What are Insoles?
Insoles, also known as shoe inserts, foot beds, or orthotics, are removable layers placed inside shoes or boots to provide comfort, support, and a better fit. They can also help keep shoes fresh by being taken out and cleaned. They are created to provide optimal support and comfort. Insoles address specific foot issues like arch support, alignment, and pressure distribution.
Should I wear custom insoles?
Wearing custom insoles can be highly beneficial if you experience foot pain, have flat feet, high arches, or specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. They provide personalized support, improve foot alignment, and can alleviate discomfort caused by prolonged standing or walking. Consult with a podiatrist to determine if custom insoles are right for you.
Why is the break-in period so important? How long do they take to break-in to my feet?
Due to the design and material of our Z-liners, we recommend giving them a good wear for about 5-7 days. This allows enough time for your feet to start setting in and experiencing the benefits that our insoles provide. Some stiffness in the beginning is perfectly fine and expected, as your feet begin to break in to our footbeds. During this time, support and comfort will further be increased throughout your entire foot.
How long does shipping take?
We ship orders out every day and its usually 2-4 business days for delivery. Once shipped, we also send you a tracking number to the email provided in the order.
Will the insoles fit in my shoes?
Z-Liners will fit in just about every type of footwear ranging from:
- running
- tennis/pickleball
- golf
- all types of cleats
- casual/dress
- basketball/sneakers
- mountain bike/BMX
- skate
- work boots
- ski/snowboard
- motocross boots
- hiking
- hockey/roller skates
- running
- tennis/pickleball
- golf
- all types of cleats
- casual/dress
- basketball/sneakers
- mountain bike/BMX
- skate
- work boots
- ski/snowboard
- motocross boots
- hiking
- hockey/roller skates
Are insoles good for flat feet?
Our insoles have a firmer material in the arch region to provide additional support. If you’re looking for support that isn’t too aggressive for flat feet then these should be able to help you. Our material will form to your feet while giving extra stability, especially in the arch region. Being that you’re using them for flat feet, they may take a few days to adjust to as you may feel increased pressure in the arch region.
Do they have arch support?
Yes! Arch support is one of the most important and effective parts. We use a stiffer grade of our material in the arch region. Due to the color and material, it may be hard to see the built-in support in the photos but you can definitely feel it. During the break-in period, our material will begin adjusting to your foot shape, weight and pressure points. The support is increased even more, once they fully set in.
Will these help alleviate plantar fasciitis pains?
Our Z-Liners can definitely help with plantar fasciitis issues. Our adaptive heel cup helps keep your feet aligned which will help reduce and alleviate pains. They are designed to take the brunt of the impact your feet take. They are also built with a firmer material in the arch region to help support and stabilize which will help further reduce the load on your feet.
Are they good for running/walking?
Our Z-Liners offer great support, traction, breathability and shock absorption. They’re also anti-microbial/anti-bacterial and machine washable to keep you fresh on your feet!
Are they recommended for basketball and other high impact sports?
Our Z-Liners are ideal for strenuous activities and have many features that you can benefit from. They are great at absorbing shock and reducing the added stress on your joints from high impacts you take. They’re non-slip and provide excellent traction which will definitely help in various settings. They're extremely breathable and are designed to pump air through the bottom of your feet through our honeycomb material to help keep your feet cool. They’re also machine washable and antibacterial/microbial which will help prevent and rid any unwelcome odors that may come with these intense activities.
How about steel-toe and other types of work boots?
Our Z-Liners have a lot of properties that a wearer will benefit from, especially with the long days spent on your feet in heavier shoes. They’re great at absorbing shock which will give your feet a break from the pounding they receive through-out the day. They have arch support built in that will help stability, balance and will leave your feet feeling more refreshed. They’re machine washable and antimicrobial/antibacterial.
Do I remove the previous insole before placing Z-Liners in?
We usually recommend replacing the original insole but if your shoes allow for both then you're more than welcome to try both ways to see which you prefer.
Do they help with being on cement floors all day?
Our Z-Liners make the ideal pair for long hours, especially long hours on hard surfaces. They are your personal anti-fatigue mats. They are great at absorbing shock and helping keep your feet stabile. They have arch support built-in, which should help your balance and reduce tiredness on your feet.
Wide sizes?
For wide sizes up to and including 4E, we recommend ordering one size larger and trimming slightly to fit the tip of the shoe. For widths greater than 4E, we suggest ordering 1.5 sizes larger. This will give you the added area for your feet to properly fit onto our Z-Liners. The tip of our insoles have a border of material that can be easily snipped. Just a pair of scissors will do!
Are they good for bone spurs?
