Gear Review: FootBalance Custom Footbeds
Posted on November 25, 2013 by
FootBalance Custom Footbeds
Do you experience problems such as tired or sore feet while hiking, walking, skiing, riding a bike, or even just standing for long periods during work? You may be able to benefit from getting shoe inserts (aka insoles or footbeds). Even back or knee aches could possibly benefit from the additional support from insoles. Most insoles on the market right now range from the expensive custom orthotics you get from an orthopedic doctor, to the many varieties of pre-molded inserts you can buy off the shelf. The off the shelf kind, though they do have some options as to foot type or the kind of support you'd like, are meant to fit a broad range of feet and aren't going to be dialed in specifically for your feet.... or each foot, as they are seldom ever the same. And what if you don't know what type of support would benefit you most?
We tested out custom insoles offered by FootBalance, whose North American Headquarters is in Boulder, Colorado. Jeremy Town, FootBalance's Managing director for North America, told us that more than 70% of people could benefit from having additional foot support. FootBalance has two main product lines - the 100% Custom, and the QuickFit.
The whole process for the 100% Custom analysis and fitting takes about 10 minutes. A technician will evaluate a thermographic display of each foot, showing the condition of the arches. Before this test, I was sure that my arches had collapsed. But the test actually showed that my arches were actually pretty normal. One was between normal and low, actually. Like I said, each foot is usually different. The technician will also view photographs of the foot and leg alignment to identify issues such overpronation or supination. These two tests will guide the strategy for each insole. They should ask you what sports you're going to use these for - if they don't ask, make sure you bring this up. After warming up the selected soles, they are formed to each foot, allowed to cool, then trimmed using your current footbed. FootBalance suggests progressively wearing these a little longer each day until your feet adjust to them.
You can use the store location tool on the FootBalance website to find out where you can get the 100% Custom footbeds. Most of these locations are Sports Authority/Sports Authority Elite and Road Runner Sports, as well as other specialty running and sporting goods stores. Though a little more of an investment, having the foot analysis and custom fitting is worth it.
Having had other inserts from several other companies, the FootBalance 100% Custom definitely feels more comfortable in comparison. The only negative I have for these inserts is that the toe portion floats from side to side a little in a wider pair of shoes, the pair whose inserts were used as a template for the FootBalance inserts.
The insoles should be pre-cut to size before molding with the QuickFit soles. The soles are warmed at 80 C/ 175 F for five minutes, or until the decal on the bottom of the sole changes color, whichever comes first. The soles are then slipped into your shoes and worn for at least 5 minutes to allow them to form to your feet.
Obviously, QuickFit won't be as custom to your feet as the 100% Custom line, and you won't be getting the foot and alignment analysis or assistance in selecting the correct insole. But it's a more economical option, especially if you are already aware of your foot and alignment issues. There are very few other insole options from other companies that can be heat-molded at home to give you more dialed-in support.
Purchase the Standard Width QuickFit
Purchase the Narrow Width QuickFit
FootBalance website
We tested out custom insoles offered by FootBalance, whose North American Headquarters is in Boulder, Colorado. Jeremy Town, FootBalance's Managing director for North America, told us that more than 70% of people could benefit from having additional foot support. FootBalance has two main product lines - the 100% Custom, and the QuickFit.
100% Custom
The 100% Custom line is the full-service option. It provides a full analysis of both feet, and a tailored solution for each foot. The footbeds are constructed of a heat moldable thermopolyurethane and an EVA foam cushion with an antimicrobial top coat. The 100% Custom line has a wide selection to choose from, varying mainly in the thickness and stiffness of the foam. There's even a heated version for snowsports. Even if you're into minimal footwear, not all support is bad. The "Performance" model in the 100% Custom line is actually geared toward a minimalist feel.The whole process for the 100% Custom analysis and fitting takes about 10 minutes. A technician will evaluate a thermographic display of each foot, showing the condition of the arches. Before this test, I was sure that my arches had collapsed. But the test actually showed that my arches were actually pretty normal. One was between normal and low, actually. Like I said, each foot is usually different. The technician will also view photographs of the foot and leg alignment to identify issues such overpronation or supination. These two tests will guide the strategy for each insole. They should ask you what sports you're going to use these for - if they don't ask, make sure you bring this up. After warming up the selected soles, they are formed to each foot, allowed to cool, then trimmed using your current footbed. FootBalance suggests progressively wearing these a little longer each day until your feet adjust to them.
You can use the store location tool on the FootBalance website to find out where you can get the 100% Custom footbeds. Most of these locations are Sports Authority/Sports Authority Elite and Road Runner Sports, as well as other specialty running and sporting goods stores. Though a little more of an investment, having the foot analysis and custom fitting is worth it.
Having had other inserts from several other companies, the FootBalance 100% Custom definitely feels more comfortable in comparison. The only negative I have for these inserts is that the toe portion floats from side to side a little in a wider pair of shoes, the pair whose inserts were used as a template for the FootBalance inserts.
QuickFit
The other product line from FootBalance is QuickFit, which is moldable as well, but is done at home in a conventional oven. It is similarly constructed of thermopolyurethane and EVA foam. There are fewer models to choose from than the 100% Custom, with the variations coming in the width of the insole and amount of arch provided.The insoles should be pre-cut to size before molding with the QuickFit soles. The soles are warmed at 80 C/ 175 F for five minutes, or until the decal on the bottom of the sole changes color, whichever comes first. The soles are then slipped into your shoes and worn for at least 5 minutes to allow them to form to your feet.
Obviously, QuickFit won't be as custom to your feet as the 100% Custom line, and you won't be getting the foot and alignment analysis or assistance in selecting the correct insole. But it's a more economical option, especially if you are already aware of your foot and alignment issues. There are very few other insole options from other companies that can be heat-molded at home to give you more dialed-in support.
Summary
Most insoles on the market are meant to serve a broad sample of feet, without the ability to be molded to your feet for a more custom fit. You may be lucky enough to get a good fit from an off the shelf model. But if you want to make sure you're getting the support for your specific feet and don't want to spend a small fortune on custom orthotics, give FootBalance a try. My girlfriend has tried many other insole brands, as well as custom orthotics, and likes the FootBalance 100% Custom fit the best.Purchase the Standard Width QuickFit
Purchase the Narrow Width QuickFit
FootBalance website
