AU2012261588A1 - Insole - Google Patents

Abstract

- 21 Abstract An insole, the insole defining a forward region, a rearward region, and a mid region, the mid region further including a lateral region including an outer edge and a low arch region including an outer edge, the insole comprising: 5 (i) a first part including an upper surface for contacting the sole of a foot, when in use, and a lower surface including a recessed portion; and (ii) a second part, adapted to be received in the recessed portion, for reinforcing or stabilising the forefoot and midfoot region of the foot. r-i) (NJi

Description

- 1 Insole The present invention relates to an insole for footwear. Background to the Invention Insoles are often used as orthotic devices to support, align, prevent, or correct 5 deformities or to improve the function of the foot, lower limb, pelvis and spine. During gait, the foot moves through a range of motions including pronation and supination whilst passing the foot's neutral position. The majority of orthotic devices for feet currently on the market have in-built control to reduce the pronatory movement of the foot. This is because the belief 10 is majority of the population are pronated (i.e. rolling in or "flat footed"). However, a large amount of presenting cases having a "neutral" or "supinated" foot type. Thus all the medial/arch-controlling or "anti-pronatory" devices are rendered useless and even dangerous for these patients. In many cases, the use of "anti pronatory" or "medial/arch-control" devices in patients that have a "supinated" or is "neutral" foot-type, may cause injury, increase the severity of their presenting/initial symptoms or develop new complaints. The present invention seeks to address or at least partially alleviate problems with prior art orthotic devices. Summary of the Invention 20 According to the present invention, there is provided an insole, the insole defining a forward region, a rearward region, and a mid region, the mid region further including a lateral region including an outer edge and a low arch region including an outer edge, the insole comprising: (i) a first part including an upper surface for contacting the sole of a foot, 25 when in use, and a lower surface including a recessed portion; and -2 (ii) a second part, adapted to be received in the recessed portion, for reinforcing or stabilising the forefoot and midfoot region of the foot. For the purposes of the present invention the term "insole" includes a member built into or forming an integral member of footwear such as an insole board, or 5 as a separate element, including, e.g. a liner or removable insole. "Insole" also includes after-market insole devices and custom or prefabricated foot orthotics, which may be inserted into a footwear product post-manufacture. "Insole" also includes blanks that can be customized to suit individual requirements. Insoles of the present invention may also be cut into or formed in the foot supporting 10 surface of a shoe. For the purposes of the present invention the term "low arch region" refers to a region that defines a neutral arch height that can be used to treat both supinated and pronated foot types. Preferably, the low arch region is adapted to provide relatively low levels of arch control. Preferably, the low arch region has a 15 maximum height or thickness of 15-30mm, more preferably, 15-25mm or 15 20mm such as 19mm. The provision of a low arch region of the present invention conforms with the natural biomechanics of the foot to assist in the increased comfort and wearability of the device and also has a number of advantages including one or more of: 20 e it can reduce the bulk of the insole; . it can have less impact on the natural biomechanics of the foot; providing a natural base for the practitioner to apply corrective control. . it can result in less wear and distortion of the lateral aspect of the insole and the footwear in which it is used. 25 Preferably, the insole is neutral in that it is adapted to be customized to suit the needs of a particular user. In this regard, the present invention has the advantage that it provides a basis for the practitioner to apply the required control, specific to the patients needs. This enables the practitioner to customise a prefabricated supportive insole immediately in the practice, therefore, allowing -3 for effective and immediate treatment. The insole of the present invention may also be adapted to enable practitioners to be able to cut to fit a patient's shoes and be able to provide the required degree of control to treat their condition(s). Preferably, the insole of the present 5 invention is adapted to allow its length, width and shape to be adjusted using scissors. This allows a practitioner to cut the insole specifically to fit the patient's shoes during the consult, allowing for customisation and increasing compliance in the patient wearing the device. This also allows for 3 main lengths and types of devices (i.e. %, sulcus and full lengths), allowing the patient to be able to fit the 10 orthotic device in a variety of different shoes. The insole of the present invention is particularly suitable for use with slimmer and shallow footwear on the market such as women's fashion shoes including high heeled shoes, men's dress shoes and narrow-fitting sports boots and casual shoes. 15 The first part may be made of a first material and the second part may be made of a second material. In this regard, the second part can ensure the insole provides reinforcement and support but at the same time allowing for a reduced bulk of the insole, compared to a one part insole, thus allowing it to be slimmer and yet extremely functional. 20 Preferably, the first and second materials are different materials. When the first and second parts are made of different materials it is preferred for the second part to be made of harder material than the first part. Preferably, the first material has a hardness of 20A-95A, 40A-90A, 50A-95A, 50A-90A, 60A-90A or 70A-80A (where "A" refers to the Shore-A Scale). 25 Preferably, the first material is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene).

