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Tips to Choose the Right Insoles for Your Soccer Cleats

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Playing soccer involves a lot of complex foot and leg movements. With the right support, it’s easier to play to your full potential, though. One way to correct any issues involving your feet is by using insoles.

Tips to Choose the Right Insoles for Your Soccer Cleats

The right insoles will help you avoid injuries and have enough support without any discomfort. Wearing specialized insoles can also correct an existing foot problem at its early stage. This article will show you how to find the right insoles for your soccer shoes.

Consider Your Foot Structure

The first step to finding a good pair of soccer cleats insoles is to consider your unique foot structure and identify any issues with your feet. 

 

First, identify your gait type and arch type and make them your first considerations when choosing your insoles. They are the most important factors because insoles with appropriate support provide these benefits:

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  • relieves discomfort
  • improves balance
  • corrects foot disorder
  • avoids injuries

 

Determining Gait Type

The manner that you supinate or pronate when you walk or run is your gait type. Excessive supination and under-pronation are considered foot disorders that could affect your game when ignored.

 

Over-pronation and under-pronation causes problems with your body alignment. In return, you may experience painful feet, legs, hips, and even back. This can take a toll on your game. 

Supination and Over-pronation

These are two opposite conditions involving the movement of your feet while walking or running. The normal stride should allow the ball of your foot to carry the weight until the big toe pushes forward. 

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Sometimes though, the weight is distributed outward which is called supination. On the other hand, when the weight is distributed inside of the foot it is called over-pronation. 

 

Aside from orthotics and physical therapy, wearing appropriate insoles can help alleviate the symptoms and help slowly improve the foot disorder. You restore proper balance and be able to perform intricate movements with speed.

How to Identify Gait Type with Well-Worn Shoes

Remember your gait type and this will be your first consideration when looking for athletic insoles. An easy way to tell your gait type is by examining an old pair of well-worn shoes.

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Look out for the most worn-out section in the sole of your shoes. If what’s most worn-out is the inside of the shoe, then it’s over-pronation. Otherwise, the gait type is under-pronation.

Arch Type

The height of your arch determines your arch type. The arches of the feet help level the weight of the body and naturally rolls when you walk or run. If you are not a neutral or normal arch type, then your balance and foot movement are affected. In return, this can also cause pain and even injuries.

 

Fallen Arches

Flat foot or fallen arches are the most common foot arch disorder. This type of foot problem develops from stress or injury in the main arch tendon. This is often the result of supination. After changes in the shape of the foot, other symptoms of fallen arches may begin to appear such as arthritis.

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If you are not sure if you have a normal arch type, then you can try the water test below.

 

How to Identify Arch Type with Water Test

The simplest way to know your arch type is by performing the water test. Knowing your arch type will make it easier to find or custom-made the right insoles for you. Here are the steps to know your arch type using the water test:

 

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  1. Use water to wet both feet.
  2. Lay both feet on dry, white paper for a few seconds to allow absorption.
  3. Compare to a visual interpretation to know if your arch type is normal, high, or flat.

Choose Your Insole Type

Just because you already know your gait and arch type does not mean you can just go with any insoles. There are other things to consider after that.

Insole, Inserts, or Orthotics

While these three terms are often used interchangeably, you have to know that they are actually different from one another. 

 

  • Inserts: Inserts are used to target only a specific area of the foot such as heel lifts and metatarsal pads. You can simply go for inserts if you have minor concerns with comfort, fit, or support on a specific area of the foot.
  • Insoles: Insoles cover the entire length of the foot. It provides better cushioning depending on the material as well as other necessary forms of corrective features. If you do not have a normal gait type or arch type, full-length insoles are more ideal to use for immediate relief and improved balance.
  • Orthotics: Both insoles and inserts are available over-the-counter. On the other hand, orthotics are prescribed by doctors and are tailor-made based on one’s specific needs. You can also order customized knee high socks.

 

Understand that disorders of the foot arch and gait cannot be simply improved overnight, not even a week. Serious cases take longer to correct. Orthotics are more distinct with the corrective features as they are custom made to one’s unique foot structure.

 

If you experience severe symptoms or have been injured due to a foot disorder, then orthotics might be the best option for you.

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Determine the Amount of Cushioning You Need

This is the amount of cushioning there is in the insole. Rigid, semi-rigid and soft footbeds are the types to choose from. Rigid insoles can correct foot problems best because they keep the feet in place with sufficient support. However, they do not provide as much shock absorption as soft footbeds do.

