Why are cycling insoles so important?
Many cyclists are missing out on a vital piece of kit: insoles! Whether they typically cycle for fun or in competitions, even the best-equipped riders tend to overlook this small but mighty resource. Using insoles in your cycling shoes can actually improve your level of performance, stability and comfort, in addition to decreasing your foot pain and risk of injury! From ergonomic insoles specifically designed for cycling to made-to-measure insoles, our models will make each pedal stroke lighter, more natural, more fluid and more powerful.
Why should you wear insoles in your cycling shoes? And how can you choose between our ultra-innovative insoles to find the perfect fit for your cycling style: Bike+, Bike 3D or Custom? Find all the answers to your questions in this guide to using and buying our high-level cycling insoles, designed for optimal comfort and performance.
"From ergonomic insoles specifically designed for cycling to made-to-measure insoles, our models will make each pedal stroke lighter, more natural, more fluid and more powerful."
"WHY DO MY FEET HURT IN MY CYCLING SHOES? WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CYCLING INJURIES?" »
Burning under the arches of the feet, black toenails, compressed feet, rubbing under the metatarsals.... Cycling offers an escape, lifting you up off the ground, but your feet are really put to the test in your cycling shoes!
Our experts at the sports podiatry centre in Voiron, where we have been cultivating our expertise in the heart of the French Alps for almost 50 years, have examined the various causes of pain linked to cycling:
1. "When you walk or run, your feet naturally flex during movement, with a slight tibial twist of about 15 degrees. On a bike, the cleats attached to the shoes restrict this freedom of movement."
2. "Cleats unbalance the pressure exerted on the foot. Shoes are typically designed to evenly distribute pressure, but not cycling shoes, as the lack of support at the heel tends to over-stress the forefoot."
3. "Finally, although they are not in direct contact with the ground, your feet are subjected to a great deal of micro-vibrations from the road or paths during bike rides, which are often longer than runs. These shock waves are responsible for burning or rubbing sensations."
In addition to foot pain, cyclists are also prone to other injuries, especially in connection to the iliotibial band on the outside of the knee. Tendonitis and other inflammations of the musculo-tendinous insertions in the knee, psoas or quadriceps are therefore unfortunately common among cyclists.
How can you prevent these injuries? With muscle strengthening, specific physical preparation, mobility exercises and stretching; with a gradual increase in load, i.e. steadily increasing the difficulty and length of your training sessions; by getting your frame personally adjusted at a bike shop; and by wearing ergonomic and technical cycling insoles.
"Cycling offers an escape, lifting you up off the ground, but your feet are really put to the test in your cycling shoes!" »
"WHY SHOULD I WEAR INSOLES IN MY CYCLING SHOES?" »
"What do cycling insoles actually do?" We get asked this question a lot! In a nutshell, cycling insoles offer three main benefits: greater comfort, increased performance, and reduced risk of injury. Simple yet effective!
Described by cyclists as "a miracle comfort solution" – offering increased support on longer rides – cycling insoles provide:
- Optimal distribution of pressure points between the front and back of the foot, which are typically unbalanced due to cleats.
- Better stability, as the insoles perfectly follow the arches of the feet, creating a specific interface between your feet and the shoes.
- Absorption of shock waves and micro-vibrations that cause unpleasant burning sensations underfoot, which can spoil the fun of a long ride.
In addition to comfort, cycling insoles can also increase your level of performance. In fact, several professional cycling teams in the Tour de France have place their trust in us, following in the footsteps of the Astana team.
So how do cycling insoles offer more efficient and natural pedal strokes? How do insoles optimise cycling performance? By:
- Reducting foot fatigue. When your feet are sitting comfortably in your shoes, they are less tired and able to pedal harder and for longer. In fact, you can forget about any foot discomfort and focus all your energy on the joy of cycling.
- Optimising the power transmitted to the bike, as the insoles create an interface between the feet and the shoes to eliminate energy loss. Your pedal strokes have never been so fluid, precise and effective.
- Offering a lightweight product. Unfortunately, many competitive cyclists are held back by a common misconception: "insoles will affect my power-to-weight ratio!" Thanks to their fine and lightweight designs, our high-level insoles can put any such worries to rest.
"Cycling insoles offer three main benefits: greater comfort, increased performance, and reduced risk of injury."
"COMFORT, PERFORMANCE, AND REDUCED RISK OF INJURY: HOW DO INSOLES HELP PREVENT PAIN?" »
The answer is extremely simple:insoles are comfort solutions that help to correct recurring postural defects. Over the long term, these posture issues can lead to injury.
By wearing ergonomic, technical and specially designed insoles, you can therefore: enjoy better lateral and longitudinal stability; fix your posture problems in the saddle, ensuring a more natural body alignment; relieve pressure on your feet and knees; and facilitate blood circulation.
"Fix your posture problems in the saddle, ensuring a more natural body alignment; relieve pressure on your feet and knees; and facilitate blood circulation."
"WHAT ARE THE BEST INSOLES FOR CYCLING SHOES?" »
We have specialised in foot comfort for almost 50 years, and helping athletes to achieve their full potential has been in our DNA for at least as long. This expertise has enabled us to design ultra-innovative insoles that we know will perform extremely well. Our collaboration with the Astana professional cycling team, which dominates the Tour de France every year, is a testament to our success.
We therefore offer 2 key models:
- Specially designed technical cycling insoles known as Bike +. These insoles are suitable for all cyclists: women and men, enthusiasts and high-level athletes.
- Made-to-measure Bike Custom cycling insoles, which are specially created in-store with the help of a professional, allowing the insoles to be perfectly customised to your feet.
So how can you choose the right insoles for your cycling shoes? These two solutions offer comfort and performance using:
- "Confortene" pads under the forefeet to absorb micro-vibrations while ensuring your pedal strokes are precise and dynamic.
- "Podiaflex" technology under the arches of the feet as well as the back of the feet: this thin, lightweight resin provides optimal support and energy transfer. A real must in terms of support and stability.
- Finally, the foam used to cover the insoles guarantees comfort and breathability. This is essential if you want to avoid painful burning under your feet during long summer rides.
There is also a third comfort solution. Our third cycling insole is the Bike 3D, which is exclusively available in our online shop.
"The "Confortene" pads under the forefeet absorb micro-vibrations while ensuring your pedal strokes are precise and dynamic."
"WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STANDARD CYCLING INSOLES AND CUSTOM INSOLES?" »
Standard insoles offer a range of benefits, but made-to-measure insoles take these advantages to another level. However, standard insoles do represent a more economical comfort solution.
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Our Bike Custom insoles were specifically created to allow you to customise your insoles, in a shop, with a professional, so that they perfectly fit the unique curves of your feet. This personalisation increases all the benefits tenfold: stability, foot support, optimised pedalling, energy transmission, and comfort.
On the other hand, our "Bike +" insoles are ready to be inserted directly into your cycling shoes, but they can also be customised in-store, by a professional, thanks to Flashfit technology.
"Customise your insoles in-store, with a professional, so that they perfectly fit the unique curves of your feet."
