Are SuperFeet insoles worth the price?

AceyMan

Professional
longtime SF user here,

I am starting to switch to the Flex line of Superfeets for tennis.

When a shoe already has good shank rigidity the stiff molding of the regular models isn't really adding anything.

The Flex provides the same heel cupping and orthotic-type foot bed at a lighter weight and lower cost. It's my new favorite.

/Acey
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
I am 6'6" and about 230, no access to clay (there are a grand total of 4 har-tru courts available at a very pricey private club in a 60 mile radius of my location)
I am also 65 with the associated stiffness, etc. in my joints.
I am cheap.
I dorked around with several types.
I found sofsole airr max for about $25. They work betted than any others I tried and last about a year before they start breaking down.
They have an air sole in the heel and gel in the forefoot
 

cortado

Professional
My experience of Superfeet Greens is that the heel area of the insole is massive and not very flexible, so you can have a hard time fitting it in certain shoes.
 

Conan

Rookie
Superfeet has a new insole called run adapt and adapt max that’s more flexible and fits in shoes really well. I’m definitely going to give them a try. After trying them on, I like them more than the flex line and comfort run, I’m thinking I’ll like them more than green too. I’ll give them a tennis trial this weekend
 

mctennis

Legend
Superfeet has a new insole called run adapt and adapt max that’s more flexible and fits in shoes really well. I’m definitely going to give them a try. After trying them on, I like them more than the flex line and comfort run, I’m thinking I’ll like them more than green too. I’ll give them a tennis trial this weekend
Keep us updated. I will hold off buying the green ones until I hear what your opinion is of the new ones.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
I am 6'6" and about 230, no access to clay (there are a grand total of 4 har-tru courts available at a very pricey private club in a 60 mile radius of my location)
I am also 65 with the associated stiffness, etc. in my joints.
I am cheap.
I dorked around with several types.
I found sofsole airr max for about $25. They work betted than any others I tried and last about a year before they start breaking down.
They have an air sole in the heel and gel in the forefoot

Recent AMZ reviews for Solsoft are predominantly negative, talking about how Solsoft has changed the design and effectively ruined the insert.

I'll try a pair of the high arch support, but they'll come out before I'm done warming up if they don't feel right.

I'll also take my footprint to try the Tread Labs.

Have been using SF for the past several years, but over the past year got increasingly persistent pain in the bottom of the left heel - along with seeming to have strained a ligament on the interior left heel - and my foot is freaking miserable.
 

mctennis

Legend
I am 6'6" and about 230, no access to clay (there are a grand total of 4 har-tru courts available at a very pricey private club in a 60 mile radius of my location)
I am also 65 with the associated stiffness, etc. in my joints.
I am cheap.
I dorked around with several types.
I found sofsole airr max for about $25. They work betted than any others I tried and last about a year before they start breaking down.
They have an air sole in the heel and gel in the forefoot
Do you have a photo of these airr max inserts?
 

stapletonj

Hall of Fame
No, but I will try to find one and figure out how to post it. The ones I have will usually last a whole year and I bought a couple of spares last time, so I am
unaware of any major design changes.

I am getting more and more leery of even online reviews from individuals.
I get the feeling that snowflakes are taking over reviews, making up criticisms because they just want to hear/see themselves talk.
Probably just becoming an old curmudgeon........
 

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
Using this insert in an Adidas Solecourt Boost......................heavy? forgetaboutit!
cbaf92b4c49c04f4f142955d083ec85c.jpg
 

antony

Hall of Fame
Try tread labs. They’re insoles with replaceable top covers and lifetime warrantied bases. Chacos guy designed them. 90 day returns. Try SAVENOW10 for 10% off

I’ve tried Superfeet carbon, blue, green, and have orange on the way (on sale), and tried Sole and some other brands but the Tread Labs Dash has been pretty good so far
 
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rh310

Hall of Fame
Recent AMZ reviews for Solsoft are predominantly negative, talking about how Solsoft has changed the design and effectively ruined the insert.

I'll try a pair of the high arch support, but they'll come out before I'm done warming up if they don't feel right.

I'll also take my footprint to try the Tread Labs.

Have been using SF for the past several years, but over the past year got increasingly persistent pain in the bottom of the left heel - along with seeming to have strained a ligament on the interior left heel - and my foot is freaking miserable.

