How to Build Shoe Insoles

Co-authored by Victor Adrian

Last Updated: March 21, 2023 References Approved

Building your own shoe insoles can save money and help recycle items you no longer need, such as cardboard or an old exercise mat. As an added bonus, if you want to vary the insole size to accommodate your own footwear needs, making your own enables you to do so. Also, swapping insoles at regular intervals may result in less moisture trapped in the shoes, possibly extending the shoes' lifespan! This article provides several ways to make shoe insoles, letting you choose the one that suits your needs best.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Cardboard insoles

1
Remove the old insole from your shoe. Shake off any dirt or surface grime.
2
Place the old insole over cardboard. The cardboard needs to be thick and preferably have a "cushioned" feel to it - old cartons are good.

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3
Trace the insole shape with a pencil. Once you have the shape right, you can go over the outline with a marker to make it easier to see.
4
Cut out the insole design. Use scissors that are sharp enough to cut cardboard easily.^{[1]
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5
Repeat. Make two insoles for each shoe. This will allow you to air one insole and insert the other, extending the life of both insoles.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Yoga mat insoles

1
Trace a flip flop or shoe that is your size onto the smooth side of a yoga or exercise mat. Use a mat that you no longer want; if you can't find one, look in a charity store for throwaway mats. Keep the rest of the mat in your craft cupboard for other uses.
2
Cut out the design that you have traced.^{[2]
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3
Flip over the cut insole. Trace it again on the smooth side to create the insole for the opposite foot. Cut out this insole. Now you have both a right and a left foot insole.
4
Trace and cut out four more for both the right and left. This means that you'll have a total of five cut-outs for each foot.
5
Stack the cut-outs for each foot. Place the textured side up.
6
Glue four of the layers together, using a hot glue gun. Glue a little, then press. Then glue a little more, and press. If you try to glue the whole layer at once, it'll start to dry before you push the layers together.^{[3]
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7
Leave to dry completely.^{[4]
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Research source} Once dry, you have new insoles!

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Self adhesive cork insoles

1
Purchase a roll of self-adhesive cork.
2
Roll out a piece of the self-adhesive cork to the length of the shoe. Trace around the shoe shape onto the cork (drawing on the paper on the back is likely to be easier).^{[5]
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- Do this for both the right and left foot.^{[6]
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3
Cut out the drawn shape.^{[7]
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Research source} If you want a thicker insert, cut out two to three layers for each shoe.
4
If you have cut out layers, press these together with care.
5
Line the shoe. Peel off the backing and carefully slip the insole inside the shoe. Press down to adhere.
- A little Zippo lighter fuel will make the gluey side slicker for easy insertion, and it dries quickly.

Community Q&A

Question

I didn't know that cardboard could be used as insoles, that's great to know. How long does it last when it is used in flat sandals or in any type of shoe at all?

Community Answer

It would depend on the weather -- for instance, if it's raining all the time, cardboard sandals/flip flops wouldn't last too long. Also, the type of terrain you are walking on will have impact, and if you're a hiker, you'd probably chew through a cardboard insole very quickly. That said, durable cardboard would last longer than a weaker or flimsier type, so if you need the insole to last longer, choose good quality cardboard.
Question

How can I make non-foam based, but effective, insoles with a warm top for foam/cold-sensitive feet?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Fabric (anti-pill fleece/denim, your choice), a thin fusible (Heat & Bond) or spray adhesive, and metallized fabric (tissue lame or a metallic knit) needs to be layered and treated to get the base material for your insole. The key factor is the metallic layer. Its surface will reflect heat back to the foot and into the fabric layer above, creating a cushion of warmth. Even foil under an insole can prevent feet from getting chilled. Use double-sided tape or adhesive to stop the insole from sliding in the shoe.

Warnings

Never wash your shoe insoles in a washing machine because the material can get damaged.

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Things You'll Need

Method 1:

Cardboard from a carton or similar heavyweight, durable cardboard with some give
Pencil
Marker
Scissors, sharp, or craft knife
Cutting surface, such as a cutting mat

Method 2:

Old yoga or exercise mat
Marker
Scissors, sharp
Hot glue gun

Method 3:

1 roll self-adhesive cork (if necessary, buy one self-adhesive roll and one roll without - use the latter for the underside)
Pen, pencil or marker
Scissors
Zippo lighter fuel (optional)