-4 Preferably, the second material has a hardness of between 40-95A, 40A-90A, 50A-95A, 50A-90A, 60A-90A or 70A-80A (where "A" refers to the Shore-A Scale). Preferably, the second material has flexibility but no compression and very minimal deformation properties. 5 Preferably, the second part is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, TPR (thermoplastic rubber), PVC or EVA Preferably, the upper surface of the first part forms at least part of the arch region of the insole. In this regard, the upper surface of the first part may further comprise a first arch portion formed by contouring the upper surface upwards to 10 provide a curved, inclined surface to the main plane of the upper surface for engaging and supporting the foot arch of the user. The height of the first arch portion is dependent on the low arch height of the insole and cannot exceed the low arch height of the insole. Preferably, the first arch portion has a maximum height or thickness of 15-30mm, more preferably, 15 15-25mm or 15-20mm such as 19mm. Preferably, the upper surface of the first part comprises a raised portion located so that in use it is positioned to support the metatarsal portion of a user's foot. Preferably the upper surface of the first part also includes a contoured perimeter edge formed by contouring the upper surface upwards towards its perimeter 20 edge to provide a curved, inclined surface to the main plane of the upper surface at the edge. The contoured perimeter edge may extend around one or more parts of the perimeter. Preferably the height of the contoured perimeter edge is higher at the part of the first part that is positioned in the rearward region of the insole that receives the heel of the user's foot, relative to the part of the first part 25 that is positioned in the forward region of the insole. The first part may further comprise at least one region delineated thereon for receiving an additional bolster member for raising the insole at a predetermined -5 location. These regions are intended to assist with the placement of the bolster member(s) during the process of customizing the insole to suit a particular user. Preferably, the region delineated on the first part is on its lower surface. The first part may further comprise at least one marking delineated thereon 5 identifying where the part may be altered, such as by cutting, to alter its length, width and/or shape. These changes allow a practitioner to cut the insole specifically to fit the patient's shoes, allowing for customisation and increasing compliance in the patient wearing the device. Preferably, the at least one marking includes a mark indicating one or more lengths such as %, sulcus and 10 full length Preferably, the at least one marking delineated on the first part is on its lower surface. The shape and location of the recessed portion of the lower part may be varied provided it is adapted to receive the second part that is discussed hereunder. In this regard, because the first and second parts are designed to fit together, the is shape and location of the recessed portion will depend on the shape and location of the second part that is described hereunder. Preferably, the recessed portion defines a transverse portion that extends at least partially and preferably entirely between the parts of the first part that correspond to the outer edge of the lateral region and the outer edge of the arch region. 20 Preferably, the transverse portion is elongate in shape such as a bar member or the like. The recessed portion may also define a lip portion that is positioned so as to abut the outside upper edge of the second part when it is positioned in the recessed portion. Preferably the lip portion extends around the entire perimeter of the 25 recessed portion. Alternatively, is may extend only around the perimeter of the recessed portion corresponding to the rearward, lateral and arch regions. Preferably, the recessed portion defines a concave portion shaped and positioned to abut the second arch portion of the second part that is described -6 hereunder. Preferably, the concave portion is shaped to be compatible and receive the second arch portion in a substantially flush fit arrangement. Preferably, the recessed portion defines a raised portion shaped and positioned to be received, such as in a friction fit, in a compatible aperture in the second part 5 that is described hereunder. The shape and arrangement of the recessed portion may be varied provided it is compatible with the aperture in the second part. Preferably, the second part includes an upper surface for contacting the lower surface of the first part and a lower surface. Even more preferably the upper surface of the second part is textured to improve its bonding with the first part. In 10 this regard, a textured surface is able to form a stronger bond with the first part and hence reduce the likelihood of movement between the parts post-assembly. Preferably the second part extends from the rearward region and into the mid region of the insole. Preferably, the upper surface of the second part forms at least part of the arch 15 region of the insole. In this regard, the upper surface of the second part may further comprise a second arch portion formed by contouring the upper surface upwards to provide a curved, inclined surface to the main plane of the upper surface for supporting the foot arch of the user. The second arch portion may be shaped and positioned to fit into the concave 20 portion of the recessed portion of the first part. Preferably, the height of the second arch portion is dependent on the low arch height of the insole. Preferably, the height of the second arch portion is less than the height of the first arch portion of the first part. In this regard, the second arch portion may have a maximum height or thickness of 15-30mm, more preferably, 25 15-25mm or 15-20mm such as 19mm, noting that the height or thickness of the second arch portion will be less than the height/thickness of the insole and/or the first arch portion.

