The best insoles

[chikoo]

And I have the ArtiLage all ready to go for tomorrow!

I waited to write a review just to see how my body reacts to 2 days of not playing.

The artilage is not a plush cushion, so if you already have a bad heel, it is not going to help but it sure prevents further damage to your knees. Amazing. My knees do not hurt after the play. Wow

 

[chikoo]

Still no excuse that GR6 stock insole is so much better...

As for heavy duty, like I said, key material not under my big toe then what's the point? Maybe it's OK for you, but not for me.

Not to sound mean but it sounds like you are trying to ballet dance while playing tennis if your weight is coming down on your big toe.

 

[Ramon]

I waited to write a review just to see how my body reacts to 2 days of not playing.

The artilage is not a plush cushion, so if you already have a bad heel, it is not going to help but it sure prevents further damage to your knees. Amazing. My knees do not hurt after the play. Wow

Is this one flat or does it have an arch support? Do you put it in the oven to mold to your foot?

 

[Readers]

Not to sound mean but it sounds like you are trying to ballet dance while playing tennis if your weight is coming down on your big toe.

You are pushing off wrong if there is no weight coming down on your big toe.

 

[Readers]

I waited to write a review just to see how my body reacts to 2 days of not playing.

The artilage is not a plush cushion, so if you already have a bad heel, it is not going to help but it sure prevents further damage to your knees. Amazing. My knees do not hurt after the play. Wow

Which model are you using, more importantly what color is the foam? yellow, blue, orange, or black? These correspond to SH 18, 28, 38, 48, higher the number, higher the density. The blue SH 28 in high profile is very plush once it's warmed up.

 

[chikoo]

Which model are you using, more importantly what color is the foam? yellow, blue, orange, or black? These correspond to SH 18, 28, 38, 48, higher the number, higher the density. The blue SH 28 in high profile is very plush once it's warmed up.

I am using the original Arti-Lage available on amazon.com. No oven. It is molding in using just my body weight & heat.

https://www.amazon.com/Artilage-Orthotics-Insoles-Size-12-5/dp/B00ONE59FU/

 

[chikoo]

You are pushing off wrong if there is no weight coming down on your big toe.

If I was on the track racing against Usain, yes.
On the tennis court, I find myself on the ball of feet (behind the toes)

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Just bought the footprint version, and played for 3hr on hard court this weekend.
joints feel great (normally feel pain in ankles, knees, back - and have to rest for 1-2d before playing again).
also bought the original artilage version per @chikoo recommendation... will update (and compare) after playing in them

[edit] Update - i have flat feet, and wanted to share my experiences

• Artilage - more cushioning (at ball of foot area), and more arch support (too much IMO); but pushes my pinky toe to the outside... i took them out of my tennis sneakers, and moved them to my snowboard boots, where side to side stop and go should be less of an issue
• Footprint custom ortho - feel ok, cradle your feet after doing the oven and mold step, but i prefer the FP flat better. the arch support is slightly less than artilage (good for me).
• Footprint flat - most comfortable to me, because it doesn't push my pinky toe to the outside, and still provides excellent cushioning

I had "Superfeet" in a bunch of sneakers, i took them out and replaced everything with "Footprint flat". Superfeet should be worried, their business is about to tank.

I am 8.5, and i found that all above fit perfectly (no need to size up)

 

[chikoo]

Here is a side view showing the dual layer

 

[nn]

Here is a side view showing the dual layer

It looks like only two layers of foam but must be worth it. I will give it a shot if they are available in local store near me (none according email from company).

any warranty considering they are expensive...most of the spenco come with 1 year warranty and other insoles as well (not all of them)

 

[chikoo]

Another evening of game last night and my knees are not sore at all this morning. This is nothing short of amazing.

 

[ricardo]

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Spenco_Polysorb_Cross_Trainer_Insoles/descpage-SPCT.html

extra cushion for knees and wallet as well

I actually tried this, not merely read about them.

Cushioning is very good.

However, for me, the heels are too thick. It's like walking on high-heels.

 

[ricardo]

Nobody mention Sidas and Scholl as good? Are they so poor?

