Spenco Factor Cushioning Replacement Insoles

I think you’d be better off buying a new pair of shoes than buying a pair of insoles. But if you are determined to buy new insoles for your running shoes, the Spenco Factor Cushioning Replacement Insoles are good choice--they are similar to the insoles that come in a new pair of running shoes.

Pros

Cons

Though I'm not a particular fan of putting insoles into running shoes--I am sure to buy the right running shoes to begin with and replace them when the cushioning breaks down--they are quite popular amongst many runners looking to extend the life of their sneakers or prevent injury.

If you're interested in buying, here's what you should know:

The Spenco Factor Insoles are a good quality insole. They are lightweight and said to be designed to provide special support for women--it has been scientifically proven that women have a unique alignment at their hip bone. I haven't, however, seen any evidence that this difference (known as the Q factor) has an affect on running. I actually found that the cupping construction these insoles have to accommodate for women's alignment felt strange and distracted me while I ran.

Still, the insoles do provide extra cushioning all over and are generally a lot like the factory-installed insoles that are in a new pair of shoes when you buy them. These insoles would most benefit runners with neutral feet. The inserts have a heel strike cushion that “absorbs shock and returns energy in the key strike area.” However, it's my opinion that landing on your heels when you run requires a change in running form, not added cushioning, to prevent injury.