Interview: Why is it important that you wear insoles while cycling?
Read on to find out why you should wear ergonomic insoles while cycling in our exclusive interview with SOLESTAR's Oli Elsenbach.
To find this out, we got a hold of Oli Elsenbach, the developer of SOLESTAR insoles, and asked him some questions.
My feet feel fine while cycling, why should I even consider insoles?
With the help of an ergonomic insole, feet take on a more stable and comfortable position in the shoe as well as on the pedal.
When taking evolution into account, we realize that our feet were not made for cycling. With insoles, the ‘natural’ foot position is realigned, which results in better power transfer overall.
Why are our feet not always in the natural position?
Looking farther back in history, it is clear that human beings were not wearing shoes. Shoes work like braces supporting the foot in such a way that critical muscles never develop for the natural position. In a way, shoes have cause a type of de-evolution.
What do insoles do to my feet?
Basically, the insole supports the so-called ‘zero-position’ of the foot. The stabilising delta of a SOLESTAR insole for example, supports the inner edge of the foot, while the raised area around the small toe and lowered area under the large toe help put the foot in a more natural position. This results in more support for the entire foot, which leads to less muscle strain and better power transfer.
Simply put: the insole straightens out your body below the saddle.
Are insoles for everyday riders or just pros?
Insoles are great for everyone. No matter the shoe or the individual anatomy, they can improve comfort while riding.
How do I choose an insole?
Well, you’ve got to try one. Think about it this way, insoles are kind of like wheels. All of them have to roll and be round, but how they perform in stiffness, acceleration and durability varies widely. Like this, an ergonomic insole has many more benefits over mass produced versions.