 

Alternatively, you can go for athletic insoles. These are specialized designs that fit a specific purpose. For cyclists, for example, stiff insoles help them survive even the rough trails along the California Coast. On the other hand, soccer athletes will benefit from compact insoles in terms of support, balance, and comfort.

Get the Right Material

There are many kinds of materials used for insoles. Each of these materials has its own positive and negative points. For example, leather offers good support and is even comfortable to wear, but it does not wick moisture as efficiently as wool.

 

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The material is a matter of personal preference. However, remember that it would determine the amount of comfort, support, and insulation you will get.

 

Conclusion

The key to finding the right insoles for soccer cleats is knowing your specific foot structure. From there, it would be easier to work on other aspects like support and comfort. However, for long-term relief and serious foot structure problems, it is still best to consult a doctor for proper analysis and treatment.

 

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OldSwat features Unsigned and Talented artist; Quame Rhymz on “Obrefour”

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Obrefour

Ghana-born Belgian music producer known as OldSwat has started an initiative to give unheard, talented and unsigned artists the platform to share their stories with the world. “Obrefour” featuring Quame Rhymz is the first single off this project. The 14-track project titled “The Discovery” album features 14 talented up-and-coming artists from Ghana. (more…)

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Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD Leads GHS 600 million Note Programme Listing for Kasapreko Co. PLC on Ghana Fixed Income Market

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Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) in a strategic partnership as a joint lead arranger has lauded Kasapreko Co. Plc, an indigenous beverage manufacturer, for its ambitious growth plans following the official listing of the Series 1 GHS 600 million Note Programme on the Ghana Fixed Income Market (GFIM).

The funds raised will bolster Kasapreko Co. Plc’s working capital, financing capital expenditures such as operational expansion, and refinancing short-term debts.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in Accra, the Managing Director of CBG, Mr. Daniel Wilson Addo, emphasized the significance of the transaction, indicating that this is the first time an indigenous Ghanaian Bank has worked with an indigenous manufacturing company to raise funding from local pension funds in the public market. This signifies fostering strong partnerships among indigenous companies to overcome financing challenges innovatively. 

He added that the funding which is at a cost significantly lower than the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) for borrowing will cushion Kasapreko Co. Plc’s operations significantly.

He underlined the importance of addressing risks associated with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) while encouraging financial institutions and industries to develop financial structures that meet the evolving risks effectively.

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Mr. Addo stated, “This transaction is a testament to our overriding ambition to make an impact in the communities in which we operate. We stand with you in good times or in bad times”.

According to Mr. Addo, the support for Kasapreko Co. Plc highlights the economic impact of CBG’s lending philosophy.

The Managing Director of Kasapreko Co. Plc, Mr. Richard Adjei, welcomed the innovative financing source, describing it as a relatively cheaper capital and sustainable solution for business growth.

Mr. Adjei expressed his gratitude towards CBG for enabling them to explore alternatives beyond traditional Banks. With the infusion, Kasapreko Co. Plc aims to expand production capacity and enhance its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), having already exported products to Kenya and South Africa.

In attendance were Management members of the Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) including the Deputy Managing Director of Operations and Technology, Mr. Thairu Ndungu; Deputy Managing Director of Corporate Resources, Madam Nana Ama Poku and Director of Finance and Strategy, Mr. Charles Appiah and other senior executives of the Bank.

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Mr. Gregg Pitt, Deputy Managing Director; Mr. Humphrey Hessel-Appiah, Finance Director; Mr. Gerald Bonsu, Commercial Director; and Mr. Isaac Adjei, a Board Member, all of Kasapreko Co. Plc were also present.

Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) is wholly owned by the Government of Ghana and operates as a universal Bank with 114 branches in 13 regions of Ghana. The Bank has strong government support, a large SME client network, and a pool of diverse talent.

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Telecel Ghana Network Update

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Telecel Ghana has multiple sources of internet services through SAT3, WACS, ACE, and submarine fibre links to other international providers.

On the 12th of March 2024, Telecel Ghana lost internet capacity provided by WACS subsea cable, and immediately switched to ACE to maintain service.

On 14th March 2024, Telecel Ghana lost internet connectivity from its remaining providers SAT3 and ACE due to a cut in their undersea cables. This resulted in the disruption of data services on Mobile and Fixed networks.

Telecel Ghana has now secured new internet capacity and is progressively adding more capacities through local and international partners, including other Telecel subsidiaries. This, is in addition to local caching solutions which are enabling access to some content services such as YouTube, Facebook, Netflix etc.

Telecel Ghana sincerely appreciates the patience and understanding of its customers during this period. All customers will be refunded accordingly. 

