A removable orthotic insert for improving the gait of a person suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other condition that impairs proper transfer of weight to the forefoot. There is a rigid cap member having a downwardly extending, transverse ridge located proximate the junction between the arch and forefoot portions of the insert, behind the metatarsal head area of the foot. The ridge engages the underlying insole of the shoe to form a pivot point that enables the insert to rock forwardly and rearwardly in the shoe. As the person's foot moves through the gait cycle, the transfer of weight towards the forward end of the foot causes the rigid cap member to tilt forwardly in the shoe, enhancing the angular orientation of the foot as the toe-off position is reached.
An insert for soccer shoes absorbs and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The insert may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The insert is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The insert preferably extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extends longitudinally as well from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe. The insert preferably also extends vertically.
