SOLE Insoles Review for Running and Everyday Shoes

We tested these SOLE insoles firsthand in 2023. SOLE still sells custom-moldable footbeds, including cork-based Performance models, but product names, materials and molding instructions can change, so check the current directions for your specific insole before use.

I came to running later in life, and once I started putting more miles on pavement, footwear comfort became much more important. I tried two pairs of SOLE insoles: one in dress shoes and another in running shoes. This is my experience with them, not a medical assessment or a claim that insoles can treat knee, back or foot problems.

Fit and everyday comfort

The first pair went into my dress shoes. The biggest difference for me was simply that the shoes felt more supportive and comfortable during the day. Fit is personal, though, and an insole that works well in one shoe may change the available volume or feel too thick in another.

Heat molding the SOLE insoles

The pair I tested could be heat molded. I warmed the insoles according to the product instructions and then stood in the shoes so they could conform more closely to my feet. The process was straightforward, but anyone trying this should follow the current manufacturer directions for the exact model.

Running in SOLE insoles

In my running shoes, I found the added support comfortable as I continued building a running routine. I personally noticed less discomfort around my knees and back during that period, but that experience cannot establish that the insoles caused the change. Running load, shoes, training, recovery and individual biomechanics can all affect how someone feels.

If pain persists or worsens while running, it makes more sense to speak with an appropriate healthcare professional than to assume an insole will solve the underlying issue.

Cork construction

One feature that appealed to me was the use of cork in the models I tested. The brand made environmental claims about its cork materials at the time; because sourcing and sustainability claims can change, shoppers should verify the current materials and certifications directly before treating those claims as current.

Who might like them

SOLE insoles may be worth considering for runners or everyday shoe wearers who want a different feel underfoot and whose shoes have enough room for an aftermarket insole. Comfort is highly individual, so the useful question is not whether one insole is universally best, but whether it works with your foot, shoe and activity.

For another firsthand running-gear perspective, see our NORTIV 8 running shoes review or our Shokz OpenRun Pro review.