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Please note that information circulating on social media platforms about the disconnection of Telecel Ghana due to debts owed is false and should be disregarded.

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SuperSport to air 13th African Games on DStv & GOtv from March 19

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SuperSport International have confirmed that the ongoing 13th African Games will telecast on DStv and GOtv from 19th to 23rd March 2024.

The broadcast will cover a wide range of sports disciplines. Given that this is also an Olympics year, the athletics, track, and field which began today may be the most significant sport fans across the continent would love to follow.

Currently Nigeria and South Africa, led by Egypt (first), are ranked second and third, respectively, on the medal standings.

Ahead of the live feed on your DStv and GOtv starting tomorrow 19th March 2024, SuperSport is streaming live the games on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps.  Subsequently from tomorrow the broadcast would be open on DStv 248 (Variety 4) (DStv) and GOtv channel 131 (Select 2).

The 13th African Games are already delivering unforgettable experiences, reconnect your decoder to be part of a celebration of diverse sporting talent and cultural unity live from Accra Ghana.

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Hollard Ghana Empowers Student Entrepreneurs with Second Edition of Streetwise Finance Business Challenge.

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Hollard Ghana, the country’s favourite insurer, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life, awards Jnelp Innovations, a student entrepreneur, with GHC 40,000 as funding at the just-ended Hollard Streetwise Finance Entrepreneurship Business Challenge held at the University of Cape Coast. 

In collaboration with the University of Ghana Business School and the University of Cape Coast, the grant-based program showcased ten talented student-led businesses that presented their business ideas to a distinguished panel of judges in a bid to secure funding. Zenags Organics won the second-place prize of GHC 20,000, and Career Path won the third-place award of GHC 10,000.

Speaking on the essence of the event, Alexander Osei Mensah, General Manager of Operations at Hollard Insurance, described the initiative as a testament to the insurance group’s efforts to nurture entrepreneurial spirit and innovation among the youth.

“As a company that does well by doing good, our purpose is to bridge the gap between the corporate world and academia. Being an entrepreneurially driven company, Hollard believes in enabling its community to create better futures. Since universities are essential in nation-building and the training ground for business leaders, we focus on engaging tertiary students to ensure they are enabled to succeed in the future with Hollard’s support. In doing so, we aim to inspire more students to explore opportunities that will lead to successful employment upon graduation, particularly through entrepreneurship,” Alex added.GROUP HSBC

Portia Sackey, the founder of Jnelp Innovations, expressed her satisfaction with the event’s outcome, stating, “We are thrilled to be winners of the Hollard Streetwise Finance Business Challenge.   We are grateful to Hollard Ghana for this opportunity to help small businesses thrive. With this funding, we will expand our business by investing in research and development for our skin product and purchasing a tricycle and two extra automatic filling machines to enable us to meet the demanding markets with our products”. 

The success of the second edition of the Streetwise Finance Business Challenge reinforces Hollard Ghana’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowering the next generation of business leaders. The company remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that contribute to the overall development of Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape. Student startup businesses participating in the competition include Overseas, Gamkrib, Delsoy Foods, Shuttle Track, Prifrimps Food, Geia Technology, and Firefly I.O.

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Keren Arthur, PhD, the Director of the D-Hub, urged the winners to be strategic in their decisions while remembering that entrepreneurship is an experimental process. 

“Adopt a step-by-step process for using funds and know that entrepreneurship requires a small-scale pilot before major investment. To the other businesses who competed, don’t give up. This event has added to your story, and I hope this will make you stronger and even more committed to taking the ideas forward. The doors of the D-Hub are always open to help you chart the next chapter of your story,” she added.

 

The country’s favourite insurance group is Hollard Ghana, with subsidiaries Hollard Insurance and Hollard Life Assurance. The group combines its deep local knowledge of the market, having previously operated in Ghana for 25 years as Metropolitan Insurance, with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand in 18 countries worldwide. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customised to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard offers various life and general insurance products, including funeral, personal accident, motor, business, travel, home, and more, and can be reached via 0307000599. Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can find Hollard at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops, Melcom stores and online at www.hollard.com.gh, www.melcom.com/hollard-insurance and www.jumia.com.gh for all their insurance needs.

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Team South Africa withdraws hockey from African Games due to poor pitch conditions

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sa hockey

South Africa’s hockey teams have decided to withdraw from the 2023 African Games hockey competition due to concerns regarding the poor quality of the pitch at Theodosia Okoh stadium in Accra. (more…)

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