The best insoles

chikoo

chikoo

Hall of Fame
Totally goes against my experience. But hey, that is why we are here, sharing and hoping it helps others get a broader viewpoint.

My Arti-lage (not kingfoam) are still going strong. No issues so far, and I play roughly 8 hrs a week. No fall off. Still protecting my knees. Have not reached for my bottle of advil so far. By the way, I tried the drop test on my artilage (not an egg, but an alkaline battery) and it truly does not bounce back. The battery bounced back on every other insole I have.
 
R

Readers

Professional
Energy return and shock absorption are two completely different thing, the second one is about impact duration and peak force, first one is what happens after that.

That being said, Arti-lage works well for me, I personally like the high profile and the elite.
 
A

ae11

Rookie
For tennis it is important to have both shock absorption and energy return. The latter in much important in the
forefoot, otherwise the shoes won't feel as responsive. That is why Adidas marketed and differentiated between
Adiprene and Adiprene+ (more responsive and used in the forefoot). And that is the reason some people would
prefer Adidas bounce over Adidas boost and I think it might be the reason Adidas hasn't used any bounce material
in the forefoot of the new Barricades. And that is why Yonex Power Cushion is very popular because it has
great shock absorption while being extremely responsive.

For people who want to take advantage of the shock absorption that Artilage foam provides without loosing responsiveness,
i suggest cutting the full insole into pieces to be inserted under the heel of the foot. As an added bonus you get 3-4 times the durability.
 
Nuke

Nuke

Hall of Fame
Not the most expensive one out there, but Dr. Scholl's Gel Sport inserts work well enough for me. About $15 a pair at the big box discounters.
MassagingGel_Sport_large.png
 
NuBas

NuBas

Legend
So guys I am looking for better forefoot support preferably thicker than factory insoles and read about Footprint Insoles, so are these actually functional for tennis? Between this, Sof Sole and Dr Scholls I guess which has better forefoot cushioning and better for tennis. Is Dr Scholls too much give and looser and is the Footprint just a peice of foam and won't work for tennis movement?

https://www.skatewarehouse.com/Footprint_King_Foam_Hi_Flat_Insoles/descpage-FPFHBIS.html
 
R

Ramon

Legend
NuBas said:
So guys I am looking for better forefoot support preferably thicker than factory insoles and read about Footprint Insoles, so are these actually functional for tennis? Between this, Sof Sole and Dr Scholls I guess which has better forefoot cushioning and better for tennis. Is Dr Scholls too much give and looser and is the Footprint just a peice of foam and won't work for tennis movement?

https://www.skatewarehouse.com/Footprint_King_Foam_Hi_Flat_Insoles/descpage-FPFHBIS.html
Click to expand...

I tried the Sof Sole Airr Orthotic a few times in my tennis shoes. They do provide more cushioning. The cons are they are thick and heavy. Your speed shoes will no longer be speed shoes and you feel isolated from the court.

I tried the Arti-lage insoles also (same material as Kingfoam Footprint), but only on short runs. They don't add as much weight as the Sof Sole insoles, but it's still noticeable. I think they do a good job of absorbing impact, but they have negative energy return. Any energy return that your shoes already have will be dissipated. The other thing that bothered me was that I got the contoured version, and the arch support was very poorly designed. It literally looked like someone stuffed some toilet paper in the arch area, and the end result was a lot of discomfort and not the kind of support you would get from a well designed insole, like Superfeet. If you try it, you should either get the flat version from Kingfoam or maybe the one that shapes to your foot after you put it in the oven.

For me, I'm going to stick with my full length Boost basketball shoes, the Crazylight Boost 2016. They have great cushioning without aftermarket insoles, decent court feel, and they don't make me feel like I'm running in mud.
 
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NuBas

NuBas

Legend
Ramon said:
I tried the Sof Sole Airr Orthotic a few times in my tennis shoes. They do provide more cushioning. The cons are they are thick and heavy. Your speed shoes will no longer be speed shoes and you feel isolated from the court.

I tried the Arti-lage insoles also (same material as Kingfoam Footprint), but only on short runs. They don't add as much weight as the Sof Sole insoles, but it's still noticeable. I think they do a good job of absorbing impact, but they have negative energy return. Any energy return that your shoes already have will be dissipated. The other thing that bothered me was that I got the contoured version, and the arch support was very poorly designed. It literally looked like someone stuffed some toilet paper in the arch area, and the end result was a lot of discomfort and not the kind of support you would get from a well designed insole, like Superfeet. If you try it, you should either get the flat version from Kingfoam or maybe the one that shapes to your foot after you put it in the oven.

