The Sof Sole Athlete Gel insole is one of the most popular inserts for heel pain, as well as for those that need improved comfort from their footwear. The insert is made of Implus foam for better comfort and cushioning, which is also used in some Spenco products.
On top of that, it also uses the Hydrologix moisture-wicking technologoy to keep odors at bay and ensure they remain dry for longer periods of time.
Fit Profile
The Athlete Gel insole is a full-length insert with a medium profile, so you should expect it to take up a bit of space in your shoes. However, since it’s not a high-arch insole like some other brands, it should not be an issue when fitting in most footwear. When possible, you may even remove your shoe’s stock insert to create more room and comfortability.
Despite having a good range of sizes for purchase, some may still find the need to adjust the fit. And since this is a trim-to-fit product, you can quickly and easily cut and modify the toe area based on your exact size. Of course, it’s not recommended to trim any other part of the insole as it may have an impact on the overall performance and motion control you would expect to get from the design.
Arch Support
The Sof Sole Athlete Gel insole has a neutral arch design which makes it suitable for those with medium-to-high arches, but also forgiving for those with sensitive flat feet. Other inserts for plantar fasciitis, for example, are designed with a strong and rigid arch support system that makes it difficult for some with flat feet. The Sof Sole not only has a moderate arch, but the material offers more cushioning. This may reduce the break-in factor a bit.
The insole is rather flexible and still firm enough to offer adequate support overall for athletic use. And it’s most likely a step-up from any insole that is already in your shoe. But with an upgrade in arch support and cushion, you may benefit from reduced stress on the arches as the energy is more appropriately dispersed throughout the foot on each step.
As far as metatarsal support, there is no visible pad like you can see in the Spenco Total Support Original. However, there is a gel pad designed directly beneath the forefoot, which should help relieve pressure caused by running. This extra pad is in addition to an already moderately-cushioned foam base.
Heel Cup
The Sof Sole Athlete insole comes with a moderately deep heel cup, perhaps more than a few others but not at the top of the scale if you need something that’s extra-deep. But you can expect your heels to sit nicely as the design is comfortable and offers sufficient stability.
In addition to the forefoot gel pad, the Sof Sole Athlete also comes with another gel pad under the heel area, which provides additional support from heel strikes and repetitive use. This insert is one of the most comfortable heels we’ve tested against with the foam base layer and gel pad combined.
Use
The Sof Sole Athlete Gel insert is marketed as a performance insole for athletic and casual use. As such, this makes it one of the best insoles for running, hiking, crossfit and any number of activities that not only require functionality, but comfort. And, of course, this is good for all-day casual wear at work or just while out and about.
It might also be a good option for jobs that require standing all day, like retail, or for heavy duty activities like construction. Having a supportive, semi-padded, moisture-wicking insole stands to be very beneficial.
9 Best Shoe Inserts For Heel Pain 
Online Review User Experience
- Soft and flexible
Many online reviewers comment on the Sof Sole insert’s flexibility. The like the fact that it’s not so rigid, yet has a good balance of supportive properties. While some users love this, a few might opt for a more rigid athletic insole, like the Superfeet Green or the Physix Gear Sport replacement inserts.
- Durablility to last for quite some time
Despite being one of the more affordable insoles, the Sof Sole Gel insole seems to be fairly resilient and durable for most users. While some of the cheap replacement insoles are not made to last, the Sof Sole Athlete Gel insole has proven to be a bit more durable and long-lasting considering it’ use in athletic activities.
- Works great for athletes and non-athletes alike
While the Sof Sole Athlete Gel insert is designed to provide excellent performance for athletes, it also gets positive reviews for casual use. According to a number of users, this insert has provided relief from foot pain and shin splints that they were previously not able to find in other orthotics and footwear.
- Provides relief and support for plantar fasciitis
A lot of reviewers who have tried using these inserts find them to be among the best insoles for plantar fasciitis. They like that these provide solid support and comfort over what their original shoes and inserts provided. And of course that seems to have translated, for many, into pain relief from the condition.
- Minimal break-in period
Most users don’t seem to have any problems with break-in for these, however, some with sensitivities find that it may take them a day or two to fully break in. Most don’t seem to have this problem, since the arch support is moderate, however, it may take a short period to get used to having additional support.
Pros:
- Good amount of cushioning in heel and forefoot area
- Affordable price point
- Can be ideal for almost anyone, from flat feet to high arches
- Arch not overly aggressive
- Versatile – can be used in work and athletic shoes
- Several sizes to choose, probably don’t have to trim them
Cons:
- Few complaints about arch support from flat feet individuals
- Some need more rigid support for their arches
- Profile of insert is a bit too thick for some
- Certain other brand orthotics may last longer as per some