Polypropylene, Graphite, or EVA — Which Orthotic Insole is Right for You?
We offer three insole materials, each suited to different clinical needs. Lucy will advise which is most appropriate following your biomechanical assessment:
Polypropylene
Our most commonly prescribed material. Polypropylene offers excellent durability and clinical versatility across a wide range of presentations — from flat feet and plantar fasciitis to knee and lower back pain. It is robust, long-lasting, and suitable for most footwear.
Graphite
Thinner and lighter than polypropylene, graphite is particularly well-suited to patients who need a slimmer profile for tighter or more fitted footwear — such as dress shoes or sports footwear. It also provides a higher degree of rigidity, making it the preferred choice for more demanding biomechanical correction.
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) — Total Contact Insoles
EVA is a soft, shock-absorbing foam material used to make total contact insoles — devices that conform closely to the entire surface of the foot, distributing pressure evenly across all areas rather than concentrating it on vulnerable points.
They are particularly important for patients whose feet are at risk of skin breakdown or ulceration — most notably people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, where reduced sensation means that pressure damage can occur without the patient being aware of it. EVA total contact insoles are also beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disease, or any condition where the skin and soft tissues of the foot require careful protection.
As with all insoles at Hampshire Orthotics, EVA total contact insoles are individually assessed and prescribed. The density and construction of the EVA can be varied to meet specific clinical needs, and they are made to fit your foot precisely.
