Insoles — Something about the Running inserts

Insoles are very important,  but you who love running have always ignored its role!

As the standard equipment of running shoes, the insole is neither plugged in like a charger of a digital product, nor will it be visible and touchable every day like a computer mouse, so it is basically ignored by everyone.

But as a foot that accompanies you throughout your life, the importance of insoles is a real existence, and it greatly affects the feeling of your feet when you run. Most of the insoles we usually see are only suitable for walking but not for running.

There are two reasons: the first is that it does not fit the foot shape and only fits the size, and the second is that it does not match the shoe shape. If you wear an insole like this for running, the insole may squirm out of the shoe.

Features of running insoles:

1) The size is appropriate. Buy it back and modify it yourself, and the size needs to be modified to some extent, it can be considered that there is no specificity.

2) Fit the foot type. There are different designs for different positions of the feet.

3) Good air permeability. Walking on the water is uncomfortable, let alone running.

4) There is a certain amount of friction. Avoid slipping your feet in your shoes to reduce the possibility of sports injuries.

5) There is a certain degree of cushioning. Although the insole is very thin, it can still play a certain role in cushioning, and it also improves the feeling of the foot. This is related to the density and thickness of the insole material.

How to choose running insoles?

Classification from the source of the insole:

1) Original insoles: The original insoles are not necessarily the best, but they are definitely the best fit for that pair of shoes, and you are the one who bought the shoes that you like the feel of the shoes the most, so the original insoles are your first choice.

2) Running shoe insoles of other brands: Since different manufacturers have different understandings of their running shoes, the manufacturing processes and materials are different.

3) Third-party general insoles: Many sports brands have independently designed running insoles, and their design capabilities should not be underestimated.


According to the material, there are three common ones:

A. Silicone material:

The insole of this material looks a bit like the gel of running shoes. The first feeling is soft and good cushioning. However, after wearing it for a long time, you will find that this cushion lacks a solid feeling. The most important thing is that this insole has almost no air permeability. , It is not suitable for running.

B.Ortholite material:

Most of the running insoles searched on Taobao will be marked as this material. The encyclopedia explanation of Ortholite is: “It has the characteristics of breathability, sweat absorption, deodorization, mildew resistance, antibacterial, and good cushioning. Compared with environmentally friendly high polymer cotton, it has more breathability. Good, lighter, washable, and more wear-resistant.”

Netizens commented: It seems to be very high-tech, but it is not so magical, but its characteristic is that it is easy to use and cheap.

C. Multi-material splicing:

There is also a running insole that emphasizes functionality. The main feature is the use of multi-material splicing. For example, the arch of the foot has plastic reinforced support, and the heel or forefoot has embedded cushioning materials. The manufacturing process of this type of insole is relatively complicated. The weight will be larger and the price will be much higher.

The following are smart running recommendations and the most cost-effective functional insoles:

Functional insole

Ideastep GRF basketball insole – a unique cushioning system that absorbs the vibrations that are particularly generated during basketball sports. With cushioned arch support, suitable for all arch types.


Motion control design concept and function:

1. By fitting the transverse arch and protecting the inner and outer sides of the foot, the excessive pronation and supination of the foot in basketball are controlled to provide support and stability; to enhance the ability of vertical jumping, reduce foot pain, and reduce ankle sprains Risks and effective prevention of common injuries such as plantar fasciitis

2. Forefoot MET PAD reduces the pressure on the forefoot and helps relieve the pain of the forefoot.

3. The forefoot and/or heel bumper provides additional cushioning under the soles of the feet and increases energy return to enhance the adaptability of the feet in basketball.

4. It can also improve the stride length and the efficiency of forwarding pushing. Increase shock absorption.

Ground reaction force (GRF) is a biomechanical term that refers to the force exerted by the ground on the soles of the feet during weight-bearing activities. Ideastep GRF basketball insole is based on cushioning support and shock absorption design, designed to adjust the size and direction of the GRF to improve the efficiency of vertical jumping and reduce the risk of an ankle sprain.

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