For me, I'm going to stick with my full length Boost basketball shoes, the Crazylight Boost 2016. They have great cushioning without aftermarket insoles, decent court feel, and they don't make me feel like I'm running in mud.
Click to expand...

Thanks that was very useful. Interesting note about the energy return on the Footprint ones, I figure it would be something like that where it just sinks but doesn't give anything back, not that I really need it but might be too different for tennis. I'm fine with heavy insoles I guess and better if they go into lighter shoes than 14 oz shoes. Heard about bball shoes but that's totally different sport and so many options not even sure where to start, might take forever to make right choice.
 
J

jdawg02

Semi-Pro
Without a doubt, protalus insoles work the best for me. They are really lite and have great comfort. They have exact sizes and minimal trimming if necessary and they fit great in narrow fitting shoes like barricades and Nikes. They have slightly wider versions too. You can’t beat a 90 day comfort guaranteed no questions asked return policy too!
 
swizzy

swizzy

Hall of Fame
the best insoles i have yet to use are a custom made orthotic. my wife got a set and she was raving about them. i went in and a month later i had my own. these provide nothing in the way of cushioning. i was wary of playing tennis with mine since they were the opposite of other things i had used in my tennis shoes for years. the doctor told me to get over my pre-conception of what comfort and support should look like and focus on what it should feel like. he was right. 4 months now and my post tennis foot pain was gone after the first week. the cost was very reasonable with my insurance and i'm sure many of you could get custom orthotics for less than you think. my example was 3 office visits [$45 total] and the equipment was covered 100%.
 
NuBas

NuBas

Legend
Anyone tried both Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer and Sof Sole Athlete. Can you compare the two in weight, cushioning especially forefoot/ball of foot, and durability?

Thanks
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
swizzy said:
the best insoles i have yet to use are a custom made orthotic. my wife got a set and she was raving about them. i went in and a month later i had my own. these provide nothing in the way of cushioning. i was wary of playing tennis with mine since they were the opposite of other things i had used in my tennis shoes for years. the doctor told me to get over my pre-conception of what comfort and support should look like and focus on what it should feel like. he was right. 4 months now and my post tennis foot pain was gone after the first week. the cost was very reasonable with my insurance and i'm sure many of you could get custom orthotics for less than you think. my example was 3 office visits [$45 total] and the equipment was covered 100%.
Click to expand...
My custom orthotics are made of graphite, hard as an old school racquet.
 
B

BorgCash

Legend
csorthofeet said:
I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and was given some insoles by my podiatrist. The insoles did not work in all my shoes and I got blisters on my heels. I was in a lot of pain and could not exercise or even go for a walk. I saw an ad for orthofeet shoes online and I was interested. I was so excited to get my pair because of all the great reviews and I was hopeful that they would work for me also. From day 1 they were amazing, so comfortable, no pain when walking or exercising. My plantar fasciitis has even improved and now I am interested in trying different orthofeet styles not just for exercise.
Click to expand...
Did you use orthofeet insoles or shoes? If shoes what brand? Thank you.
 
J

JW10S

Hall of Fame
csorthofeet said:
I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and was given some insoles by my podiatrist. The insoles did not work in all my shoes and I got blisters on my heels. I was in a lot of pain and could not exercise or even go for a walk. I saw an ad for orthofeet shoes online and I was interested. I was so excited to get my pair because of all the great reviews and I was hopeful that they would work for me also. From day 1 they were amazing, so comfortable, no pain when walking or exercising. My plantar fasciitis has even improved and now I am interested in trying different orthofeet styles not just for exercise.
Click to expand...
I suffered with PF for years, it was not a debilitating case but I had pain every day. As someone who earns their living on a tennis court I could not take weeks or months off as was recommended by doctors so I just gritted my teeth and dealt with it. One of my students suggested I try Superfeet insoles. After a day or two break in period I saw marked relief and within a week or so I was free of pain. I have used them ever since with no more reoccurrence of PF. Superfeet insoles are widely available at sporting goods stores or athletic shoe stores as well as on this site. Most insoles that come in shoes are actually too soft and don't provide the support needed, cushion is not always a good thing. Since I first tried them I have had contracts with several different shoe companies (Lotto, New Balance, K-Swiss, Adidas, Head) and have used the Superfeet in all of them without problem. So it's not the shoe, it's the insole. They cost about $50 or so, less than getting something from a doctor, so I'd strongly suggest you at least try them. For what it's worth I wear the green ones and swear by them.
 
