Do running insoles make a difference? Some people swear by them, while others think they’re nothing more than a waste of money. What’s the truth? Are running insoles worth it?
In this post, we discuss running insoles to see if they make a difference for runners. Spoiler alert: they do. Keep reading to find out why.
What Are Running Insoles?
The ultimate place to start is in the beginning, so let’s first discuss what insoles are. In simple terms, they are the bottom part on the inside of your shoe. Their primary purposes are to support you and ensure a smooth stepping experience.
Most running shoes have some form of insole already, but these are generally relatively thin and provide little support. Experts such as Solestar design Running insoles to be thicker and more supportive, helping to protect your feet and ankles from impact as you run. They can also help to improve your running technique by providing a firmer base for your foot to push off from.
Why Are Running Insoles Important?
Your feet take a lot of punishment when you run, so it’s essential to protect them as much as possible. Injuries such as Achilles tendinitis, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis (heel pain) are common among runners and often occur due to a lack of support from the shoes. Running insoles can help by providing extra support and cushioning to the feet.
Do Running Insoles Work?
There is some scientific evidence suggesting that running insoles can help reduce impact and improve running technique. For example, a study published in the National Library of Medicine found that around 16.2% of males and 11.7% of females suffer from mild to severe cases of flatfoot. When a person has Pes planus (Flatfoot), it means their midfoot arch collapses while running or walking, which is the area that is responsible for shock absorption.
It can cause an array of issues such as:
- Knee pain
- Lower-back pain
- Metatarsal Pain
- Tendinitis
- and more.
Insoles help to arch the midfoot and therefore help with the absorption of shock, which helps prevent and treat these injuries. Even though not everyone has this particular issue, it is only one of many that insoles can assist. So, evidence suggests that insoles can benefit your running.
However, it’s important to remember that they’re not a magic bullet and won’t fix all your running problems. If you have issues with your running technique or form, you’ll need to address these separately.
Are Running Insoles Worth It?
There is some evidence suggesting that running insoles can be beneficial, particularly in reducing impact and improving the running economy. However, they’re not suitable for everyone and won’t fix all your running problems.
If you’re experiencing pain when you run or have issues with your running technique, it’s worth speaking to a running expert before investing in a pair of insoles. They can advise you on whether insoles are likely to help and, if so, which type would be best for you.
Where to Get Running Insoles
You can purchase running insoles from most sports and shoe stores, but your best bet at finding proper insoles is by finding specialist retailers online, such as Solestar. It’s vital to get the right size and type of insole for your foot, so it’s worth researching before buying.
Getting Started
So, should you buy running insoles? If your feet are hurting after a run, then insoles might help. In addition, if you’re having trouble with shin splints or another injury, then definitely give insoles a try.
Solestar offers a 6-week money-back guarantee on all its products, so there’s no harm in trying them out to see how they work for you. Ready to get started?
Head over to our website and pick up a pair of running insoles today.