Insoles: What to Look for When You're Choosing
Everyone's feet are different. Yours might be wide, flat, narrow or extremely arched. Maybe, you are prone to developing blisters, bunions or tendonitis. Whatever the case may be, keeping your feet protected and cushioned is essential for tennis players of any level.
It is one thing to have a great shoe on the court. But even the best shoes come with standard insoles. Abrupt responses, changes in direction, constant pounding and acceleration all come together to form the one thing that can make or break your tennis game: footwork. By minimizing stress and impact on your feet you are committing to bringing your best footwork every time you step on the court.
There is no doubt that you are on the right track when you make the decision to give insoles a try. But, there are several types and certainly several brands out there. You might be asking yourself which ones are the best? More importantly, which ones are the best for you?
First, there are two types of insoles.
Deciding between custom orthotics and over-the-counter insoles is the initial step. Custom orthotics are molded to your foot and can be ordered through a podiatrist or sports medicine doctor. This choice is the more expensive one and is usually recommended to correct poor foot mechanics that may be the cause of chronic pain. However, if you have any doubts about this course of action it is often customary to try out the various high-quality over-the-counter alternatives before you find yourself out of hundreds of dollars and unsatisfied.
Some of these alternatives include Superfeet , Sole Prime, Cadence, Sof Sole and Spenco insoles offered at Tennis Warehouse. Trying out these insoles is worth the fraction of the price of what custom insoles cost. With several options based on individual needs and specific foot types, these top-notch brands carry the potential to correct minor biomechanical issues special to your feet,designed to ease discomforts caused by the demanding physical aspects of tennis.
Superfeet
Superfeet insoles are designed with a firm belief that the human foot was made to adapt to uneven, natural terrain. But, over time our world has become flatter, harder and less natural. The unique Superfeet shape helps adapt flat, 2-dimensional midsoles of your tennis shoes to your 3-dimensional foot. Engineered for high impact performance, the patented technology of Superfeet stabilizes the foot, while the deep, structured heel cup and full-length foam insole provide ultimate support and unmatched comfort to your feet.
Superfeet's FLEXthin, FLEX, FLEXmax, and FLEX insoles are made with thick Aerospring foam for an added thickness inside your shoe, providing support and cushioning to your joints. Depending on how much thickness you are looking for is where the three different types come into play.
Superfeet's Color Codes:
Orange: Ideal for medium to high arched feet and recommended for those seeking maximum shock absorption in the forefoot.
Green: Superfeet's most famous insole. Designed for medium to high arched feet with legendary support built in.
Berry: The Berry insole was made with a slimmer heel and arch length to fit the proportions of the medium to high arched female foot, while still maintaining Superfeet's trademark performance and comfort features.
Carbon: Superfeet's innovative Carbon insole design has a low profile and low volume design made with the undeniable strength of carbon fiber and ultralight foam. This insole was designed to support the true athlete through durability and unmatched comfort.
Blue: Ideal for low to medium arched feet, the Blue insoles provide all-purpose performance for those with lower arches and flatter feet.
Black: Made for those who have a lower arched foot, the Superfeet's Black insole gives your feet the ability to perform at their best, but due to its low-profile shape this insole works well in tight-fitting footwear such as tennis shoes.
Cadence
Cadence insoles are built with semi-rigid support, but what really makes them unique is their ability to absorb impact, especially when it comes to faulty foot pronation, causing fatigue in your lower extremities. Cadence insoles provide an exceptional fit and lightweight feel for tennis players seeking an all-around high-performance insole.
SOLE Prime
SOLE Custom Footbeds offer the customized aspects of expensive orthotics without the high price tag or timely doctors visits. Every pair is built with a moldable orthopedic base layer. This supportive base layer adapts to your foot without compromising the orthopedic shape, giving you a comfortable, customized fit. SOLE recommends heating the footbeds in an oven prior to fitting them in your footwear to achieve the highest level of customization. You can also mold your new footbeds by simply removing the factory sock liners from your footwear and inserting your new SOLE Custom Footbeds. After a few days of regular use, the footbed will adapt to your unique foot.
Depending on your preference level of cushioning, all three of these Sole Prime insoles achieve equalized pressure distribution, reduced plantar fascia strain, increased balanced and feel on the court and an expanded natural heel cushion.
Softec Response Custom Insole: 1.6 mm of Softec cushioning and a moisture-wicking top layer is added to the moldable base layer of this diverse, compact insole. It is specifically designed for tight-fitting athletic shoes.
Softec Ultra Custom Insole: 3.2 mm of Softec cushioning and a moisture-wicking top layer is added to the moldable base layer of this maximum cushioned insole.
Thin Sport Custom Insole: This footbed is for the minimalist who is seeking extra support and stability without the added bulk. It contains the SOLE moldable base layer with a simple moisture-wicking top sheet to enhance performance without compromising your connection to the court.
Sof Sole
Sof Sole, established in 1991, has since become a leader in athletic footwear accessories. Sof Sole insoles are extremely versatile and their uses range from everyday needs to high-impact performance activities. Technologically advanced designs optimize the functionality, comfort and performance of any shoe making Sof Sole a great choice for tennis players of any caliber. In addition, for all three of these Sof Sole choices, there are designated men's and women's sizing, ensuring the perfect fit.
AIRR: This insole features an encapsulated air chamber in the heel and arch. There is also Polymer Gel in the forefoot to combat shock absorption. The AIRR Insole is complete with a moisture-wicking layer and a flexible design to fit in any type of shoe.
AiRR Orthotic: Like the AIRR, the AIRR Orthotic also features an encapsulated air chamber in the heel and arch and to combat shock absorption and Polymer Gel in the forefoot. What sets this insole apart is the reinforced stability plate in the arch and heel, made for players with low to neutral arches looking for motion control and stability. It comes complete with a moisture-wicking layer on top to keep your feet dry.
Athlete: Designed for the athlete in mind, these insoles remain lightweight while offering maximum amounts of cushioning through gel drops in the heel and forefoot. With a neutral arch design and added foam these insoles are suitable for all users who seek a high-performance option.
Spenco
Spenco Insoles are a significant upgrade compared to the replaceable sock liners that come standard in tennis shoes. They use advanced materials and the latest technologies to help increase performance and stability while offering lasting comfort, recovery benefits and relief from foot pain.
Arch Support: The Arch Support insoles from Spenco are a great option for balancing and stabilizing your foot in harsh conditions. Heat these moldable insoles up to achieve a custom fit, absorb shock and reduce friction for overall comfort on the court.
PolySorb Cross Trainer: Combining shock absorption and energy return technology, these insoles offer lasting comfort and injury prevention for running, walking, training activities and sports. Spenco's proven cushioning and support improves athletic performance and prolongs the life of your shoes. These insoles are durable, washable and come with a one year unconditional guarantee.
Total Support Replacement Insoles:Spenco's Total Support Replacement Insoles go above and beyond adding extra support and comfort to your tennis shoes. These insoles pinpoint and control key areas on your feet that receive the most impact during activity. This technology reduces symptoms caused by Plantar Fasciitis, in addition to combating over-pronation - a common problem that causes foot, leg and back pain. These insoles are unconditionally guaranteed for one year.
Final Thoughts
No matter the level at which you are competing, your feet deserve the best support possible. This can be attained through any of these performance insoles depending on your foot shape and comfort preferences. With so many choices, it is worth trying one of these brands before making the commitment to buy custom orthotics. It is likely you will find the support your feet need for a much lower price. For further assistance in choosing an insole perfect for you contact Tennis Warehouse's customer service department.