Dr. Scholl active series is a very good insole. This is, I think, their top of the line insole.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dr-Schol...eplacement-Insoles-Size-10.5-13-1-pr/21778061

 

[BorgCash]

Dr. Scholl active series is a very good insole. This is, I think, their top of the line insole.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dr-Schol...eplacement-Insoles-Size-10.5-13-1-pr/21778061

Thank you for your reply. Scholl is the only well known brand of insoles.

 

[nn]

I actually tried this, not merely read about them.

Cushioning is very good.

However, for me, the heels are too thick. It's like walking on high-heels.

yeah the thickest heel cushion but I assume you removed the original insole. Never felt any pain or tiredness after using spenco trainer insole. Also 1 yr warranty is bonus & company do send replacement.

I have used on ballistec 1.5 & cage 2 without any problem (granted I go half size up all the time). My shoes are 8-9 months old, but new insoles will extend the life by 3-4 months (throw away if traction is gone)

 

[Fintft]

Dr. Scholl's active and I've tried about 5 brands, including Spenco

 

[oble]

So I bought a pair of Footprint Gamechangers Orthotics for my feet with low arches and I usually get pain at the back of the heel (Achilles tendon) as well as pain around the inside of the inner ankle bone (posterior tibial tendon) on my left foot after tennis; my right foot isn't problematic. Before this, I have been using Superfeet green which helps lessen the pain compared to stock insoles, but not completely. I usually have to use some kinesio tape as well to actually help reduce the pain further.

With the Footprint Gamechangers, II did the whole oven-and-then-wear procedure to get it to mould to my feet before actual use. I've since done 2 sessions of tennis with them, the first was about 3 hours or so at my tennis club's open day, mostly on grass but with some cardio tennis thrown in (so it was pretty intense on my feet). Mild soreness in the posterior tibial tendon on my left foot but no pain at the back of the heel, but the soreness went away much faster than before. The second session was last night: 1 set of singles and 3 sets of doubles on hard court. My left foot came out fine after that--no pain, only a tiny bit of that fatigue discomfort. I didn't even tape my foot. I think I'm sold.

 

[Cyclone]

Any suggestions for an insole that maximizes forefoot cushioning without putting too much thickness in the heel? I'm wearing the Barricade Boosts and while the heel is excellently cushioned, my forefoot sometimes feels hard landings... I really don't want to change the profile of the shoe or ride higher in it, but could definitely appreciate more forefoot cushioning.

 

[chikoo]

Ha ha - they put boost in the heel, and your front is missing it !!

 

[norcal]

Dr. Scholl active series is a very good insole. This is, I think, their top of the line insole.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dr-Schol...eplacement-Insoles-Size-10.5-13-1-pr/21778061

Yep, Wallyworld has these on sale for $14 and you can get a $4 coupon on Scholls website for a total cost of $10.xx for a very good insole.

 

[Readers]

Any suggestions for an insole that maximizes forefoot cushioning without putting too much thickness in the heel? I'm wearing the Barricade Boosts and while the heel is excellently cushioned, my forefoot sometimes feels hard landings... I really don't want to change the profile of the shoe or ride higher in it, but could definitely appreciate more forefoot cushioning.

If you just don't want thickness in heel, I would go with FP flat insole, hi or low profile depends on sizing in forefoot. But if you don't want to change the profile at all or ride higher, there is no way to do it, there is no insole that has significant better cushion without being thicker than the think stock insoles.

 

[tennissavvy]

Any suggestions for an insole that maximizes forefoot cushioning without putting too much thickness in the heel? I'm wearing the Barricade Boosts and while the heel is excellently cushioned, my forefoot sometimes feels hard landings... I really don't want to change the profile of the shoe or ride higher in it, but could definitely appreciate more forefoot cushioning.

checkout spenco runner insole. It has better forefoot cushioning and not very thick heel (checkout tech sheep on following link)

https://www.spenco.com/product.aspx?prodid=48

 

[ultradr]

insoles work only if you have enough room upper (without going with too much larger sizes)...

 

[tacotanium]

Currenly using Sole softec ultra heat moldable. My feet loves them. I can hit for long time before that foot pain comes in. Best insole for me so far in my experience.

I have to say, the artilage insoles are next level. I won't play in anything else likely ever again. Low profile (5mm) and great imapct protection:

Stuff looks good. Where can I buy other than their site? Their "Shop Now" is down.