I tried a pair of the "high" arch Tread Labs with the regular-sized top cover. Felt good, but I think I need to switch to the "very high" arch. With the "high," the bottom of my heel isn't completely wiped out 90 mins into a 2hr drill like it has been with SL greens, but I'm noticing a "too tight" pain sensation along the little toe area after ~ 90 mins. I'm hoping for additional improvement with the "very high."
 

antony

Hall of Fame
I tried a pair of the "high" arch Tread Labs with the regular-sized top cover. Felt good, but I think I need to switch to the "very high" arch. With the "high," the bottom of my heel isn't completely wiped out 90 mins into a 2hr drill like it has been with SL greens, but I'm noticing a "too tight" pain sensation along the little toe area after ~ 90 mins. I'm hoping for additional improvement with the "very high."
Yeah. I’ve been able to play longer with the TL Dash insoles but haven’t pushed it too far again yet. I don’t think they’re the whole solution for me when I really push myself but they seem to have at least been an improvement over the Superfeet I’ve used. I want to get those Kfir insoles
 

WestboroChe

Hall of Fame
At $54 a pair...I mean, you can buy an entire pair of low-end sneakers for that money, not just the inserts. I don't doubt that they're more comfortable than the default insoles that come with shoes, but if they bottom out just as quickly as a normal sneaker, what's the point? Or do they last longer?
If you need them they are worth it. About 15 years ago I started wearing custom orthotics and it changed my life. No more foot and knee pain. Shoes fit better and all that. Even if you don’t need it many elite players use custom insoles anyway as it makes for a perfect fit and support.
My first pair of orthotics cost $200. I would have paid 10 times that given how they allowed me to play tennis and just walk around without pain.
There are now custom orthotics that cost about $100.
 

PrinceYonex

Semi-Pro
Yeah. I’ve been able to play longer with the TL Dash insoles but haven’t pushed it too far again yet. I don’t think they’re the whole solution for me when I really push myself but they seem to have at least been an improvement over the Superfeet I’ve used. I want to get those Kfir insoles
I’ve used a pair of the Tread Labs Dash a few times now. I don’t have much experience with orthotics, but the extra high arch fit me pretty well. I’ve only worn them for short practice sessions, and they feel nicely supportive. But I’ll have to use them in longer match situations before really having a sense of whether they decrease foot pain or help me play longer.
 

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
If you need them they are worth it. About 15 years ago I started wearing custom orthotics and it changed my life. No more foot and knee pain. Shoes fit better and all that. Even if you don’t need it many elite players use custom insoles anyway as it makes for a perfect fit and support.
My first pair of orthotics cost $200. I would have paid 10 times that given how they allowed me to play tennis and just walk around without pain.
There are now custom orthotics that cost about $100.
$100? Where?
 

antony

Hall of Fame
If you need them they are worth it. About 15 years ago I started wearing custom orthotics and it changed my life. No more foot and knee pain. Shoes fit better and all that. Even if you don’t need it many elite players use custom insoles anyway as it makes for a perfect fit and support.
My first pair of orthotics cost $200. I would have paid 10 times that given how they allowed me to play tennis and just walk around without pain.
There are now custom orthotics that cost about $100.
who supplies your custom orthotics now? like what is the company that makes them?
 

WestboroChe

Hall of Fame
Who does the podiatrist source them from? Have you found any difference between the doctor’s and Upstep?
Keep in mind I’ve only bought these two types. The ones I got direct from my podiatrist are better in that they are more durable and more supportive. However they are not well suited to athletic shoes. Especially tennis.
Upstep has several variation on their insole each optimized for a sport. I suspect the differences between them are minimal.
They send you a foam box to cast your feet and then the podiatrist approves the design. The lab was in Israel for what it’s worth.
Just like at the podiatrist they will adjust them which is pretty common. In fact the first few days you wear them it’s pretty uncomfortable
If you’ve never had them before go to a podiatrist and get some good ones made. Then you’ll know how it all should work.
 

antony

Hall of Fame
Keep in mind I’ve only bought these two types. The ones I got direct from my podiatrist are better in that they are more durable and more supportive. However they are not well suited to athletic shoes. Especially tennis.
Upstep has several variation on their insole each optimized for a sport. I suspect the differences between them are minimal.
They send you a foam box to cast your feet and then the podiatrist approves the design. The lab was in Israel for what it’s worth.
Just like at the podiatrist they will adjust them which is pretty common. In fact the first few days you wear them it’s pretty uncomfortable
If you’ve never had them before go to a podiatrist and get some good ones made. Then you’ll know how it all should work.
I know how it works but I was asking who the doctors used because they must go through some company too after they scan/take moulds to send to the orthotics maker
 

WestboroChe

Hall of Fame
I know how it works but I was asking who the doctors used because they must go through some company too after they scan/take moulds to send to the orthotics maker
Of course. But those labs aren’t usually well publicized. In fact I know more about the once I got from upstep than from the podiatrist. . . And with globalization there’s no reason not to use a well staffed and equipped lab if it’s in Israel.
 

