We Tested Insoles for Training and Everyday Wear. This Pair Delivered the Most Noticeable Comfort Upgrade
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My mom has been a dedicated runner for as long as I can remember, and I vividly recall her on-and-off battle with plantar fasciitis. At the time, I had no clue what it was, aside from the fact that it made every run sound incredibly painful. Fast forward to last year, when I started taking running more seriously, and I got a firsthand lesson into what she had dealt with for so long. Nagging underfoot pain has a way of making even short runs feel like a schlep. And while a new pair of shoes can certainly help the situation, insoles deserve an honorable mention for how much they can turn a dire situation around.
I was already familiar with popular brands like Dr. Scholl’s, but I was on the hunt for insoles built specifically for performance. That’s what made me jump at the chance to test the Pace 2 Insoles from Tread Labs, their flagship model designed for high-impact activity and all-day wear alike.
Tread Lab Insoles Pace 2 Review
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Tread Labs recently rolled out its most advanced lineup yet, with the Pace 2 Insoles anchoring the charge. Alongside options like the Run, Carbon Fiber, and Ramble insoles, the Pace 2 is positioned as the do-it-all option, equally suited for running, lifting, hiking, and everyday use. Backed by approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association, these insoles pair clinical-grade arch support with responsive cushioning and an updated fit for demanding activities. If you're struggling with plantar fasciitis, overpronation, or general foot pain, the Pace 2 Insoles offer support and structure that will make you wonder how you ever handled activities without them.
My weekly workout routine is all over the place: lifting four days a week, running three, HIIT classes here and there, plus plenty of hours spent on my walking pad during work hours. Not to mention, I'm a big concert and music festival-goer, spending long periods on my feet and getting in more steps than I care to disclose. I swapped these into a pair of combat boots for a recent festival, and they held up surprisingly well.
As someone who had never really used insoles before, it took me a moment to get used to them. But once that trial period was over, the difference was obvious, both during use and after the fact. And it’s not just the placebo effect at work here. Research shows that orthotic insoles can improve muscle activation compared to walking barefoot. By helping correct alignment and stabilize your foot, they allow your muscles to work more efficiently, reducing strain and lowering your risk of overuse injuries.
Key Product Features
- Fits in: Running shoes, trail shoes, athletic shoes, and casual footwear with removable insoles.
- Firmness: 3/5
- Arch Support Material: 2.5 mm Polypro+
- Available Arch Heights: Low - 27 mm; Med - 30 mm; High - 33 mm; Extra High - 36 mm
- Top Cover Thickness: 5 mm
Why You Should Trust Me
I’m a health and fitness staff writer for Men’s Journal, covering training trends, workouts, and gear reviews. I’m also an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor with over five years of coaching experience. Along with personally testing every product I review, my goal is always to provide honest feedback that helps you decide what’s worth your time and money to elevate your exercise experiences.