 

[gino]

Currenly using Sole softec ultra heat moldable. My feet loves them. I can hit for long time before that foot pain comes in. Best insole for me so far in my experience.



Stuff looks good. Where can I buy other than their site? Their "Shop Now" is down.

Flea bay or amazon should work

 

[Cyclone]

Ha ha - they put boost in the heel, and your front is missing it !!

Exactly! If they only put a thin layer of the boost in the forefoot......

 

[Cyclone]

If you just don't want thickness in heel, I would go with FP flat insole, hi or low profile depends on sizing in forefoot. But if you don't want to change the profile at all or ride higher, there is no way to do it, there is no insole that has significant better cushion without being thicker than the think stock insoles.

Hmm that's a good point...

 

[Chotobaka]

If you just don't want thickness in heel, I would go with FP flat insole, hi or low profile depends on sizing in forefoot. But if you don't want to change the profile at all or ride higher, there is no way to do it, there is no insole that has significant better cushion without being thicker than the think stock insoles.

This is why I will definitely try up-sizing in the future, specifically with aftermarket insoles in mind. I use Sof Sole Athletes in a pair of the original Babolat SFX's and it is a pretty much a perfect combination. Great fit, great cushioning, decent support. But these shoes run large, so the insoles replace space taken up by Thorlo Level 3 socks (super thick). The same insoles jam my big toes in my Fusion Rev's, turning a glove like fit in a great shoe into a absolutely miserable experience.

In Sof Soles' product lineup, the Athletes are the least obtrusive insoles that provide substantial cushioning but making room for them is a prerequisite nonetheless. While I know there is no magic bullet, I have ordered a pair of Sof Sole Thin's just to see how much better they are than stock insoles since I have several pairs of new, unworn shoes that are a true fit.

Bottom line: In my case, using any of these highly cushioned inserts requires a commitment to a larger shoe. They cannot be an afterthought.

 

[Readers]

This is why I will definitely try up-sizing in the future, specifically with aftermarket insoles in mind. I use Sof Sole Athletes in a pair of the original Babolat SFX's and it is a pretty much a perfect combination. Great fit, great cushioning, decent support. But these shoes run large, so the insoles replace space taken up by Thorlo Level 3 socks (super thick). The same insoles jam my big toes in my Fusion Rev's, turning a glove like fit in a great shoe into a absolutely miserable experience.

In Sof Soles' product lineup, the Athletes are the least obtrusive insoles that provide substantial cushioning but making room for them is a prerequisite nonetheless. While I know there is no magic bullet, I have ordered a pair of Sof Sole Thin's just to see how much better they are than stock insoles since I have several pairs of new, unworn shoes that are a true fit.

Bottom line: In my case, using any of these highly cushioned inserts requires a commitment to a larger shoe. They cannot be an afterthought.

How thick is the Sof Sole Athletes in the forefoot?

 

[nn]

This is why I will definitely try up-sizing in the future, specifically with aftermarket insoles in mind. I use Sof Sole Athletes in a pair of the original Babolat SFX's and it is a pretty much a perfect combination. Great fit, great cushioning, decent support. But these shoes run large, so the insoles replace space taken up by Thorlo Level 3 socks (super thick). The same insoles jam my big toes in my Fusion Rev's, turning a glove like fit in a great shoe into a absolutely miserable experience.

In Sof Soles' product lineup, the Athletes are the least obtrusive insoles that provide substantial cushioning but making room for them is a prerequisite nonetheless. While I know there is no magic bullet, I have ordered a pair of Sof Sole Thin's just to see how much better they are than stock insoles since I have several pairs of new, unworn shoes that are a true fit.

Bottom line: In my case, using any of these highly cushioned inserts requires a commitment to a larger shoe. They cannot be an afterthought.

You are right about going one size up for the aftermarket insoles. I got most of the pairs on sale so size was after thought for me. Now with aftermarket insoles & somewhat thicker socks (costco Kirkland brand) fit/comfort went to another level without spending ton of money (spenco trainer cost $13 + 1 year warranty and costco socks are cheaper as well)

 

[Chotobaka]

How thick is the Sof Sole Athletes in the forefoot?

