Running Insoles: YES or NEVER?

[emrosey1]

I was just wondering people's general feeling on running insoles? 

Do you guys utilize them? If so where do you buy them from and what price point do you think is ideal? how much money would be too much to spend on an insole? 

Also would you consider utilizing an insole that had similar features to a fit bit? ex: tracked miles, tracked running style, etc? 

Has anyone come across a product like this that exists already? 

Thanks!

[USAF-Larry]

@emrosey1, I have never found a need for insoles with proper fitting running shoes.  I no longer run marathons, but I don't think I would have ever wanted to risk insoles moving around inside the shoes when I was running them.

No opinion on any kind of insole to track miles, etc., but then I have a Fitbit to do that.

[GershonSurge]

It's that time of year for student projects. I apologize if this isn't the case.

1. I've never used an insole since the early 80's when the modern running shoe was invented. Maybe @USAF-Larry recalls the old Sorbitane soles with gel in them.

2. I wouldn't be interested in any sort of fitness tracker in the insole.

3. This might be an excellent idea for people who can't walk fast enough for the Fitbit to register. It should sync with a phone. People would need one for every pair of shoes they have.

4. An insert that measures the pressures during running might be interesting to some people, especially if it came with a computer program to analyze the runner's gate. It could have a heat map for the probability of injuries in different areas of the foot. The models could have a graduated price range for functionality. Or they could pay a fee to turn on features.

Hope this helps. 

[BruceBu]

Never, I even remove the cheapo insoles that come with shoes as sold (as long as the last stitching is flat). I would rather use that space for socks with good padding.

See here for insole sensors. I think a more practical and readily available solution is 'foot pod' sensors (clip on to the laces, or a quick release holder than is laced in) offered by a number fitness tracking companies including Garmin, Polar, and Nike (I use a Polar 'Stride' sensor). They offer much more information for serious analysis of running dynamics, measuring things like step-by-step cadence and stride length, foot-ground contact time, impact G force, left-right asymmetries, etc.. But they are much more a serious training device and not 24/7 activity trackers.

[MagsOnTheBeach]

I use them, I run on cement and the extra layer keeps my back from getting sore. I use them from the drugstore - under $15 a pair.  I rotate shoes so the tracker is of no interest.

[Corney]

@emrosey1:  I don't know about insoles, but I developed Plantar fasciitis after 10 years of running 6-7 miles everyday.  I purchased a pair of OTC Orthotics and running shoes with a firm heel counter in order to control hyper pronation.  These Orthotics and proper shoes kept me on the road for 20 more years without symptoms.  I no longer run but still wear the Orthotics in the shoes I exercise in and am still symptom free.