-7 Preferably, the second part includes a stabilising member located forward of the arch region and extending transversely, at least partially and preferably entirely, between the parts of the second part that correspond to the outer edge of the lateral region and the outer edge of the arch region. The stabilising member is 5 shaped and configured to fit within the transverse portion of the recessed portion of the first part crossing the metatarsals. Preferably, the stabilising member is elongate in shape such as a bar member or the like. The stabilising member assists and reinforces the support and stability of the insole in the forefoot and midfoot areas. The forefoot area of the foot encounters 10 significant increased loading during the propulsion phase of the gait cycle. The stabilising member can also assist in increasing the life and wear of the insole. Preferably, the second part includes a heel supporting member located in the rearward region. The heel supporting member may comprise a generally "U" shaped member, shaped to support the heel in a wrap around fashion, with the is upright members of the "U" extending up both sides of the rearward region and the curved part of the "U" extending around the heel in the rearward region. At least two of, and preferably all three of, the second arch portion, the stabilising member and the heel supporting member may be provided as a unitary member. When the second arch portion, the stabilising member and the heel supporting 20 member are provided as a unitary member, the unitary member may comprise a "U" shaped member including the second arch portion and the heel supporting member and the U shape being closed by a cross member extending between the upright members of the "U", the cross member being the stabilising member. Preferably, the lower surface of the second part includes an aperture shaped and 25 configured to fit, preferably a friction fit, with the raised portion of the first part.

-8 General Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. The invention includes all such variation and modifications. The 5 invention also includes all of the steps and features referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations or any two or more of the steps or features. Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it 10 should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness. None of the cited material or the information contained in that material should, however be understood to be common general knowledge. 15 The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein. The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (e.g. 20 size etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range. Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word 25 "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

