What is a neutral orthotic insole?
A neutral orthotic provides the shape, contour and support built into the device without an additional corrective wedge or post being added to one side.
Neutral does not mean that the insole has no effect. The heel cup, arch contour, material stiffness and overall geometry can still influence comfort, support and how pressure is distributed beneath the foot.
What is a posted orthotic?
A posted orthotic includes an angled or shaped section intended to alter support or loading in a particular area of the foot.
Posting can be incorporated into the device during manufacture or added as a separate component where the orthotic system is designed to accept it.
Where can posting be placed?
Posting may be used beneath the rearfoot, beneath the forefoot or in another specifically designed part of an orthotic.
The position matters because different areas of the device interact with different parts of the foot.
What is rearfoot posting?
Rearfoot posting is an angled or shaped section beneath the heel area of an orthotic.
Its purpose is to influence how the rear of the foot is supported or positioned within the shoe. It is different from simply increasing arch height or adding general cushioning.
What do medial and lateral rearfoot posting mean?
Medial posting places additional material or angulation toward the inside of the heel area, while lateral posting places it toward the outside.
The appropriate direction depends on the intended clinical effect. Neither direction is inherently better, and it should not be selected purely from a general description of foot type.
What do 3°, 5° and other posting angles mean?
The degree describes the approximate angle incorporated into the post or wedge.
A higher number does not automatically mean a better or more supportive orthotic. It simply represents a different amount of angulation, which should match the intended prescription or assessed need.
Does more posting mean more support?
No. Posting and general support are not the same thing.
A neutral orthotic can provide substantial structural support, while an inappropriate amount or direction of posting can make a device uncomfortable or unsuitable.
Who might use a neutral orthotic?
Neutral orthotics may be appropriate where the aim is to provide general contour, cushioning or support without an additional corrective post.
They are also commonly used as a base platform where other modular components can be added when clinically required.
Who might need a posted orthotic?
A posted device may be used where assessment identifies a reason to influence rearfoot or forefoot loading, positioning or control.
The decision should relate to the person's symptoms, footwear, movement pattern and clinical findings rather than to one feature in isolation.
Can posting affect the rest of the leg?
Changing the way the foot is supported can alter how forces are transferred through the ankle and lower limb.
That is one reason larger or more specific posting changes should be introduced with an appropriate assessment rather than by trial and error.
Is rearfoot posting the same as arch support?
No. Arch contour primarily supports the midfoot area, while rearfoot posting changes the angulation beneath the heel.
An orthotic may include both features, either feature on its own, or neither depending on its design.
Can you add your own wedges or posts?
Only where the orthotic has been designed as a modular system and the correct components and instructions are available.
Do not add improvised wedges or alter a prescribed orthosis without appropriate guidance, as this can change the intended loading and fit of the device.
How should a posted orthotic feel?
A posted orthotic may initially feel different from a neutral insole, but it should not create persistent sharp pressure, numbness, marked instability or new pain.
The device should also continue to sit securely within suitable footwear.
Key point: Posting is a prescription feature, not a simple measure of how supportive an orthotic is. The location, direction and amount should match the intended clinical requirement.
When should professional advice be sought?
Professional assessment is particularly important where posting is being considered for persistent pain, significant foot or lower-limb alignment concerns, neurological or developmental conditions, or where an orthosis has already been prescribed.
Seek review if a posted orthotic causes persistent discomfort, skin pressure, instability or a noticeable worsening of symptoms.
