If you struggle with foot pain, fatigue after a long day on your feet, or you’re looking to advance athletic performance with more efficient strides, you’ve come to the right place. There are many different Superfeet insoles to choose from, each with their own unique materials and characteristics based on the intended use.
One of the most common considerations when thinking about insoles is how soft or firm they should feel, especially when it comes to relieving pain. Soft, squishy materials don’t actually provide the best relief in the long run. The right shape under your feet, and materials durable enough to keep that shape step after step, can offer a long-lasting solution. That’s why even the softest Superfeet give structured yet flexible support to the arches and heels. Read on to find out the benefits of soft vs. firm insoles and the best way to figure out what would feel best to you.
What are the benefits of soft vs. firm insoles?
Superfeet insoles are not only designed for specific footwear and activities, they also come in a variety of cushion options from soft to firm. Here are the benefits of each and why you may want to choose one over the other.
Insoles on the firmer side of the spectrum deliver long-lasting, structured support. They are very beneficial for people who want stabilizing shape under their feet. Softer Superfeet provide shape and support that flexes with the foot, offering a cushioned experience designed to seamlessly integrate into athletic shoes or add anti-fatigue cushioning to work footwear.
Deciding between soft and firm insoles can depend on the intended use as well. Many people wear both, firm insoles in their everyday shoes that see the most use and cushioned, flexible insoles in their running shoes, for example.
Are soft or firm insoles better for pain relief?
When many people think of insoles, they only picture squishy, gel shoe inserts, especially if they are experiencing pain. Stepping on hard surfaces causes discomfort, so it’s understandable to think that stepping on something soft would ease that discomfort. However, the problem usually lies not just with hard surfaces, but flat surfaces under the feet as well.
Even people with very low arches don’t have completely flat feet. Soreness and pain can stem from inflammation that occurs when the tissue in your foot becomes strained trying to adapt to the flat, unforgiving surface inside your shoe. Providing the right contoured shape underfoot gives your arch and heel proper support, helping to prevent stretching or tearing that can lead to discomfort. Squishy, shapeless inserts may absorb some impact but don’t provide any of the shape needed for true, long-term relief.
That is why many people experiencing pain prefer firm insoles like Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch (also available in Medium Arch and Low Arch). The stable support offers durable shape anatomically designed to optimize foot comfort, matching the contour of the arch and keeping soft tissue contained under the heel bone to absorb impact. That said, the patented Adaptive Comfort Technology™ in Superfeet insoles like Run Cushion Medium Arch and Work Cushion enables flexibility and structure to work together to provide a softer feel that still gives underfoot support.
Whether you choose Support or Cushion insoles, Superfeet can help relieve pain and have you feeling your best.
What makes a Superfeet insole soft or firm?
Before we dive into the many different types of Superfeet insoles, it is important to note that “soft” in regards to Superfeet doesn’t mean “squishy” and “firm” doesn’t mean “rigid.” The softest Superfeet still have supportive shape and the firmest insoles include a foam layer that helps absorb impact.
The main characteristics of soft Superfeet insoles are a premium foam layer, sometimes two layers for extra cushion, and flexible rearfoot support that moves with the foot thanks to our patented Adaptive Comfort Technology. The softest Superfeet are any insoles with the word “Cushion” in the name, like Run Cushion High Arch, Work Slim-Fit Cushion or Hike Cushion.
Some of the most recognizable Superfeet products are on the firm side of the spectrum. All-Purpose Support insoles, previously known by color names like GREEN, BLUE, and BLACK, provide incredibly reliable support thanks to the durable stabilizer cap under the rearfoot and a high-density foam layer that supports the foot from heel to toe.
If you feel caught between wanting a cushioned feel and needing firm shape, insoles like Hike Support, All-Purpose High Impact Support and All-Purpose Memory Foam Support offer both premium cushioning and robust rearfoot support.
Soft, Firm, or In-Between: The Perfect Superfeet For You
When taking steps to find the right insoles, all paths lead back to your personal comfort. If you know you like to feel structured support under your arches, go for firmer insoles. If cushioned support that flexes with your foot as it moves is more appealing to you, check out all the great Superfeet Cushion options. If you want something in between, there are plenty of semi-firm insoles that provide both structured support and premium foam cushioning.
