Diabetic insoles are an important part of daily foot care for diabetic patients, and the material of the insoles is directly related to their effectiveness and comfort. Common diabetic insole materials on the market include memory foam, gel, silicone and polyester fiber. The following is a detailed comparison of insoles made of these materials.
1. Memory foam insole
Parameter values: thickness range 8-15mm, hardness level medium, breathability score 80/100, hygroscopicity score 85/100, antibacterial score 90/100.
Features: Memory foam insole adapts individually to the shape and pressure points of your foot, providing good support and comfort. Its resilient properties help reduce foot pressure while walking. However, memory foam’s breathability and moisture absorption are relatively average, and it needs to be replaced regularly to keep it clean.
2. Gel insoles
Parameter values: thickness range 5-10mm, hardness level soft, breathability score 75/100, hygroscopicity score 90/100, antibacterial score 85/100.
Features: Gel insoles are known for their excellent shock-absorbing properties, effectively reducing foot impact when walking and standing. At the same time, the gel material has excellent hygroscopicity and can keep feet dry. However, gel insoles are relatively thin and may not be suitable for diabetics who require a high level of support.
3. Silicone insole
Parameter values: thickness range 6-12mm, hardness level relatively hard, breathability score 90/100, hygroscopicity score 75/100, antibacterial score 95/100.
Features: Silicone insoles have high hardness and provide strong support, suitable for diabetic patients who need to correct the shape of their feet. In addition, silicone insoles are very breathable and antibacterial, helping to keep feet clean and healthy. However, silicone insoles have relatively poor hygroscopicity and need to be replaced frequently.
4. Polyester fiber insole
Parameter values: thickness range 5-10mm, hardness level medium, breathability score 95/100, hygroscopicity score 70/100, antibacterial score 80/100.
Features: Polyester fiber insoles are favored for their excellent breathability and lightweight characteristics. It can effectively wick away sweat and keep feet dry. However, polyester fiber insoles are relatively weak in support and moisture absorption and may not be suitable for diabetic patients who require a high degree of support.
Comprehensive analysis:
As can be seen from the above comparison, diabetic insoles made of different materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. Considering factors such as support, breathability, moisture absorption, and antimicrobial properties, silicone insoles seem to be the best choice. Its strong support can effectively correct the shape of the foot and improve walking stability; its excellent breathability and antibacterial properties help keep feet clean and healthy; and its moderate hygroscopicity can also meet the needs of daily use.
For diabetics, using silicone insoles has the following advantages:
Personalized support: The silicone insole has moderate hardness and can provide personalized support, reduce foot pressure and reduce the risk of ulcers and infection.
Keep your feet clean: Its high breathability and antibacterial properties effectively prevent bacterial growth and keep your feet dry and clean.
Improve comfort: The softness and shock-absorbing properties of silicone insoles help reduce foot fatigue and discomfort while walking.
To sum up, silicone diabetic insoles have the best overall performance and are an ideal foot care choice for diabetic patients.