Our Z-Liners are definitely solid candidates to help relieve pains and issues dealing with bone spurs. They are designed to form to your feet to your feet while remaining strong enough to support your foundation. This helps reduce pressure on those points and give you the increased support you need. They’re also great at absorbing shock and will help take the jolt out of your steps.
Where do they ship from?
All orders ship free from our base in California.
Where are they made?
Our Z-Liners are made at our facility in South Korea using clean materials sourced from the US.
Where can I sign up for email updates?
You can sign up by clicking HERE
Are they machine washable? Can I just throw them in with my laundry?
Definitely. We recommend air drying as they'll be almost completely dry after the washer's last spin cycle.
Are these one size fits all?
Of course not! It is counterintuitive to make 1 insole designed for 10+ sizes. Our Z-Liners come in every size and half size. This ensures proper and accurate fitment.
Can they be trimmed?
While you should not have to trim our insoles for your shoes, you can. We designed the tip of our insoles with a border of material that can easily be snipped if needed.
Can I put these in my square toed footwear?
We recommend ordering 1 full size larger and trimming them to fit. This will provide the additional area while giving you the proper length as well.
Do you make anything larger than a mens 14?
We are currently in the process of making larger sizes. If you’re interested, please send an email with “BIG SIZES” to info@z-liner.com to be added the the notification list. We’ll get an email sent out once they become available.
Can you wear insoles all day?
Yes, you can! With Z-Liners, it's important to note that there may be an initial break-in period lasting a few days as you get accustomed to them. Once this adjustment period is over, you'll find them so comfortable that you won't want to take your shoes off!
Are buying insoles worth it?
Buying insoles can significantly be beneficial especially if you suffer from foot pain or need additional support. They can improve foot function, reduce pain, and enhance overall comfort. They also improve your posture and performance because of the balance, protection, and stability they provide. Using insoles can also lower chances of foot injury when playing sports or performing high-movement activities.
Do insoles help foot pain?
Yes, correct insoles help alleviate foot pain. They provide targeted support and help correct foot alignment. They address specific issues like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and overpronation, reducing stress on the feet and preventing further injury. Many people experience significant relief and improved mobility with our Z-Liner insoles.
What is the difference between inserts and insoles?
Insoles and inserts both provide foot support but serve different purposes. Insoles replace the existing shoe insole to offer full-foot support and comfort. They come in various types, such as support, cushioning, and custom orthotics.Inserts, on the other hand, are usually smaller and target specific areas like the arch or heel for additional support without replacing the insole. They are used to address specific foot issues.
How do I tell if I need insoles?
You might need insoles if you experience foot pain, discomfort, or fatigue, especially after prolonged standing or walking. Other signs include uneven shoe wear, flat feet, high arches, or specific foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. Consulting a podiatrist can help determine if insoles are necessary for your foot health.
Are custom insoles good for you?
Custom insoles are good for you as they provide personalized support and improve foot alignment. They help alleviate pain, reduce the risk of injuries, and enhance overall comfort. By addressing specific foot conditions, custom insoles can greatly improve your mobility and quality of life.
How much do custom insoles cost?
Custom orthotics typically cost between $200 and $800, with additional expenses such as office visits for fitting and adjustments, as well as the cost of replacing worn top surfaces. In contrast, Z-liner’s insoles are much more affordable, priced at just $29.99 each.
Do insoles expire?
Insoles do not have a specific expiration date but can wear out over time due to regular use. Signs of expiration include reduced cushioning, visible wear and tear, and decreased effectiveness in providing support. It's important to replace insoles when they no longer offer the necessary comfort and support for your feet.
What is the lifespan of insoles?
The lifespan of custom insoles varies, typically lasting between six months to a year. Factors like usage frequency, activity level, and the quality of materials affect their durability. Regularly inspecting and maintaining your insoles can help extend their lifespan, ensuring they continue to provide adequate support.
What happens if you stop wearing insoles?
If you stop wearing insoles, you may experience a return of foot pain or discomfort, especially if you have underlying foot conditions. The support and alignment provided by insoles help manage symptoms and prevent further issues. Discontinuing their use can lead to a resurgence of pain and potential worsening of foot health.
How is energy return good for you?
Energy return effectively enhances performance and reduces fatigue. By efficiently absorbing and redistributing the energy from each step, Z-Liner insoles reduce the impact on your feet and joints, providing a spring-like effect that propels you forward. This not only improves your overall comfort and endurance but also supports better posture and reduces the risk of injury during physical activities.
Why do some believe energy return insoles send shock back to the body, causing discomfort?
This belief stems from a misunderstanding. Well-designed energy return insoles are engineered to efficiently absorb and dissipate shock, thereby minimizing impact on your feet and joints. Rather than sending energy back into your body, these insoles convert absorbed shock into forward motion, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy loss. As a result, many users find energy return insoles highly beneficial and not detrimental to their comfort or health.