SOLE Customer Testimonials
SOLE Custom Footbeds — Custom Fit Your Footwear
SOLE Custom Footbeds are heat moldable insoles that provide proven orthopedic support and industry leading cushioning that is customized to your unique feet.
Running Testimonials
A year ago my feet looked like a war zone. The week between long runs wasn't enough to remedy the huge blisters I was getting on the sides of my feet and under many of my toes. The toes on the right foot suffered and the side of my left foot never could callus! My friend Jane kept talking about her magic socks - I'd tried everything - body glide, alcohol soaks - you name it. So I went to my local running store, Colorado Running Company and told Alicia I wanted some magic socks because Jane swore by them. She knew exactly what I was talking about. And the magic socks were good - but the really amazing thing is that magic Sole socks combined with the magic Sole insert mean that I am blister free - well except for the pinky toe on the left foot that I step on for 26.2 miles! Seriously, I had a massage today, just two weeks after running the Boston Marathon and my massage therapist, having seen the horror of my feet after previous marathons, marveled at them. She said that few marathoners feet looks this good. I'm running in the same shoes - training shoes and race day shoes - that I was a year ago. The difference - my Sole socks and my Sole inserts. I had enough other aches and pains to worry about during the marathon - it's nice to know that I don't have to worry about my feet anymore. I'm a believer - magic does work, especially when it's called Sole.
Jessica Raab, Satisfied Customer and Marathoner
I've been using SOLE footbeds and socks while training on a variety of surfaces (e.g. sidewalks, roads, mulch trails) in mild as well as cold weather. The footbeds are supportive without feeling rigid, and with them I have not had the blister problems I sometimes developed when running with my shoes' original footbeds. Since they are so lightweight I can wear them for long training runs and not feel as much fatigue as I have with other footbeds I've tried. I've worn the Air-Flow Cooling socks for a couple of road races and like their "breathability." They are just like a second skin. The Dual-Layer socks are my favourites for winter running--I've been comfortable in temperatures down to -15C with them.
Sarah Knudson, Satisfied Customer and Winner — Reykjavik Marathon 2007
I have 3 pairs of DK's and I love them. They offer a lot of stability - so much so that it required more care when selecting shoes. I've stepped down a notch - from a moderate stability shoe to a mild-stability in my road shoes, and went to neutrals in my trail shoes (I was getting over corrected in some cases). This ROCKS, because I've obtained better protection and even pressure disbursement from the DK's while using lighter weight shoes allowing me to safely go longer distances in comfort and without hot-spots or blisters. I was previously relying on Superfeet, but those don't come close to the support and comfort offered by Sole customs. BTW, your customer service is AWESOME!
Pete Jefferies, Satisfied Customer
Wobble-naught CAD fitting & Myo-facts sEMG/Dartfish use Sole as a bio-feedback device. We want all our dealers to use them. Misaligned joints are very common in fitting business. Sole assist our CAD to correct alignment issues, providing pain relief & wear and tear to the body. With the correct bike setup, Sole footbeds allows the cyclists to get on the pedal stroke early and stay on it longer. We suggest the Sole due to its ability to mold to the needs of many different shoe types. You get a better inteface of shoe and human foot. The advantage is it is not made by just standing or sitting in a static position, but like "Speed balancing tires", while you pedal.
After we have the cleat correct and the bike dialed to the human to the milimeter, then we have them mount the bike while in a trainer and mold the Sole while they pedal. It's that simple! The Sole footbed improves performance as it reduces the lag time of getting on the pedal storke. Using our Myo-facts sEMG/Dartfish, we teach pedaling from the arches rather than the toes or heel and the only way you can get the feedback to the brain is by having a footbed making contact w/ the arch.
The skeletal muscle system is a voluntary system; that is, it needs an intact nerve supply to contract, and does so mostly as a result of conscious direction from the brain. If you can't feel your arch, you can't determine how to move your best!
By using our Myo-facts sEMG/Dartfish, we can see the difference a Sole footbed makes. The electrical activity of muscles responding to nevous stimuli during human movement can be monitored with our technique call electromyography (EMG). We measure in millionths of a volt (microvolts)! The greater the intensity of contraction, or tension, the greater the electrical output. The sEMG can also reveal the declining output as muscular fatigue takes place. Without Sole, the muscles don't fire as well, and faster fatigue is the result. With the Sole, the results are the muscles start firing better and fatigue less, and pedal performance comes forth!
Tom Coleman, Satisfied Retailer and President of Wobblenaught.
I am a ultrarunner and after trying just about every footbed made my search was over after being introduced to Sole ultra softec custom footbeds in 2005. I have been running pain free ever since. Sole footbeds provide the perfect combination of cushioning, arch support and excellent stability due to the low heel cup. A very durable and well designed product.
Scott Gala, Satisfied Customer and Ultra Runner, Northville, Michigan
I first received a pair of Sole Socks free from the Dean Karnazes Endurance 50 run at the Philadelphia Marathon course. I started using them on very long training runs. I have been running ultra for about three years and these socks were perfect. I've run 50 miles on a treadmill, multiple long training runs, JFK 50 milers and the Umstead 100 Mile Endurance run since I've received these socks. The socks are awesome!!! They support my feet especially under my arch and I can run longer with no blisters. JFK last fall I had no blisters and at Umstead 100 I ran the last 50 miles with them after changing socks and shoes only once. The socks I used for the first 50 gave me only 1 large blister. After changing into my Sole Socks my feet were much better off. Thanks Sole Socks for saving my feet.
Josh Irvan, Ultra Runner, Brookhaven PA (Outside of Philadelphia)
I want to tell you that those insoles went like hotcakes; they are truly what you said they would be. I am so very pleased with them that I cannot wait for the next season to start so that I can train with them. I'm very interested in using your insoles with my team next year.
Denis Mitchell, Satisfied Customer and World record 4 x 100 relay, Olympic bronze medalist
They work fantastic. I am a distance runner who is training for Boston. I also am 5' 9" and 200 lbs. I have a lot of strain on my arches. Before I started using the SOLE Custom Footbeds I had problems with Plantar fasciitis in my left arch. Since I put the Footbeds in I have had no problems what so ever. I am averaging about 40-50 miles per week in them. I did a 22 mile training run yesterday without any problems. I love your product and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Daniel Govern, Satisfied Customer
I'll be 45 in a few weeks. I began running when I was 20. Like many, running has become my focus, obsession, daily routine. I currently have a 13 year streaking going of not missing a day. A few (20 - 30) of those runs were 3 miles or less due to injury/sickness, having to get my run in before an early morning flight, or dangerous weather (electrical/hail storm or -25 temps with -50 wind-chill) Most of my weeks average 45-55 miles a week. Most of these miles I run alone. I go at different times of the day due to work, travel, family events or pace, since I train at a 7:15 pace and most of my friends average 8:30 - 9:00's. I get sore if I run too often at a pace other than my own.
Now you're wondering why I'm boring you with the details of my running obsession. 2003 was a difficult injury year for me. I pulled my left hamstring which resulted in aches and pains all winter. Later that summer, I strained my left thigh and soon after that I sprained my left ankle on acorns in the dark. I continued to run every day, but I felt achy and out of balance. I had been using Spenco insoles for years and decided maybe it was time for orthotics. I had stopped into Runner's Edge in St. Paul, Minnesota, and noticed your product. The feedback from the salesperson was that he had tried Sole insoles and they were great. I knew him for a while and I felt I could rely on what he said. I decided to give them a try for $40 before spending $100's on orthotics. After all, I still need to keep my streak going and the aches and pains were making it hard to get motivated. Well, needless to say, I've been using them since October '03 and I'm feeling better than I have in years. I feel more balanced and my aches are now the result of hillwork or increased distance changes! I've worn them all winter and into a second pair of shoes and they still feel good! I'm hoping to get back to my 43:00 - 44:00 - 10K times this spring (if aging the additional year doesn't slow me permanently!). Your insoles have given new life to my running and I am looking forward to a much better summer than last summer! Thanks for introducing a great product! Best wishes for a long and prosperous business for you!
Vicki Leafgren, Satisfied Customer
My husband had been having heel pain while running and had tried several different types of heel pads, gel soles, but had not had relief from the pain. Then another friend told us about SOLE, and we immediately ordered a pair. He noticed a big difference right away, and was so improved after a couple of weeks, that he ran in the St. Patrick's Day 10K here in D.C. and was really pleased with how he felt afterwards. I can't thank SOLE enough for helping him stay on track with his goal. He was ready to stop running, and now he's closer to accomplishing his dream of running a marathon next year. From the ease of using your website to the quality of the product, to follow-up service you provide, SOLE really excels!
Jeanne Doherty, Satisfied Customer
I'm an active 53-year-old living in beautiful British Columbia. I overdid it on a couple of extended hikes this past summer and developed significant foot arch pain, something I had never experienced before. Being an avid hiker, skier, and mountain biker, I was pretty bummed out. I had resigned myself to a period of enforced rest and the purchase of expensive orthotics when the folks at my local Valhalla Pure store suggested I give the Sole footbed a try. I did, and I'm not making this up when I tell you the sense of relief was virtually immediate. I installed the footbeds in my running shoes on Friday, wore them around the house Saturday, and went golfing with my son on Sunday, pain free! I plan to get another pair for my ski boots as well. Thank you."
Geoff Prescott, Satisfied Customer
I am a 52 year young runner here in the desert of Arizona. I have been running since high school and still enjoy the competition of road, track and trail running. I win or place in my age group most of the time. Yes, I have had my down times. Some due to over training and some due to "I'll just sleep a little longer." Recently I developed a Metatarsal injury on my left foot. I went through the routine of resting, icing and stretching without success. I thought for sure that I would have to take an extended time off from running. I tried various inserts to provide more protection for the foot. I even had a custom insert made by an orthopedic doctor. None of these attempts provided the protection I needed.
On a visit to my local Performance Footwear running store, I noticed the "Your SOLE" display. I thought I had to give them a try. Not only did [SOLE Custom Footbeds] allow me to resume my normal training routine, it also allowed my metatarsal to recover and I am now pain free once again. Thank you "Your SOLE" for helping me to continue doing the sport I have loved for so long."
John W. Norris, Satisfied Customer
I purchased my first set last week. After molding the orthotics and running once, I'm back to order a second set. Love 'em! Also, fast order filling and shipping. Thanks.
Gary Davis, Satisfied Customer
I already own two pair of [SOLE Custom Footbeds] for my running shoes to help with plantar fasciitis. They have worked perfectly for me. You have a great product. I am branching out to use the orthotics in shoes I wear for other activities. Keep up the great work!!!
George Iverson, Satisfied Customer
I have two pairs of custom made orthotics - neither of which I wear anymore because my [SOLE Custom Footbeds] beat them for comfort, cushion, and support. I can replace them almost ten times for the price of custom orthotics.
Erik Kaitala, Satisfied Customer - Run Manager, Gear West
A must for anyone who is on their feet! I'm a runner and started having foot pain in various areas. This [SOLE Custom Footbeds] solved the aches and pains. My hip problem also disappeared. I own 2 pair and wear one for my workouts and one for everyday wear. Your feet and legs will thank you.
Karen M, Satisfied Customer
This is the best product I've ever seen, after having run six marathons I had to stop running due to severe knee pain. With SOLE Orthotics I can now run again... pain free. In fact, I can't run without them. I wear them in all my shoes and all the staff wear them and swear by them.
Erin Schroeder, Satisfied Customer - Manager - Fleet Feet, San Francisco
These are incredible insoles. I have run with Sorbothanes, Sofsole, Powersteps and Spenco. Your SOLE provides the best cushioning of all those. I have only run about 20 miles so far...but they feel great. Thanks.
Robert Turbyfil, Satisfied Customer
I have used your product for years - I couldn't run every day without them. They are perfect for my feet problems
Patty, Satisfied Customer
Thanks Kevin. I think they're great. I put a pair into my running shoes and also a pair in my cycling shoes. They have really helped in my running shoes and can definitely tell the difference between a normal insert and one from SOLE. I will certainly promote your products to fellow athletes. Best of luck and thanks for your email.
Jeremy Kuhlen, Satisfied Customer
I now run longer and pain free thanks to SOLE Orthotics.
Eric Silden, Satisfied Customer
It was my first marathon, but I was ready for more thanks to SOLE Orthotics.
Laura Kenna, Satisfied Customer - Adventure Guide
I had these in my shoes when I ran outdoors on the road as well as some trails and also indoor on a treadmill. These were more comfortable and more flexible than other orthotics I've used before. I liked how I could mold them after taking them out of the oven.
Cristina Winsor, Satisfied Customer
At Arizona State University we have been looking for a product that will supply a custom fit that can be applied quickly and easily to our athletes. SOLE Orthotics has provided this feature to service our athletes. The greatest benefit we find is the ability to provide good support with a semi-custom fit on the spot. The athlete is able to leave our facility with corrections to certain biomechanical deficiencies as soon as they are identified. We have not eliminated the use of custom orthotics, but certainly have reduced the need to utilize them in every instance, thus saving the athlete time and expense.
SOLE Orthotics have been a great addition to the service we provide at Arizona State University.
Perry Edinger, Satisfied Customer - Director of Sports Medicine
Because of a severe case of Plantar Fasciitis in 1989, I began wearing custom orthotics made by Dr. Glickman in Michigan. These are made out of a very stiff plastic material. These devices allowed me to continue to run 20-50 miles a week since 1990. During this time I completed 7 marathons including the 100th Boston. In 1999 I began look for an over the counter orthotics that would provide the same degree of protection and be more comfortable. I tried the Sorbothane full shoe insert and the SOF Flow full shoe insert with the arch support. Both were comfortable but neither provided me with the arch support I needed to run 20-35 miles a week pain free.
Last November I purchased my first pair of Sole Orthotic and they have provided me the comfort and support I need to continue running pain free. From now on, any time I purchase a pair of running shoes, I will also be replacing the insert with the Sole Orthotic.
This is the best my feet have felt since the mid 1980's.You have a great product that I would recommend to all my running friends.
Mike Kowalski, Satisfied Customer - West End, North Carolina
I just wanted to let you know that Joelle Ypma, who participated in the Eco-Challenge as your sponsored athlete, endorsed your product and encouraged me to try your Orthotics by giving me a pair. I participate in marathons, duathlons, triathlons, ultra distance mountain bike races, etc...
I have run with your Orthotics on several occasions ranging from six to fifteen mile runs. Your product is awesome! I see no difference between my custom orthotics and your product with the exception that your product is more affordable and less weight.
I can see where your product among athletes will be a big hit with more product awareness. Nobody in my local area carries your product--Boise, Idaho. I can see where I and other athletes would use your product not only in running shoes, but cycling due to its affordability.
Steve Vaught, Satisfied Customer
I wanted to let you that I got these orthodics because of serious IT band friction syndrome. Prescription orthodics were just way out of my price range , and SOLE footbeds were recommended to me. Well, I put them to the ultimate test this past Sunday, running the Mardi Gras Marathon with the. I had NO IT band pain! It was fantastic! Thanks for your great product. I was talking about them with runner throughout the whole course, and I got an email toady from one of them saying she had placed here order already.
Sara
The soles are great and I run a lot. I don't wear my running shoes without them! I'll buy more soon.
Chris
I absolutely love your product and will continue to use them for many years to to come. My first pair of soles were actually second-hand, but I was actually able to remold them after heating them up in the oven again. My newly purchased soles fit perfectly after activating them and I plan on using them in my shoes to run the NYC marathon in about a week. I will gladly recommend your product to friends and continue to buy in the future as soon as I wear through the 5 pairs I just bought. Thanks for everything.
Tyler
I have to tell you, I'm thrilled with your product. I got married about 2 years ago, and typically, I put on about 20 pounds. I've been a casual runner (about 10 miles a week), and since I've gained weight, I started to develop some Plantar's Faciitis in my right foot. I subscribe to Runner's World, and they had an article on your product, so I purchased a pair of them to see if they would help.... THEY ARE WONDERFUL!!!... my feet don't throb after my run, and with just a little stretching, etc. they are making a world of difference. Great Product! I plan to buy another pair in a few months when I purchase new shoes.
Scott
The SOLES are way cool! One of my pursuits is Adventure Racing, and I have always had sore feet from the hours of running/hiking on rocky trails. To make matters worse, I have wide feet with hight arches, so finding a shoe that fits correctly is difficult. The custom-fit of the SOLES really appealed to me, so I decided to give them a try. I just did my first Adventure Race with them installed in my shoes, and the results are FANTASTIC!!! After 10.5 hours of non-stop running/hiking/canoeing/biking, my feet are not sore at all. This is especially impressive because they were "marginal" on race day, from the previous week's 4 hour training hike/run (without SOLES install, and inferior shoes). The custom-fit makes all the difference, allowing my feet to work perfectly with the shoes.
Tim
The service and product I received is much better quality than I expected. I'll give you a little background. I suffered a bad sprain in my foot while joggin in october and had to go to the Sports Doctor for cortisone shots. That solved the immediate problem but I was told I would have to wear orthotics and he was glad to measure me up and order them. I had insurance and it was going to cost me only $20 for a co-pay. This involved two more visits at $20 a pop. He told me it would be 14 days. Well it was 5 weeks and still no call. When I reached him he told me he had a problem with the manufacture and just be patient. I cancelled the order and told him what I thought of his service. You were referred to me by a friend who just bought orthotics from a sports doctor and was not real happy with the product which I found to be chinsy. I did a little research on the net and thought you had what I needed. I ordered the thicker liners because not only do I run about 3 miles a day but I spend a lot of time on my feet at work. I have used them for about 3 weeks and couldn't be happier.
Jim Rabbitt
Your insoles have allowed me to run pain-free. Apparently the insoles I used to use didn't cut it and when I saw a podiatrist I found out why: unusually high arches. He suggested two things, custom insoles or (the next best thing) your insoles. I ordered yours, they came several days later, and I was off and running! I've already sent several friends your way...Thank You.
Juliet Farmer
I am a lean fit guy that is 6' tall, weighs ~190 lbs, and enjoys running ultramarathons among other outdoor activities. I have been trying different shoe/insole combinations for the last year and could not find anything that provided the cushion required to keep my feet comfortable. That is, until, I found your insoles. I matched them up with my Montrail Hardrock shoes and now I can run all day on rocky terrain and my feet do not get sore like they used to do. Thank You for saving my feet on the long runs.
Benjamin Stegner
I am a veteran of 74 marathons who in 2003 ended up with Plantar Fasciitis through a non running injury. Thus began my long and slow healing and rehab process. After taking a couple of months off I was able to continue running marathons, but not as many in a year as I would like to. This I was able to accomplish by using half plastic arch support inserts. I also used them in my dress shoes. Of course they worked but the feeling of vulnerability was always there. My doctor also advised me to continue using them. Inside I dreamed of the day when I wouldn't have to use them. So I had been living with these since September 2003.
On Saturday, two days before Boston marathon I had the good fortune to meet with Matt Chestnut and in a few minutes decided to buy a pair of these insoles. I noticed a sudden comforting and healing change just in the first 2 minutes while I was waiting for the SOLES to harden. It felt so good that I decided to leave them in and walked around the expo for a couple of hours in them. The more I walked the better my heels and legs felt, with the result that I bought yet another pair before leaving. Rest of Saturday and Sunday I kept these on.
We all know that as marathoners we are not supposed the change anything like shoes, diet, fluids, etc. before a marathon. In other words "Stick to what has worked". Well my feet and legs felt so good that I decide to commit the Biggest Sin a marathoner can ever commit. No way in hell was I going to give up the therapeutic pleasure of these insoles. So 2 days after my introduction to these I ran Boston marathon with them. What a difference. I had a great discomfort and anxiety free race. You probably never saw me because I was a Bandit or because I was running on clouds. Folks this product is for real. I have since bought 2 more insoles, one for the dress shoes. Compare the price and healing power of this, you can't go wrong. Consider this the testimonial of a lost soul who is now healed through the SOLE and heel support of this great product. I could do better but I am not on David Letterman. Just trying to share a great product!!!!
Arnie James