Approximately 5mm +/- at the forefoot/ball of foot. They have moderate heel cups and a little build up on the sides but there is no motion control, which is to be expected with cushioning inserts. I do like having some type of heel cup even if they aren't supportive/restrictive. I am not sure about perfectly flat insoles.

If I go with a bigger size, I might try their AIRR ORTHOTIC which combines max cushioning with motion control. I also dug out an old pair of NB Airflow inserts that I hadn't used before in the SFX's. With the exception of a little too much arch support for me, these are awesome. Really good cushioning.

There are a ton of options out there.

 

[Readers]

Approximately 5mm +/- at the forefoot/ball of foot. They have moderate heel cups and a little build up on the sides but there is no motion control, which is to be expected with cushioning inserts. I do like having some type of heel cup even if they aren't supportive/restrictive. I am not sure about perfectly flat insoles.

If I go with a bigger size, I might try their AIRR ORTHOTIC which combines max cushioning with motion control. I also dug out an old pair of NB Airflow inserts that I hadn't used before in the SFX's. With the exception of a little too much arch support for me, these are awesome. Really good cushioning.

There are a ton of options out there.

If you are replacing the stock insole with 5mm insole, I found I can get away with use a shoe stretcher. Any thicker I think up sizing is a must.

 

[Ramon]

Approximately 5mm +/- at the forefoot/ball of foot. They have moderate heel cups and a little build up on the sides but there is no motion control, which is to be expected with cushioning inserts. I do like having some type of heel cup even if they aren't supportive/restrictive. I am not sure about perfectly flat insoles.

If I go with a bigger size, I might try their AIRR ORTHOTIC which combines max cushioning with motion control. I also dug out an old pair of NB Airflow inserts that I hadn't used before in the SFX's. With the exception of a little too much arch support for me, these are awesome. Really good cushioning.

There are a ton of options out there.

I've tried the Airr Orthotic. Max cushioning is a good reason to get it. Motion control is not. It doesn't have much of an arch. It's a high volume insole, higher volume than Superfeet Green, so you might have to upsize with it. Another thing I like to consider is weight, which for some reason is a hot topic with shoes but not with insoles. My size 9-10.5 Airr Orthotics weigh 3.40 oz each. My Superfeet Greens weigh 1.67 oz. Most of my stock insoles are about 1.0 oz or less.

 

[Chotobaka]

If you are replacing the stock insole with 5mm insole, I found I can get away with use a shoe stretcher. Any thicker I think up sizing is a must.

It is 5mm in the forefoot but tapers up to considerable heft by the time measurement gets to the heel. I can make it "work" with other shoes, but not the Fusion Rev and the way these shoes conform to my feet is something I like so I play them in original form. I am mostly concerned with adding cushioning to shoes I wear while teaching, so I will plan ahead on my next purchase. A half size up should do it.

 

[Chotobaka]

I've tried the Airr Orthotic. Max cushioning is a good reason to get it. Motion control is not. It doesn't have much of an arch. It's a high volume insole, higher volume than Superfeet Green, so you might have to upsize with it. Another thing I like to consider is weight, which for some reason is a hot topic with shoes but not with insoles. My size 9-10.5 Airr Orthotics weigh 3.40 oz each. My Superfeet Greens weigh 1.67 oz. Most of my stock insoles are about 1.0 oz or less.

Thanks for the feedback -- good info about the lack of support with the Airr Orthotic Max. I am guessing that the regular Airr Max is the better choice for pure cushioning since there are no "structural" bits taking up space.

Nothing beats Superfeet Green for positioning my foot correctly. I have used these for years and they work perfectly for support and proper alignment. I have the Blue's too, which are a lower, faster ride.

Regarding weight, extra weight above my feet is slowing me down a whole lot more than a few more ounces in my shoes. Seriously, I actually can feel the benefit of light shoes for match play and your point is a very good one and something that may go unconsidered. For practice and teaching, I am good with anything that feels good with weight not being a huge consideration. Cushioned insoles to keep the bottom of my feet from hurting after hours on the court teaching (and endlessly demonstrating) is my main objective. I still plan on trying Footprints in up-sized shoes down the road.

 

[Ramon]

How heavy are these Arti-lage or Footprint insoles? Has anyone weighed them?

 

[Demented]

How heavy are these Arti-lage or Footprint insoles? Has anyone weighed them?