antony

Hall of Fame
Of course. But those labs aren’t usually well publicized. In fact I know more about the once I got from upstep than from the podiatrist. . . And with globalization there’s no reason not to use a well staffed and equipped lab if it’s in Israel.
that's why I want those Tamir Kfir insoles
 

DAB942

Rookie
I wrote on here about a month ago but do yourselves a favor and buy the treadlabs insoles. telling you guys it worth it. 10 times better than superfeet. You can get the arch height that you want, the insole and the arch support are two pieces so if the cover wears out, you can just buy the cover without having to buy a whole other insole. Trust me I have tried all the ones in the market and these are by far the best.
Which ones do you have? Bouncing between Ramble and Pace.
 

rh310

Hall of Fame
Yeah. I’ve been able to play longer with the TL Dash insoles but haven’t pushed it too far again yet. I don’t think they’re the whole solution for me when I really push myself but they seem to have at least been an improvement over the Superfeet I’ve used. I want to get those Kfir insoles

I've tried the TL Pace "high" and "very high" and I think the "very high" are the proper fit. A definite improvement over the Superfeet orange and green.

I've ordered the TL Dash "very high" to see if there's a difference between it and the Pace. I could see the "very high" resolving my foot issues over a couple of weeks. Which would be schweet.
 

antony

Hall of Fame
I've tried the TL Pace "high" and "very high" and I think the "very high" are the proper fit. A definite improvement over the Superfeet orange and green.

I've ordered the TL Dash "very high" to see if there's a difference between it and the Pace. I could see the "very high" resolving my foot issues over a couple of weeks. Which would be schweet.
I've been thinking of trying the TL Dash in "high" myself
 

AceyMan

Professional
Superfeet green single handedly got rid of my plantar fasciitis. Insanely overpriced but worth every single damn penny.
I like most all the SF models I've tried but the Green is the one my physio swears by (funny, it's the one model I haven't tried yet).

That being said, I recently got a pair of Powerstep Pinnacle neutral arch model and like them very much, so I may be switching allegiance on new insole purchases.
 

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
I like most all the SF models I've tried but the Green is the one my physio swears by (funny, it's the one model I haven't tried yet).

That being said, I recently got a pair of Powerstep Pinnacle neutral arch model and like them very much, so I may be switching allegiance on new insole purchases.
Wore the covers off my Pinnacles BITD.
 

ewiewp

Hall of Fame
I prefer Spenco. Dark green, black bottoms. My podiatrist gave me a pair when I had PF some years ago. They’re just as good as my custom inserts.

superfeet did nothing for me.

I also think Speco Orthotic arch support is the best retail orthotic insert, overall.
But it sometimes makes my footwork somewhat clumsy in tennis.

Superfeet are thinner and I run a bit better with it.
In my case, choosing the right one was a key, depending on you arch height mainly.
I have flat feet and use Carbone but add a bit of tapes underneath.
 

antony

Hall of Fame
I also think Speco Orthotic arch support is the best retail orthotic insert, overall.
But it sometimes makes my footwork somewhat clumsy in tennis.

Superfeet are thinner and I run a bit better with it.
In my case, choosing the right one was a key, depending on you arch height mainly.
I have flat feet and use Carbone but add a bit of tapes underneath.
But have you tried Tread Labs Dash? Lifetime warranty. I’ve tried Spenco and Superfeet. TL Dash are better :)
 

antony

Hall of Fame
I now think I can try to rebuild my spenco using simple insert. :-D
Might also try tl dash.
Basically a 90 day free trial. I was sold. Went from having a lot of leg pain after playing a few hours in stock inserts (Gel Resolution 8) to being able to play longer with appreciably reduced pain with Superfeet carbon and blue to having plain stamina exhaustion as my playing bottleneck now with the TL Dash. @kingnike12 was raving about the TL Dash (and also Pace) so I thought to give them a shot because I still had shin splints with the Superfeet.

Now i have like 3 pairs of TL Dash. Also have a pair of their Pace firm plastic inserts and their wool shearling top covers that I put into these $10 slippers that made them actually nice to walk in. Once you buy a pair and then review them on their website, you get a discount code for additional purchases. I think I combined that with a Black Friday discount they had in 2021 to buy all of them but the first one, which I used a standard discount code on. Googling "treadlabs.com discount code" yields some 10% off codes.

 

g4driver

Legend
I have Superfeet Green and Blue, Cadence (bulky and too much padding for me) Spenco Total Support (they break down after about 18 months) and Spenco Max (bulkier than their sibling). Wish I had found Sole before Superfeet. I've used Superfeet Blue in work shoes for years and tried Superfeet Green on tennis courts, but much prefer Sole Active Medium inserts on a tennis court. They last for years just like Superfeet. EVA, Met Pad, and Zero Drop.


