Insoles for runners: prevent injury with SOLE footbeds.

You’ve had a long day at work and all you want to do is run out the stress on your way to tired satisfaction and a clear mind. Unfortunately knee pain is keeping you on the couch instead of where you want to be: pounding out the paces on the tarmac or trail. 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome or ‘runner’s knee’ is the most common injury experienced by runners, but it’s by no means the only issue we face. Metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinitis, shin splints . . . the list goes on. These ailments result from the vulnerable parts of your feet and joints taking repeated strain while you use them to burn off that excess energy. 

We often take our lower limbs for granted. Maybe it's because they're furthest from our brains and hearts? If we neglect to care for our feet and legs while we push the limits of what they can endure, we can end up with serious and recurring pain and injuries. The solution? Give your feet the support they need to do the work you’re asking of them.

Extensive scientific research by the Running Injury Clinic has demonstrated the beneficial effects of using orthotic insoles while running. Having the correct support helps your feet carry the load that you place on them when you run. This is especially important when pushing your body to extents it's not used to, whether that be your first ultramarathon, or your first 10km. And there's no better insole for runners than a SOLE footbed. 

SOLE footbeds’ signature shape supports your foot’s natural positioning and shape while you run, so all parts of your foot’s intricate machinery work the way they should. The custom moldable base acts as a dynamic second-skin, distributing pressure evenly so you don’t end up with localized stress injuries. 

The supportive arch helps take a load off the plantar fascia: that crucial ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes and holds it all together. A deep heel cup promotes your foot’s natural cushioning to absorb repeated force mile after mile. The metatarsal pad (in select styles) promotes natural positioning of your metatarsals, and reduces stress in the ball of your foot.

This signature shape delivers unrivaled support for runners, but it's not just the shape that's so important here. SOLE Active and Performance footbeds are made in a unique density mapped design, offering more rigidity where it's needed, and less where it's not. This allows the footbed to flex with your foot, accommodating your foot's natural movement while you run, at the same time as offering support.

The result is that SOLE footbeds are clinically proven to provide more support than any other brand while at the same time allowing your foot to flex and work as nature intended more than our competitors. Speaking of what nature intended, SOLE footbeds are also zero drop. The bottom of the heel cup sits at the exact same height as the forefoot. If you're looking to add arch support to a zero drop running shoe, any SOLE footbed is a great choice.

 And the best part? SOLE footbeds are custom moldable, so your unique feet get the right support, exactly where they need it. All it takes is popping them in an oven at home for two minutes, or even just wearing them and allowing them to mold to your feet over a couple of days.

So how does all this affect your knees and other injury-prone areas beyond your feet? The human body is an intricate system that starts at the feet. SOLE footbeds’ supportive shape helps promote neutral alignment. This proper alignment maximizes the efficiency of your body's biomechanics. 

Efficient biomechanics means less stress on your ankles, knees,  hips and even your back. It also means you use less energy while you run, keeping fatigue at bay. By reducing the strain on your feet and beyond, you allow yourself to run longer, maximizing your running performance overall. 

Say goodbye to runner's knee, get off the couch and give your body and mind what they want!