They're certainly a full ounce if not more. I put them in 11.5 ounce shoes so it's not a big deal. I

 

[Readers]

They're certainly a full ounce if not more. I put them in 11.5 ounce shoes so it's not a big deal. I

They are almost 2 oz each, but note most stock insoles are almost one oz each.

 

[JGads]

http://shop.fpinsoles.com/Joey-Brezinski-street-art-Kingfoam-Insoles--low-profile-5mm_p_110.html

Can those who got the Footprint low-profile insoles confirm if they have or have not used the oven-heating technique or just gone out and walked/played in them? I got the ones pictured above and the box says nothing of the oven heating process, while online the website does have a thing about heating footprint insoles in the oven. Are you supposed to do it on certain ones and not others? Are people finding success with just placing it in the shoe and wearing it? Just want to make sure.

 

[Readers]

Can those who got the Footprint low-profile insoles confirm if they have or have not used the oven-heating technique or just gone out and walked/played in them? I got the ones pictured above and the box says nothing of the oven heating process, while online the website does have a thing about heating footprint insoles in the oven. Are you supposed to do it on certain ones and not others? Are people finding success with just placing it in the shoe and wearing it? Just want to make sure.

No heating, that feature is not in flat insole.

 

[JGads]

No heating, that feature is not in flat insole.

Thank you, sir.

 

[Ramon]

They are almost 2 oz each, but note most stock insoles are almost one oz each.

That's actually pretty good compared to most aftermarket insoles. Some of the heavier cushioned ones are over 3 oz.

 

[JGads]

A thank you to @chikoo @Readers @gino and others for info and reviews on the Footprint/Artilage insoles. I like them very much indeed.

Last question pertaining to them: mine came with this extra small package of foam, like in a small half-moon shape, but I couldn't find anywhere what this was for? Is this just a sample of the foam to do that stupid egg test they talk about doing online? Or is there actually some purpose for this, like adding an extra layer to the heel or something if desired? I couldn't figure out the answer.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Can those who got the Footprint low-profile insoles confirm if they have or have not used the oven-heating technique or just gone out and walked/played in them? I got the ones pictured above and the box says nothing of the oven heating process, while online the website does have a thing about heating footprint insoles in the oven. Are you supposed to do it on certain ones and not others? Are people finding success with just placing it in the shoe and wearing it? Just want to make sure.

"Footprint flat" = no oven
"Footprint custom ortho" = oven step; then wear to mold to feet

 

[Readers]

A thank you to @chikoo @Readers @gino and others for info and reviews on the Footprint/Artilage insoles. I like them very much indeed.

Last question pertaining to them: mine came with this extra small package of foam, like in a small half-moon shape, but I couldn't find anywhere what this was for? Is this just a sample of the foam to do that stupid egg test they talk about doing online? Or is there actually some purpose for this, like adding an extra layer to the heel or something if desired? I couldn't figure out the answer.

I have no idea either, my guess is either heel or arch.

 

[JGads]

"Footprint flat" = no oven
"Footprint custom ortho" = oven step; then wear to mold to feet

Got it. Has anyone tried both and compared the two? So far, I'm really liking the flat ones for their minimalistic feel/thickness while still providing cushion. I wear Superfeet so often in my casual shoes but for tennis and hard courts, the non-padding feels too tough. The Footprints seem like a nice in-between of adding some padding but without being too squishy.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Got it. Has anyone tried both and compared the two? So far, I'm really liking the flat ones for their minimalistic feel/thickness while still providing cushion. I wear Superfeet so often in my casual shoes but for tennis and hard courts, the non-padding feels too tough. The Footprints seem like a nice in-between of adding some padding but without being too squishy.

see my post #108

 

[JGads]

see my post #108

Nice, thanks.

 

[Chotobaka]

I just ordered a pair of Artilage Orthotics Insoles. Should arrive near the end of the month. These will be too thick for my regular tennis shoes, but I will figure out a way to use/test them -- most likely in my teaching shoes, which have ample roominess. Will report back later.

 

[Readers]

Here is a side view showing the dual layer

Sorry for the late reply, somehow missed this post, I can see why you said it's firm, orange is the firmest. The black, now I have tried in elite, has a different feel, and is not nearly as sensitive to temperature as blue and orange.