 

Sardines

Hall of Fame
I like the carbons from Superfeet. They are thin enough to fit in my shoes like the Stycon, whereas my customs are a little too thick and can sometimes cause fit issues. They are also stiff enough to control a softer shoe like the LCS T01, which I occasionally use.
I like the SOLE Performance insole for my hiking shoes but not for tennis. Their thin has no cushion, and the cork twists a lot more than the carbon plates from Superfeet. So users will have to choose whether they want ultimate comfort or a stable plate.
 

!<-_->!

Hall of Fame
Just got some Powerstep Pinnacles. Will see how those are. Have Superfeet Orange in my tennis shoes and Powerstep Protech in my daily sheos.
 

ewiewp

Hall of Fame
Basically a 90 day free trial. I was sold. Went from having a lot of leg pain after playing a few hours in stock inserts (Gel Resolution 8) to being able to play longer with appreciably reduced pain with Superfeet carbon and blue to having plain stamina exhaustion as my playing bottleneck now with the TL Dash. @kingnike12 was raving about the TL Dash (and also Pace) so I thought to give them a shot because I still had shin splints with the Superfeet.

Now i have like 3 pairs of TL Dash. Also have a pair of their Pace firm plastic inserts and their wool shearling top covers that I put into these $10 slippers that made them actually nice to walk in. Once you buy a pair and then review them on their website, you get a discount code for additional purchases. I think I combined that with a Black Friday discount they had in 2021 to buy all of them but the first one, which I used a standard discount code on. Googling "treadlabs.com discount code" yields some 10% off codes.


I like the thin superfit carbon simply because it doesn't hamper my running.
How would you compare TL Dash (thin and regular) to thin superfit carbon in terms of mobility?
 

antony

Hall of Fame
I like the thin superfit carbon simply because it doesn't hamper my running.
How would you compare TL Dash (thin and regular) to thin superfit carbon in terms of mobility?
Much better. SF carbon are for low to no arch heights, from what I’ve read. They helped me vs shoes with zero arch support, but TL Dash medium arches give me better support and thus mobility. My feet have a medium arch height according to measurements.

Plus, you can replace the top foam layer on TL inserts unlike with SF. Regular fits my feet better than thin for GR8. Tighter shoes would benefit from the thin foam top layer ones.
 
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Thanks @antony for the shoutout. I cant wear any shoes without my dash insoles anymore because I feel no support at all. The carbon fiber still going on and I have just had to replace the top cover as those wore through. You save a ton of money since you dont have to replace the whole insole. It is definitely worth the high price in the long run. Trust me once you get one, it will change your life

Much better. SF carbon are for low to no arch heights, from what I’ve read. They helped me vs shoes with zero arch support, but TL Dash medium arches give me better support and thus mobility. My feet have a medium arch height according to measurements.

Plus, you can replace the top foam layer on TL inserts unlike with SF. Regular fits my feet better than thin for GR8. Tighter shoes would benefit from the thin foam top layer ones.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I have Superfeet Green and Blue, Cadence (bulky and too much padding for me) Spenco Total Support (they break down after about 18 months) and Spenco Max (bulkier than their sibling). Wish I had found Sole before Superfeet. I've used Superfeet Blue in work shoes for years and tried Superfeet Green on tennis courts, but much prefer Sole Active Medium inserts on a tennis court. They last for years just like Superfeet. EVA, Met Pad, and Zero Drop.



I’ve learned to listen to the pilot advice … oven baked Sole Active Medium Wide on as I type. I wanted something lighter than the heavy Sof Sole Airr Orthodics @Ronaldo mentioned above ( https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/ind...-insoles-worth-the-price.701105/post-15822420 ). I played in the Sof Soles for over twenty years and completely eliminated some achilles soreness that showed up in my 30s.

I haven’t tested them on the court ... but after the oven heated molding they feel about perfect. I have a fairly high arch … probably more neutral now … and Sole arch was putting too much pressure on arch initially. But simply standing in shoes after heating this morning does in fact feel like a custom fit. Thanks for recommendation … I was down to trying Sole or Pinnacle Power Steps.

I watched the video below … and my bigger concern would be any arch/plantar fasciitis… was starting to feel some arch soreness with light thin insole I was trying. Also the wide offered by Sole turned out to be perfect for my 4E.


Just an fyi for others on how much insoles can add to tennis shoe weight:

my shoe:

346 g / 12.2 oz no insole
367 g / 12.9 oz paper thin foam insole
406 g / 14.3 oz new Sole insole
446 g / 15.7 oz Sof Sole Airr orthodics

One other comment … obviously insoles are built differently. The Sol Sole orthodics have a rigid arch support plate on bottom of insole under the arch, but lots of cushion at arch on top. Sole less cushion on top … will be curious if I notice any difference on the court.

fyi … if you but Sole on Amazon … not returnable
 
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