After seeing multiple ads on Instagram and Facebook, I reached out to Protalus to see if I could test out one of their insoles. I have plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and other issues, and I wanted to see how they compare to other brands I have tried in the past.
Now, mind you, I have had my feet scanned in the past and had custom-made insoles.
Insoles help from the ground up, and strength work does the same job from the inside: the strength training guide for runners on huuman’s blog lays out two short sessions a week for calves, hips and core.
I found the Protalus insoles particularly comfortable. Usually, you have to break in insoles, but you don’t with Protalus. However, when I slipped them in my shoes and tried them out, they were comfortable from the get-go.
The company sent me three pairs to try: the T100, the M100, and the M75.
The Protalus Insoles
Let’s start with the M75. This insole is a half insole; it only covers the heel and arch. I slipped these in my designer construction boots and wow, what a difference. The instructions said you should break them in. I wore them during my 2-hour class at Hofstra and had no issues at all!
In fact, I found them quite comfortable, and I was able to stand for 2 hours without my back or knees bothering me.
The T100 is thinner than the M100 and is used for lighter activities, such as hiking, soccer, walking around, even jogging. The thing about the Protalus is that it helps you maintain proper alignment, which is why it’s important to break it in properly by wearing it an hour or so at a time.
The M100 is the creme de la crop; this insole has the thickest cushioning and can be used for running and any other high-impact sport. You can even use it for walking if you want.
The differences
What makes Protalus different is its patented heel cup. It comes from years of research and iterations, and it helps improve the alignment of the kinetic chain, starting with the ankle.
Specifically, by wearing these insoles, you will reduce wear and tear on your joints; delays fatigue; and improve foot posture.
My experience
I found that I had to cut the toe to fit into my sneakers. This isn’t a big deal, and it’s meant to be cut. Once I got a perfect size, I slipped them into my sneakers, and they felt great. Unfortunately, due to my injury, I wasn’t able to try them out long enough to notice if my plantar fasciitis and my Achilles tendinitis went away. But I can tell you that they were super comfortable and very similar to the custom insoles that I previously purchased.
You can pick them up for $59 each at https://www.protalus.com/.
