Insoles are placed inside your shoes and cover the whole sole to provide cushioning and support. They’re usually made of foam or gel and can be bought over the counter. Some insoles are designed to fit specific types of shoes, such as high heels or work boots. Inserts are similar to insoles, but cover only a part of your shoe/foot. If you just need to get some cushioning on the heel, heel seats may be what you’re looking for. These inserts don’t replace an insole, they complement them. Orthotics are devices that you wear inside your shoes to help improve your foot function and relieve pain. They can be custom-made or over-the-counter, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Orthotics can be used to treat problems such as bunions, hammertoe, plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and Morton’s neuroma (nerve pain).