Plantar fasciitis can present itself as anything from a morning annoyance to sidelining heel pain, and I’ve experienced the full spectrum over the last year, including many months of no running in an attempt to eliminate the symptoms. The only thing that has worked for me is constant attention on multiple fronts, including ice, stretching, rolling, marijuana-based salves, and a few key pieces of gear, including a move to cushioned running shoes and upgraded insoles.
The Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit includes two full-length insoles (3mm and 5mm), a short 3mm insole, and a pair of arch supports that attach to each insole via velcro. The kit is designed to provide support and relief in a wide variety of footwear and activities. Here’s a quick look at how the Tread Labs Pace Insole Kit fit immediately into my routine.
Day One – Eight Hours On My Feet
On the very first day after receiving these insoles, I stuffed the 5mm full insoles into a pair of Ridgemont Heritage hiking boots and spent the entire day on my feet, much of it loaded down with a heavy photo backpack. The insoles provided comfortable support the entire day, and pain in the evening and following day was noticeably minimized.
Day Two – An Office Day In Casual Shoes
The following day, I switched the arch support from the 5mm full insole to the 3mm short insole, and slid them into a pair of Nothing New low tops. For years, similar short insoles have been must-have additions for me in Vans, Chuck Taylors, and other casual everyday shoes. Again, the Pace Insole provided extra support and comfort throughout the day. Even though most of that time was spent at a desk, the improved arch support still makes a difference.
Day Three – Five Mile Run On Pavement
The true test for me! Would these insoles provide me with the comfort and relief I need to add running back into my fitness routine? I decided to give them a try on a five mile run – the first paved surface running I’ve done in six months. I upgraded my pavement running go-to shoes, the Hoka One One Cliftons, with the full length 3mm insole. The immediate result – no initial heel pain early on in my run. That pain has been something that I just pushed myself to run through in the past, as it would usually eventually fade away 10-15 minutes into my run. I had no heel pain the entire run. While I still followed up my run by icing my heel (another must-have), post-run heel pain was very minimal. Another issue for me has been significant heel pain the day after a run or a long day spent on my feet. I’ve had none of that on days since adding these insoles to the mix.
Bottom Line
A mind-boggling number of options are available when it comes to aftermarket insoles, many of them focused on relieving pain caused by plantar fasciitis. I could certainly find lighter weight, racy insoles that cater specifically to running, and another pair for casual wear, and yet another pair designed specifically for heavy-duty, all-day excursions. But the Pace Insole Kit does all of those things very well, and at a fraction of the price of multiple specialized insoles. I expect these insoles to get even better after a little break-in. For me, the combination of versatility, comfort, and noticeable reduction in pain both during and after activities puts the Pace Insole Kit in the must-have category.
Details
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- Low, Medium, High (tested), and Extra High arch options
- 3mm (Pace Thin and Pace Short) or 5mm (Pace), 3D molded, open cell polyurethane foam (some trimming to size might be necessary. Luckily, I’ve avoided the need to trim to fit so far)
- Top cover fabric is low friction, 100% recycled polyester fabric with PURE antimicrobial treatment
- molded arch supports are built to last a million miles. Learn more about the Tread Labs Million Mile Guarantee.
Photos by Mitch Kline.
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