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B

BenC

Professional
csorthofeet said:
I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and was given some insoles by my podiatrist. The insoles did not work in all my shoes and I got blisters on my heels. I was in a lot of pain and could not exercise or even go for a walk. I saw an ad for orthofeet shoes online and I was interested. I was so excited to get my pair because of all the great reviews and I was hopeful that they would work for me also. From day 1 they were amazing, so comfortable, no pain when walking or exercising. My plantar fasciitis has even improved and now I am interested in trying different orthofeet styles not just for exercise.
Click to expand...
I actually bought a pair of Orthofeet "dress" shoes for work a few months ago and they've helped the PF on my left foot a lot. They're bigger than you'd expect but they come with spacers that go under the insole so you can adjust the fit. That said, they're pretty soft ... I don't know if their designs have enough lateral stability for tennis but I haven't tried their athletic stuff yet.

I've also tried nearly the entire Spenco insole line and the Dr Schools athlete insoles but I guess they just don't fit my weird feet.
 
F

frank52

Semi-Pro
Nostradamus said:
which insoles are Thickest and has the Best schock absorbption ?? and is good for plantar fasciitis.
Click to expand...

The Cadence insoles ( cadenceinsoles.com ) are thick, have great shock protection, are good for plantar fasciitis, last a very long time, and don't squeak. You can buy them from TW or the Cadence website. While they do add some weight they are very comfortable. Cadence also has a low volume insole.
 
M

mctennis

Legend
gino said:
Wow. I have been a Spenco Total Support Insole user since 2007. I am quickly reconsidering my insole of choice after my first hitting session in the Footprint Kingfoam insoles. The artilage foam is next level. Resilient, dense, and adaptable. You can feel it mould to your arch and forefoot the longer you play in it. I highly recommend grabbing a pair for 20-30 bucks
Click to expand...
These inserts look very interesting. How are you enjoying them now after a few months of usage? Are they holding up or have you had to replace them yet?
 
M

mctennis

Legend
JW10S said:
I suffered with PF for years, it was not a debilitating case but I had pain every day. As someone who earns their living on a tennis court I could not take weeks or months off as was recommended by doctors so I just gritted my teeth and dealt with it. One of my students suggested I try Superfeet insoles. After a day or two break in period I saw marked relief and within a week or so I was free of pain. I have used them ever since with no more reoccurrence of PF. Superfeet insoles are widely available at sporting goods stores or athletic shoe stores as well as on this site. Most insoles that come in shoes are actually too soft and don't provide the support needed, cushion is not always a good thing. Since I first tried them I have had contracts with several different shoe companies (Lotto, New Balance, K-Swiss, Adidas, Head) and have used the Superfeet in all of them without problem. So it's not the shoe, it's the insole. They cost about $50 or so, less than getting something from a doctor, so I'd strongly suggest you at least try them. For what it's worth I wear the green ones and swear by them.
Click to expand...
Sounds like you have been happy with the Superfeet green version.
Is this what you are wearing?https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/ins...MI2efV0OeA3wIVy8DACh3ESAJIEAYYASABEgI1yPD_BwE
 
R

red rook

Guest
I have one pair of green superfeet and two pairs of orange. I have enjoyed the orange more. Takes about a week for them to settle in but can then throw them in a new pair of shoes and be good to go.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Ok, I bought one of these Protaulus insoles since they were on sale. and Yes it is definitely better than your average insole like Dr. Shole. It is great cushioning and foot alignement. I have been using it for 48 hours only but it is good. I have to keep using it to see if it does all the things that they claim it does. cure plantar fasciitis, back pain, knee pain.......on and on.

m100_5_600x.jpg
 
M

mctennis

Legend
Nostradamus said:
Ok, I bought one of these Protaulus insoles since they were on sale. and Yes it is definitely better than your average insole like Dr. Shole. It is great cushioning and foot alignement. I have been using it for 48 hours only but it is good. I have to keep using it to see if it does all the things that they claim it does. cure plantar fasciitis, back pain, knee pain.......on and on.

m100_5_600x.jpg
Click to expand...
Please keep us informed. Not that all these inserts are so expensive BUT at $50-100 a pop it can be a lot of wasted money not buying ones that do not last or are just so-so at relieving foot pain, etc. issues.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
mctennis said:
Please keep us informed. Not that all these inserts are so expensive BUT at $50-100 a pop it can be a lot of wasted money not buying ones that do not last or are just so-so at relieving foot pain, etc. issues.
Click to expand...
This is my day #3 with these on. and it is the best insoles I have ever used so far, outside of my custom orthotics. This is actually helping me ease my knee pain, no insole has done that before
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
ok reporting back after about 3 weeks of wear on Protalus insoles. I have to say this is by far the best insole I have used. Only exception is of course prescription mold insole from the doctor. If you are just buying insole for comfort and support, this is the best on I used so far. My knee pain is so much less and I think it is even helping my back pain some as well.

