sole-performance-mediumreview-dirtbagdreams.com

ProView – SOLE Performance Medium

I was pretty sure I had just hit the jackpot when I rolled into the merch tent at the Rainier Ragnar. Superfeet insoles for $5 a pair. Naturally, I bought $50 worth, looking like a bizarre fangirl toting them back to my campsite. Back when I used to work at REI, I would dig the broken and discarded tester pairs out of the trash and Frankenstein them back to life with duct tape or hot glue. I hated seeing them go to waste, I was poor AF, and a single pair retailed for $50. I hadn’t really strayed from my beloved Superfeet until now. And I gotta say, I’m awfully glad I did. 

SOLE Performance Medium

Product Description: This footbed features SOLE's trusted customizable support, the addition of Polygiene® odor control technology, a moisture-wicking topsheet, high volume Softec cushioning and an eco-friendly 100% recycled cork base. With thick cushioning, these footbeds are perfect for loosely fitting footwear such as work boots, hiking boots, running shoes and footwear with removable insoles.

Offer price: MSRP: $59.00

  • Quality
    (5)
  • Features
    (5)
  • Fit
    (5)
  • Durability
    (4)

Summary

For the last few months, I’ve been wearing the Sole Active and the Sole Performance. The active is a lower profile that fit nicely in my ultimate cleats and my cycling shoes- something my Superfeet insoles never did well. They provide arch support without taking up a lot of volume. The Performance insoles have 1.6 mm of cushioning and a recycled cork base. These were awesome in a pair of shoes I’d written off as not fitting my foot but the insoles changed my mind.

Overall
4.8

Pros

  • Heat-moldable for a custom orthotic fit
  • Odor-free
  • Reduced plantar fascia strain by 34%

Cons

  • A little pricey ($40-$60)

If you’ve worn Superfeet before you know there comes a time when the heel cup glue fails and the tiny piece of cork comes out and you glue them and glue them and tape them and finally give up. Sole insoles are one integrated piece so there is no glue to fail or pieces to disconnect. Superfeet can get pretty rank while Sole insoles are made with the Polygiene odor control technology.

sole-performance-mediumreview-dirtbagdreams.com
sole-performance-mediumreview-dirtbagdreams.com

Fit/Comfort

Perfect fit right out of the box. Customized fit so you don’t have to cut them to size. Heat-mold for a custom fit. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Look/Style

These are pretty good looking considering you’ll rarely see them. Pictures of sunsets and snow-covered mountains adorn these insoles. 

sole-performance-mediumreview-dirtbagdreams.com

Features

These are pretty good looking considering you’ll rarely see them. Pictures of sunsets and snow-covered mountains adorn these insoles. 

Odor-free, different volumes for different needs, varying levels of cushioning, heat-moldable, latex-free, lightweight, 90-day guarantee.

Function/Performance

Made me love some mediocre fitting shoes again! 

Durability/Construction

No pieces and parts to break apart or fail. The Performance insoles are made with recycled wine corks! So your feet can feel good and you can feel good about the sustainability of this product.

For the last few months, I’ve been wearing the Sole Active and the Sole Performance. The active is a lower profile that fit nicely in my ultimate cleats and my cycling shoes- something my Superfeet insoles never did well. They provide arch support without taking up a lot of volume. The Performance insoles have 1.6 mm of cushioning and a recycled cork base. These were awesome in a pair of shoes I’d written off as not fitting my foot but the insoles changed my mind. 

The Final Word

So, you’re probably like, it’s an insole, whatever. You are so wrong and you are not living your best life. I seriously, truly, have a pair of insoles in every single athletic shoe I own. Cross country ski boots, skate ski boots, AT boots, every pair of Altras and Hokas (5x pairs), my around-town boots, hiking boots, my OTF sneakers. Yeah, that’s right, I own that much footwear. Don’t ask how many pairs of Chacos I have…

sole-performance-mediumreview-dirtbagdreams.com

Shop the SOLE Active Medium Footbeds on Outdoor Prolink. Not a member? Apply today!

About the Gear Tester

Outdoor Prolink Pro
Amberleigh Hammond
EMT, Outdoor Emergency Care instructor, Ski Patroller, Leave No Trace Master Educator

Amberleigh spends her 9-5 working for national conservation organizations in operational risk management, outdoor education, and training. She is an EMT, Outdoor Emergency Care instructor, ski patroller, Leave No Trace master educator, and Mental Health First Aid instructor. Mornings, evenings, and weekends she can be found playing ultimate, fastpacking, ski mountaineering, mountain biking, and training for ultras in the Last Best Place. You can connect with her on Instagram at @LeaveNoTraceMontana.

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