin Insoles
Best Insoles for Overweight
Best Insoles for Metatarsalgia

Health Guides

Calluses Care
Guide to Foot Anatomy
Should You Get a Foot Massage
Can Foot Pain Cause Knee Pain
How to Fix Gap Between Toes
Get Insurance Coverage for Orthotics
Compression Socks with Shin Splints
Insoles for Knee Pain

Cleaning Guides

How to Prevent Shoes Creases
How to Clean Birkenstocks
How to clean non-removable insoles
Can You Wash Shoe Insoles
How to Wash Allbirds Insoles
How to Clean Hey Dude Insoles

Disclosure

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated websites.

Read full disclaimer.

Useful links

About
Contact
Privacy Policy
Affiliate Disclaimer

©2025 | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes