Stride Soles: Rethinking Work Boot Insoles

We spend a lot of time evaluating options for the best work boots. In general, they do a great job and tend to be comfortable enough for most people. Sometimes, it’s not enough, and the natural move is to try different insoles. But off-the-shelf models often don’t fix the problem, and custom orthotics are expensive and time-consuming to deal with. That’s where Stride Soles come in.

I recently had the opportunity to learn more about their products and how they might just be exactly what you need.

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Stride Soles Basics

Stride Soles insoles feature a TPU lattice foundational layer, followed by high shore density EVA foam, and vegan leather.

They’re made possible thanks to the latest technological advancements. Using your cell phone camera, you’re able to create a 3D scan of your feet that can be used to create a custom insert. On the other end, Stride Soles 3D prints your insoles for an exact match down to the millimeter.

When you order, you’ll start by taking a quiz similar to what a podiatrist would ask you. Then, you’ll use your phone to take the 3D scan and a video of you walking to analyze your gait. That’s it. You can have everything you need uploaded in less time than it takes to drive to the podiatrist.

Stride Soles vs Off-the-Shelf Insoles

Stride Soles are much thinner than something like SuperFeet or Dr. Scholl’s, and avoid having tons of cushioning foam. But wait, isn’t a thick foam padding the main point of an insole?

Sure, if all you’re trying to do is create additional cushioning. And that one-size-fits-all approach is fine for many people.

However, Stride Soles isn’t trying to cushion your step—they’re changing the way you walk. In fact, your custom insoles might even feel uncomfortable at first. As you wear them, your feet will begin to adjust into proper position, and that’s how they relieve the pain. Simple cushioning alone can’t do that because it’s not corrective.

One other thing to consider if you’re used to basic insoles is how long they last. Most stock or off-the-shelf insoles are good for about six months. Stride Soles are guaranteed for three years.

Stride Soles vs Custom Orthotics

If you’ve investigated custom orthotics, you’ve probably already made the connection that it sounds like that’s what Stride Soles are. And you’re right. There are some differences, though, and they’re all better for you.

First of all, there’s the convenience factor. Everything Stride Soles needs to create your insoles can be done from the comfort of your home in relatively short order. There’s no need to visit a podiatrist or go back and forth with foot molds.

Second, there’s the price. Custom orthotics can run $600 – $800. Plus, it can take up to two months for them to arrive. Work boot insoles from Stride Soles are currently around $200, and they arrive in a couple of weeks.

Custom orthotics also have a kind of Frankenstein’s monster approach to their construction. Various pieces are cut and layered on, sometimes looking like a DIY garage project. Their construction approach can make it difficult to maintain consistency between the left and right feet as well. Since Stride Soles are 3D printed from a 3D scan, they are exact.

Then there’s the purpose of custom orthotics. Traditional orthotics can cause atrophy in your feet, and you end up needing them for the rest of your life. Taking away the work from your feet may alleviate pain, but it doesn’t fix the root problem.

Stride Soles’ approach intentionally includes small undulations to keep your feet working so they’re passively getting better and preventing injury as you wear them. This approach also means they’re safe to use as a preventative measure to correct foot movement before it causes noticeable pain.

Finally, there’s something called a 2/3s orthotic that’s a popular way to reduce the price of custom orthotics. These insoles run from the heel to roughly 2/3s of the way to the toe. The problem is that toe-off accounts for about 30% of your step, and that’s a lot of corrective opportunity missed. Stride Soles runs all the way to the edge to ensure you get the full benefit.

Work Boot-Specific Insoles

The main difference between Stride Soles insoles for work boots compared to their other shoe types is some extra cushioning in the foam layer. It’s a move that considers how much time you spend on your feet over the course of a shift, which is much longer than going for a run, bike ride, or working a desk job.

There are some differences in the general shape of the insole as well. If you wear out a pair of work boots, you should be good to swap your insoles into your new pair, even if you change brands. However, your work boot insoles likely won’t fit your dress shoes properly.

Should You Buy Them?

If you buy the correct size work boots and you can’t seem to alleviate the pain no matter what you do, Stride Soles is a compelling way to go. You get the benefits of a true corrective approach rather than just cushioning the pain away.

They’re a bit of an investment up front, but the insoles last so much longer than off-the-shelf ones that you’ll likely spend less over their life. Discounts are available if you order multiple sets, and your foot data is saved to make reordering easier.