-9 Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description of the invention and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. 5 The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the Drawings, in which certain preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any of the embodiments set forth herein; rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and 10 complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Brief Description of Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are perspective views of an insole according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an underside view of the insole of Figures 1 to 5; Figure 7 is a plan view of the first part of the insole of Figures 1 to 5; Figure 8 is a rear view of the insole of Figures 1 to 5 in the direction of A in Figure 20 6; Figure 9 is a front view of the first part of the insole of Figures 1 to 5 in the direction of B in Figure 7; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the first part of the insole of Figures 1 to 5; Figures 11A and 11B are perspective views of the second part of the insole of 25 Figures 1 to 5; - 10 Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line D-D' of Figure 9; Figure 13 is a side view of the insole of Figures 1 to 5 in the direction of C in Figure 7; Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the insole of Figure 13; 5 Figures 15 to 17 are views of a pair of insoles according to the embodiment of the invention depicted in Figures 1-5; Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the underside of the insole of Figures 1 to 5 showing the locations of the positional guides and other markings for customizing the insole to suit particular users; and 10 Figure 19 is a simplified schematic representation of an insole showing the various regions referred to herein. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention Figure 19 depicts a simplified schematic of an insole showing various regions discussed herein with reference to the present invention. The simplified insole is generally indicated by the numeral 100 includes a forward region (in use, located under the forefoot) 102, a mid region (in use, located under the midfoot) 104 and a rearward region (in use, located under the rearfoot) 106. The mid region 104 includes an arch region 108 and a lateral region (in use, located under the medial region) 110. The above regions, when an insole is in use, have the following 20 general purposes/functions. The rearward region 106, underlies the wearer's heel, the arch region 108 underlies the wearers foot arch towards the instep, the lateral region 110 underlies the outside of the wearers foot adjacent the wearers foot arch and the forward region 102 underlies the ball and toes of the wearers foot. 25 The insole 1 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention is shaped to be inserted into, and to fit within, a shoe or other suitable footwear and - 11 defines a forward region, a mid region (including an arch and a lateral region) and a rearward region. The insole 1 has an upper surface 4, defined by the upper surface of the first part 2, upon which the sole of a foot will rest, covering all the regions in Figure 19 and a lower surface 11, defined by the lower surfaces 5 of the first and second parts 2, 3. The upper surface 4 of the insole 1 also includes a heel cup 5, located in the rearward region, an elevated portion 6, located in the mid region, for supporting the metatarsal portion of a patient's foot, and a forward region 7 for supporting the ball and toes of a patient's foot. The insole 1 includes a low arch support 8, in the arch region, which is formed by 10 contouring and shaping of the first part 2 and second part 3. An insole 1 according to one embodiment of the invention is a composite two-part insole which comprises a first part 2 and a second part 3 which are fitted together and cooperate. The insole 1 is shaped to be inserted into, and to fit within, a shoe or other 15 suitable footwear and defines a forward region, a mid region (including an arch region and a lateral region) and a rearward region (see Figure 19). The insole 1 has an upper surface 4, defined by the upper surface of the first part 2, upon which the sole of a foot will rest, covering all the regions in Figure 19 and a lower surface 11, defined by the lower surfaces of the first and second parts 2, 3. The 20 upper surface 4 of the insole 1 also includes a heel cup 5, located in the rearward region and having a height of 9mm to 15mm but preferably 11mm, an elevated portion 6, located in the mid region, for supporting the metatarsal portion of a patient's foot, and a forward region 7 for supporting the ball and toes of a wearer's foot. The insole 1 includes a low arch support 8, in the arch region, 25 which is formed by contouring and shaping of the first part 2 and second part 3. The low arch support 8, at its highest point is 19mm. The first part 2 comprises the major part of the insole 1, while the second part 3 is arranged to be received into a recessed portion 10 of the lower surface of the first part 2 as will be described in further detail below.

