Find HS Code and trade information for gel arch support insoles

Gel Arch Support Insoles

Gel arch support insoles are cushioning inserts placed inside shoes to provide additional support to the arch of the foot, typically utilizing gel materials for shock absorption and comfort.

Material

The primary component is gel, often a silicone-based or polymer gel. This provides viscoelastic properties, conforming to the foot's shape and distributing pressure. Other materials frequently incorporated include:

• Foam: EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam layers are common for added cushioning and structure.
• Fabric Covering: A fabric layer (often polyester or a blend) encases the gel and foam, providing a breathable surface and helping to secure the insole within the shoe. Some insoles utilize moisture-wicking fabrics.
• Plastic/Rigid Shell: Some designs incorporate a rigid plastic or carbon fiber shell for additional arch support and stability, particularly in higher-end models.

Purpose & Function

The core function is to support the plantar arch, the curved band of tissue on the bottom of the foot. This provides benefits including:

• Shock Absorption: Gel effectively absorbs impact forces, reducing stress on feet, ankles, knees, and lower back.
• Pressure Distribution: Redistributes weight more evenly across the foot, alleviating pressure points.
• Arch Support: Helps to maintain the natural arch of the foot, preventing or correcting pronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling).
• Pain Relief: Can reduce pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, metatarsalgia, and heel spurs.
• Fatigue Reduction: By providing support and cushioning, they can reduce foot fatigue during prolonged standing or walking.

Usage Scenarios

Gel arch support insoles are used in a wide range of activities and situations:

• Everyday Wear: For general comfort and support in casual or work shoes.
• Athletic Activities: Running, walking, hiking, basketball, and other sports where impact forces are high.
• Occupational Use: Professions requiring prolonged standing or walking (e.g., nurses, teachers, construction workers).
• Medical Conditions: As a conservative treatment for foot pain and related conditions.
• Post-Injury Support: To aid recovery and prevent re-injury.

Common Types

• Full-Length Insoles: Provide support from heel to toe. Suitable for a wide range of shoes.
• 3/4 Length Insoles: End before the toes, offering support to the arch and heel. Often used in tighter-fitting shoes.
• Arch Supports (Heel Cups): Smaller inserts focused solely on arch support and heel cushioning.
• Custom Orthotics: Molded to the individual's foot for a precise fit and maximum support. Often prescribed by podiatrists.
• Gel vs. Foam: While both provide cushioning, gel generally offers superior shock absorption and pressure distribution. Foam insoles are often less expensive.
• High Arch, Medium Arch, Low Arch/Flat Feet: Insoles are designed with varying levels of arch support to accommodate different foot types. Choosing the correct arch height is crucial for effectiveness.

Gel arch support insoles fall under articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, or outdoor games. Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 9506696010: This HS code covers articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table-tennis) or outdoor games, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; swimming pools and wading pools; parts and accessories thereof: Balls, other than golf balls and table-tennis balls: Other: Other Polo balls. While specifically mentioning Polo balls, this code broadly includes accessories for sports, and gel insoles can be considered such an accessory. The tax rate details are: Basic tariff: 4.9%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%. Total tariff: 42.4%.
• 9506910030: This HS code covers articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics, athletics, other sports (including table-tennis) or outdoor games, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; swimming pools and wading pools; parts and accessories thereof: Other: Articles and equipment for general physical exercise, gymnastics or athletics; parts and accessories thereof Other. Gel insoles would fall under this 'other' category as parts and accessories. The tax rate details are: Basic tariff: 4.6%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30.0%. For steel or aluminum products, an additional tariff of 25% applies. Total tariff: 42.1%.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'gel arch support insoles' are limited, with only the following 2 found.

Regarding HS code 9506910030, please note that if the insoles contain steel or aluminum, an additional tariff of 25% will be applied on top of the standard rates.