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Plagued by chronic injury? Superfeet insoles can help

Superfeet insoles can help prevent those dreaded foot and lower leg injuries

insole in shoe Photo by: Matt Stetson

Earlier this summer a chronic Achilles injury flared up unexpectedly, and with racing season in full swing, I was in panic mode. I took time off running, switched my shoes and still couldn’t find relief. I’m used to a minimalist shoe, so despite running for decades, insoles had never been my go-to. 

In desperation, I finally slipped a pair of Superfeet Adapt insoles into my shoes, following the simple instructions to size them correctly, and set out tentatively for an easy run. 

Superfeet Run Insoles Photo: Matt Stetson

I was an immediate fan, and regretted not trying Superfeet sooner. I often log high-volume training weeks as an ultrarunner, and I don’t take my footwear decisions lightly. These insoles were thin enough that I could still feel the feedback I look for when trail running as my feet hit the ground.

I had imagined an insole would be bulky or hard to get used to, but after the first few steps I completely forgot they were in my shoes.

Superfeet insoles
Photo: Matt Stetson

Insoles for injuries and prevention

Whether you suffer from a common, persistent running injury like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis, or simply want to keep your feet and legs as healthy as possible, Superfeet has an insole that will work for you.

Superfeet understands that there’s a huge spectrum of footwear available for runners and that athletes’ preferences are constantly becoming more diverse. 

Layers of pain relief cushioning. Photo: Superfeet

Not only do Superfeet experts have recommendations as to what insole may be optimal based on your running and footwear style, their insoles have “a huge spectrum of functionality and fit,” explains Matt Gooch, VP of Product and Innovation.

Just like purchasing running shoes, you may have to try on a few insoles to determine what best suits your needs. “To find the right Superfeet, start with your shoes. What type of shoes are you wearing? What you are doing in those shoes?” the Superfeet website suggests.

Heel cups provide extra comfort Photo: Matt Stetson

Rather than grouping runners with diverse injuries into a generic category or selling people one single type of insole, Superfeet wants to provide insoles that work for every type of shoe and feet. 

The brand is dedicated to using scientific research and experimentation to “determine what drives the comfort preference,” Gooch adds. Through work with the University of Calgary’s Human Performance Lab, Superfeet is constantly revising and expanding its insoles alongside our rapidly-expanding footwear options.

Superfeet insoles
Photo: Matt Stetson

“Our goal is to be able to accommodate the same foot across multiple pairs of footwear,” says Gooch. 

If you’re the type of runner who likes a firm, structured shoe, or someone who, like me, is used to minimalist footwear, you’ll find an insole that works for you somewhere in their line. 

Versatile running options

Superfeet has a range of options that can be used to maximize comfort and prevent injury. If you’re working with a health practitioner on your foot issues, Gooch recommends taking your insole to them for input.

Photo: Matt Stetson

Runners looking for an insole specific to their sport have a variety of options. Those who prefer less distraction between their foot and the ground may opt for the Adapt Run or Adapt Run Max, both designed for runners who prioritize flexibility in their shoe and insole.

Adapt Run insoles help disperse the impact from the ground, and minimize the stress and strain that can lead to future foot and leg issues.

Superfeet insoles
Superfeet Adapt Run insole (left) and Adapt Run Max (right) with a generic sockliner (middle). Photo: Matt Stetson

Superfeet Run Comfort Insoles, made with carbon fibre, are on the other side of spectrum–a likely choice for runners looking for structure and stability. Superfeet Run Comfort Insoles provide added stability and support to help wearers gain efficiency.

Insoles for daily wear

For runners also on their feet during the workday, a pain-relief insole may be a perfect option when untying those running shoes and slipping on daily footwear. Superfeet has pain-relief option with a removable heel stabilizer, to “personalize your support and get the pain-relieving shape closer to your foot.”

Photo: Matt Stetson

Many people are less particular than I am about their shoes, and may easily find an insole that benefits them: if not, Superfeet offers a handy insole finder quiz, which is quick but all-encompassing, to help determine your needs. Their website is a fantastic resource, with an entire library of information on foot-related issues that often plague runners.

Superfeet also offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can shop worry-free.

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