- 12 The upper surface 4 of the first part 2 is contoured to engage/contact the plantar surface of the foot of the user. The upper surface 4 includes a contoured perimeter edge in the form of raised edge 9 that runs around the sides and heel portion 5 of the first part 1 to assist in retaining the wearer's foot in place. 5 The first part 2 is further contoured to form the heel cup 5, which is also defined by the raised edge 9 at the rear of the insole 1. The heel cup 5 has a low heel cup height/depth of 9mm to 15mm but preferably 11mm. The first part 2 is also contoured to form an elevated portion 6, located in the mid region and extending towards the forward region, to support the metatarsal and 10 the forefoot. An arch support portion 8' of the first part 2 forms part of the arch support 8 and is formed as part of the raised edge 9. It is located in the arch region of the mid region along a portion of one side 12 of the first part 2 to underlie a patient's foot arch. The arch support portion 8' is formed by curving the upper surface 4 15 upwards to provide a curved, inclined surface 13 to the main plane of the upper surface 4: it being contoured to engage and support the foot arch of the user. The arch support 8 is of a relatively low height of approximately 19mm. The lower surface 14 and the outside of the raised edge 9 of the first part 2 has a recess or cut away region 10 at the mid and rearward regions, and which is 20 shaped and dimensioned to receive the second part 3, so that, when the second part 3 is received therein, the first and second parts 2, 3 form the composite insole 1. The lower surface 14 has a number of regions delineated thereon for receiving an additional bolster member in the form of positional guides 200, 202, 204 25 imprinted thereon to assist practitioners in the application of control required for the patient. The positional guides delineate areas where the practitioner places additional elements to customise the orthotic insole 1 to suit the wearer. These elements are often cut/prepared to suit each patient. These additional elements - 13 alter the profile of the insole 1 so it ensures the orthotic corrects the patient's foot posture as required. The guides also assist the practitioner in being consistent in placing the prescription in the correct positions. This is illustrated in Figure 18. 5 Specifically, the following positional guides are imprinted: * Lateral Forefoot Reinforcement (200) - Positional guiding imprints to apply prescription forefoot control (by the practitioner) to elevate the 2nd-5th metatarso-phalangeal joints to offload or apply a pronatory force. * Medial Forefoot Reinforcement (204) - Positional guiding imprints to apply 10 prescription forefoot control (by the practitioner) to elevate the 1st metatarso-phalangeal joint to offload or apply a supinatory force. * Positional guiding imprints 202 to apply prescription forefoot control (by the practitioner) to elevate the metatarsals to decrease pressure, in particular elevating the 2 nd to 4 th metatarsal shafts. 15 The lower surface 14 further comprises at least one marking delineated thereon identifying where the part may be altered in the form of: * "Cut to Sulci" feature 206 that allows first part 2 (and therefore the insole 1) to be trimmed down from full length * "Slim cut" feature 207 that allows first part 2 (and therefore the insole 1) to 20 be trimmed from full length to % * "Cut to Size" feature 208 that allows customising of the fit of the insole 1 to different shoes The first part 2 is made from any suitable material such as dense ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with a hardness of 40 to 80, preferably 60 to 70. 25 The second part 3 comprises a second arch portion in the form of contoured portion 17, a stabilising member in the form of a bar member 18 and a heel supporting member in the form of U shaped portion 15. The contoured portion 17 - 14 being located adjacent one upright of the U shaped portion 15. The bar member 18 extends between the ends of the U-shaped portion 15 such that the bar member 17, the U-shaped portion 15 and the contoured portion 17 form a unitary member. The connecting bar 18 is a support and stabilization means to provide 5 forefoot and midfoot stability and increased support and control. The second part 3 also defines a void or cut out portion 19 that is formed to receive a correspondingly shaped projection 21 in the first part 2 to provide the flat, continuous underside surface 11 and assist with the joining of the first 2 and second parts 3. 10 The U-shaped portion 15 includes an angled outer side wall 16 which is dimensioned to fit against and to reinforce the raised edge 9 and the arch support portion 8' of the first part 2. When the second part 3 is received in the recess 10 of the first part 2, the bar member 18 runs under the wearer's foot at a position located just proximal to the 15 metatarsal phalangeal joints. The bar extends from the lateral to the medial aspect of the forefoot supporting the five metatarsals. The second part is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) of a hardness of 70 to 95, preferably 80 to 90 or any other suitable material. It provides stability, it is semi-flexible, reduces bulk of the insole 1 with no compression and minimal 20 deformation properties. The first and second parts can be joined by a variety of means apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, they may be fixed together in a molding process or joined by an adhesive The insole 1 can be provided with an anti-slip and antimicrobial covering of any 25 suitable material. A number of durable and controlling adhesive additions can be used specifically -15 for this device. These include the following: 1. EVA (hardness 70 to 95, preferably 80) heel raise in 4mm and 6mm thicknesses. One sided adhesive. 2. EVA (hardness 70 to 95, preferably 80) sheeting, sized at A4 sheets, in 5 3mm and 5mm thicknesses. One sided adhesive. 3. EVA (hardness 70 to 95, preferably 80) wedging, in 1metre lengths, in 3mm and 5mm thicknesses. One sided adhesive. These are to be used by the practitioner to apply to insole at the positional guides discussed above. The practitioner can also apply these prescriptive additions to 10 the rearfoot and midfoot regions of the insole to apply control as per the patient's requirements. Modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (36)

1. An insole, the insole defining a forward region, a rearward region, and a mid region, the mid region further including a lateral region including an outer edge and a low arch region including an outer edge, the insole comprising: 5 (i) a first part including an upper surface for contacting the sole of a foot, when in use, and a lower surface including a recessed portion; and (ii) a second part, adapted to be received in the recessed portion, for reinforcing or stabilising the forefoot and midfoot region of the foot.

