A shaped part of an insole or footbed that supports the arch of the foot.
The foot has more than one arch, and a shaped footbed can support each. Birkenstock describes three supports in its footbed: one for the inner arch, which helps keep it from collapsing, one for the outer arch, from heel to midfoot, and one across the midfoot that guides the metatarsal bones into position. They are shaped into a cork and latex core held between layers of jute.
A welted dress shoe takes another approach. Carmina fills the space between the insole and the outsole with a cork paste that molds to the wearer’s step within a couple of days of wear, then inserts a metal shank in the heel area to reinforce the structure and steady the step. Insoles that support the feet are also a medical matter: the NHS lists them among the treatments for flat feet that cause problems, alongside referral to a podiatrist.
In job listings
Arch support is not named in current listings on Cerulean. The nearest roles are in footwear product development. See current footwear development roles.
