Coming from one who has flat feet/fallen arches themselves, it’s only been recently that I’ve been able to expand my range of footwear when coming across this simple little technique. The only extra bit of equipment you need besides your sneakers, and your insoles, is a hairdryer.

The insoles inside most pairs of Converse and Vans, and other similar sneakers are secured with glue. Using the direct heat from a hairdryer, have it on the lowest heat setting, and apply the heat directly to the insole, probably giving about 10-20 seconds on each section. By now, you should be able to begin gently lifting the insoles up out of the sneakers. If they haven’t become loose enough to remove, then repeat the process.

Once the insole is removed, give the sneakers time to cool down again to room temperature, I give it overnight to make sure the glue has dried completely again, and is no longer sticky. You can now put your insoles in your new sneakers and have them the right fit for your feet. I’ve made very thin liners for the insoles out of grease-proof paper for ease of removing the insoles in and out, but this isn’t an essential thing.

Notes

• The above procedure may not be necessary, even if you do have flat feet / fallen arches, as I’ve recently noticed. Wear your new sneakers for a good while, go for a walk in them. If your feet feel fine, and the sneakers aren’t causing them discomfort, then keep them the way they are.
• I don’t recommend using this process with slip-on’s as you really need to have open access to the entire shoe, to properly remove the entire insole. I speak from experience when it comes to this. Attempt this only with lace ups.

02/01/23