2. An insole according to claim 1 wherein, the insole is adapted to be 10 customized to suit the needs of a particular user.

3. An insole according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first part is made of a first material and the second part is made of a second material, different to the first material.

4. An insole according to claim 3 wherein the second material is harder than the 15 first material.

5. An insole according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the first material has a hardness of 20A-95A.

6. An insole according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the first material is ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or 20 polyethylene.

7. An insole according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the second material has a hardness of 40A-95A.

8. An insole according to any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the second material is a thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, poly vinyl chloride or 25 ethylene vinyl acetate. - 17

9. An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper surface of the first part forms at least part of the arch region of the insole.

10.An insole according to claim 9 wherein the upper surface of the first part further comprises a first arch portion formed by contouring the upper surface 5 upwards to provide a curved, inclined surface to the main plane of the upper surface for engaging and supporting the foot arch of the user.

11.An insole according to claim 10 wherein the height of the first arch portion does not exceed 30mm

12.An insole according to claim 10 wherein the height of the first arch portion 10 does not exceed 19mm.

13.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper surface of the first part comprises a raised portion located so that in use it is positioned to support the metatarsal portion of a user's foot.

14.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper 15 surface of the first part also includes a contoured perimeter edge formed by contouring the upper surface upwards towards its perimeter edge to provide a curved, inclined surface to the main plane of the upper surface at the edge.

15.An insole according to claim 14 wherein the height of the contoured perimeter edge is higher at the part of the first part that is positioned in the rearward 20 region of the insole that receives the heel of the user's foot, relative to the part of the first part that is positioned in the forward region of the insole.

16.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part further comprises at least one region delineated thereon for receiving an additional bolster member for raising the insole at a predetermined location. 25

17.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first part further comprises at least one marking delineated thereon identifying where -18 the part may be altered, such as by cutting, to alter its length, width and/or shape.

18.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the recessed portion of the first part defines a transverse portion that extends between the 5 parts of the first part that correspond to the outer edge of the lateral region and the outer edge of the arch region.

19.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the recessed portion defines a lip portion that is positioned so as to abut the outside upper edge of the second part when it is positioned in the recessed portion. 10

20.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the recessed portion defines a concave portion shaped and positioned to abut the second arch portion of the second part.

21.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the recessed portion defines a raised portion shaped and positioned to be received in a 15 compatible aperture in the second part.

22.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part includes an upper surface for contacting the lower surface of the first part and a lower surface.

23.An insole according to claim 22 wherein the upper surface of the second part 20 is textured to improve its bonding with the first part.

24.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part extends from the rearward region and into the mid region of the insole.

25.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper surface of the second part forms at least part of the arch region of the insole. 25

26.An insole according to claim 25 wherein the upper surface of the second part -19 further comprises a second arch portion formed by contouring the upper surface upwards to provide a curved, inclined surface to the main plane of the upper surface for supporting the foot arch of the user.

27.An insole according to claim 26 wherein the height of the second arch portion 5 is less than the height of the first arch portion of the first part.

28.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part includes a stabilising member located forward of the arch region and extending transversely between the parts of the second part that correspond to the outer edge of the lateral region and the outer edge of the arch region. 10

29.An insole according to claim 28 wherein the stabilising member is elongate in shape such as a bar member or the like.

30.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second part includes a heel supporting member located in the rearward region.

31.An insole according to claim 30 wherein the heel supporting member is a 15 generally "U" shaped member, shaped to support the heel in a wrap around fashion, with the upright members of the "U" extending up both sides of the rearward region and the curved part of the "U" extending around the heel in the rearward region.

32.An insole according to claim 30 or 31 wherein the second arch portion, the 20 stabilizing member and the heel supporting member are provided as a unitary member.

33.An insole according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second parts are frictionally engaged.

34.An insole according to claim 33 wherein the frictional engagement is improved 25 by either or both of the first and second parts including a textured surface. - 20

35.An insole substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of Figures 1-19.

36.An item of footwear comprising an insole according to any one of claims 1 to 35. 5