https://www.protalus.com/

https://www.protalus.com/products/m-100?variant=40119494482
 
DJTaurus

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
Nostradamus said:
ok reporting back after about 3 weeks of wear on Protalus insoles. I have to say this is by far the best insole I have used. Only exception is of course prescription mold insole from the doctor. If you are just buying insole for comfort and support, this is the best on I used so far. My knee pain is so much less and I think it is even helping my back pain some as well.

https://www.protalus.com/

https://www.protalus.com/products/m-100?variant=40119494482
Click to expand...

Can i use them with heel cups?....I have heel acanthus.
 
T

tomato123

Professional
Nostradamus said:
ok reporting back after about 3 weeks of wear on Protalus insoles. I have to say this is by far the best insole I have used. Only exception is of course prescription mold insole from the doctor. If you are just buying insole for comfort and support, this is the best on I used so far. My knee pain is so much less and I think it is even helping my back pain some as well.

https://www.protalus.com/

https://www.protalus.com/products/m-100?variant=40119494482
Click to expand...

Any estimation of how long you think they will last? I wear out my insoles pretty fast, so at that price point I would love to try it if it seems like they are pretty durable.
 
B

bobtodd

Rookie
Nostradamus said:
I only had it in my shoe for 3 weeks, so far still feeling new.
Click to expand...
+1 for Protalus. I have been using them for 2 years. Great customer service, and they frequently run sales for 20% off. I have 5 pairs, and wear them in my tennis shoes as well as casual shoes. I would replace after 9 months of continuous wearing. Hope this helps. P.S. They come in different thicknesses.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
bobtodd said:
+1 for Protalus. I have been using them for 2 years. Great customer service, and they frequently run sales for 20% off. I have 5 pairs, and wear them in my tennis shoes as well as casual shoes. I would replace after 9 months of continuous wearing. Hope this helps. P.S. They come in different thicknesses.
Click to expand...
they claim it helps knee pain as well as back pain. I am not sure how it helps with back pain ?
 
Keendog

Keendog

Professional
nytennisaddict said:
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)
Click to expand...

Looking at getting the 5mm ones, are you still on the Footprints?
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest
Keendog said:
Looking at getting the 5mm ones, are you still on the Footprints?
Click to expand...
yes. they do wear after a while... (probably have to replace mine). guessing every 6-9mos or so (~10h/w)... the spongey material gets "pushed aside" at high contact points (eg. ball of foot, heel of foot)... but i think most cushions do too... unless it's a "hard" custom orthotic (but that's that really shock absorbing).

being a former skateboarder + these vids: http://www.artilage.com/index/how-it-works/, sold me on the product :p (they have similar vids for fp orthotics)
 
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Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
nytennisaddict said:
yes. they do wear after a while... (probably have to replace mine). guessing every 6-9mos or so (~10h/w)... the spongey material gets "pushed aside" at high contact points (eg. ball of foot, heel of foot)... but i think most cushions do too... unless it's a "hard" custom orthotic (but that's that really shock absorbing).

being a former skateboarder + these vids: http://www.artilage.com/index/how-it-works/, sold me on the product :p (they have similar vids for fp orthotics)
Click to expand...
Maybe Zion pushed too hard
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest
Ronaldo said:
Maybe Zion pushed too hard
Click to expand...
talking about this?
unlucky slam... sick skater though:

so jealous... back in the day, i was watch bones brigade vids (to dogtown, etc...) on vhs over and over (wore them out!)... then we'd all go out... come back rewatch, rinse repeat...
nowadays, you can just watch a trick on your phone on yt.
 
M

mctennis

Legend
Nostradamus said:
So I have been wearing these for about 3 month now and it is awesome so far. Best insole in the market today. Best cushioning and best at aligning your foot , knee and body.

https://www.protalus.com/products/m-100?variant=40119494482
Click to expand...
Just a quick question. Have you ever tried actual custom orthotics in your shoes? Ones made from molds taken at an orthotic office or physician office? Just curious if you had what you thought the differences were. I have custom orthotics and always seem to need another pair for different shoes I need to wear. Boots, walking shoes, tennis shoes, etc. Right now I am either rotating them into the shoes I need to wear or using older orthotics in them.
 
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