Life changing inserts, esp. for high impact exercises and injury-prone feet
I discovered the importance of solid support inserts back in 2007 after my feet could no longer take the injuries sustained by running in minimally arch-supportive shoes with factory soles/inserts.  I used the green superfeet (more rigid) brand for several years, then switched to the orange superfeet (more flex) after my arches began to hurt following sustained (6-12 months) high impact exercises (speed rope, weighted jump rope, squat jumps, olympic style weightlifting, cross fit, weight vest training, etc).  After blowing out the heels of the plastic part of the orange superfeet twice, I decided to change it up and took a chance with the SOLE Dean Karnazes DK insoles shown here.<br /><br />GREAT DECISION!<br /><br />They form to your feet while providing superior support for the long run.  I have had minimal issues with my feet (or knees) since changing, which is saying a hell of a lot for someone as rough on their feet as myself, especially considering I have bunions, med-to-high arches, and bone spurs.  I put a different pair of these in my running shoes, hiking boots, gym shoes, and even work shoes.  I have had about 4-5 pairs now since about 2010.  I can get at least a year out of each pair and that is with a lot of miles.  One could probably go much longer than a year with one pair of these inserts, but I try to prevent issues with my gnarly feet these days and regularly changing up inserts and shoes is one approach.<br /><br />Incidentally, I also tried the SOLE thin sport custom for soccer cleats and dress shoes, but found they did not treat my feet as well.<br /><br />Key points:<br />-Don't overheat in the oven! This will ruin the arch support. If anything, pull them out early, they will form over time in your shoe anyhow<br />-If you do heat them, remove from oven and immediately put them in the shoe you plan to use them with, lace up tight and stand in semi-athletic stance for about two minutes (feet shoulder width apart, knees directly over toes, slightly bent)<br />-It's a good idea to put new inserts in new shoes, though they will still work well in shoes you have used for a while - I just like to form them up together, seems to work best<br />-I like to form the inserts to each pair of shoes I have, though I have switched them between various shoes with good success (comfort and support is still maintained)<br /><br />These inserts have been life-changing for me.  They allow me to keep doing all the stuff I love without being slowed by injured feet.  Worth every cent and then some!
Rating: 5 stars