SOLE Foodbeds
Tester
Information
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Name:
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David
Wilkes |
E-Mail:
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amatbrewer@yahoo.com
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Age:
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52 |
Location:
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Yakima
Washington USA |
Gender:
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M |
Height:
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5'11"
(1.80 m) |
Weight:
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210 lb (90.7 kg) |
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Biography:
I started
backpacking
in 1995 when I moved to Washington State. Since then, I have
backpacked in all seasons and conditions the Northwest has to
offer. I prefer trips on
rugged trails with plenty of elevation gain. While I continuously
strive to lighten my load, comfort and safety are most important to me.
I have finally managed to get my basic cold weather pack weight, not
including consumables, to under 30 lb (14 kg).
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Product
Information
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Manufacturer:
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SOLE |
Year
of Manufacture:
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2019 |
Manufacturer’s
Website:
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yoursole.com
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MSRP:
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$49 USD
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Weight:
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Listed: Not Listed Measured: 112 g/4 oz
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Product
Description: SOLE Men’s Active Wide Medium footbeds
These
are customizable footbeds (aka insoles). The “Active” line comes in
thin, medium, and thick models and each has a wide version. They are
heat moldable and feature odor control technology and a moisture
wicking topsheet. They are advertised as offering cushioned support,
reduce plantar fascia strain, improve balance, promote natural foot
alignment and distribute weight/pressure evenly. They are also latex free
(vegan!) and have zero drop.
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Initial
Report
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March 28 2019
I
chose the wide version of the medium thickness US Mens size 10 (43-44
European). They are available in full US sizes ranging from 3 to 14
(Men) 5-16 (Women) [this range covers European sizes 36-47].
We
normally do not remark on product packaging but I would note that SOLE
is a “1% for the planet” company and the packaging reflects their
environmental stance. The main body of the package is made from 100%
recycled post-consumer card stock and the plastic (also recycled) is
made to be easily removable from the card to ease recycling of the
materials.
Heat Molding: The insoles include heat/wear
moldable base layer to provide a customizable fit. The product can be
used with our without heat molding. The packaging and company's web
site has instructions on how to heat mold the insoles and even include
an “Opti-therm indicator” that changes color when heated to the proper
temperature for molding. The basic idea is to place the insoles in a
preheated oven (90C/194F) for 2 minutes, then immediately insert into
shoes (in place of the original insoles) and put the shoes on. Then
stand straight for two minutes to allow the insoles to mold to the users feet.
Upon receiving the product I compared them to the
insoles of my Nordic ski boots and they were a close enough match that
I could simply put them in without altering them. I put them on and
walked around for a few minutes. They seem to fit fine, at least as
good as the original insoles. The heel cup is not quite a snug as I
would like, but as I have wide feet with a narrow heel, this is normal
for most insoles that I have used.
Likes/Dislikes: I like
that the company supports environmental causes not just in word but in
action, and the footbeds seem well built and comfortable. I also like
that they are offered in an assortment of sizes, widths, and
thicknesses so I can choose the product that fits my needs. Finally I
appreciate that they can be custom fit to my individual (and somewhat
unique) feet.
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Long
Term Report |
July 16 2019
| Use:
- Nordic ski (Ski Patrol) White Pass Ski Area Washington 5 days
- Day hikes – Eastern Foothills of the central Washington Cascades – x4
- Backpacking – short early summer 'shake down' trip in the astern Foothills of the central Washington Cascades
- Home/work
After
receiving the insoles I placed them in my Nordic ski boots, which by
the way was the main reason I applied for this test. A typical patrol
day involves at least 4hrs of skiing and assorted related activities
including aid room duty and light trail maintenance. The insoles were a
surprisingly good fit with no trimming. They did an excellent job at
reducing some excessive space in my boots and preventing my feet from
shifting in the boots while not affecting the performance of the boots.
This was a relatively warm winter and I had only one day where the
conditions were well below freezing (the rest of the days ranged from
just below to just above freezing). The insoles provide a noticeable
increase in insulation to my boots and allowed me to wear a lighter
weight sock which further enhanced the comfort and moisture control. I
have wide feet with narrow heels so I appreciate an insole that cups my
heel and does not allow it to shift and move, these do well in that
regard.
After the ski season was over I moved the insoles into a
pair of light weight low top hiking boots. I prefer to wear the minimum
footwear necessary so adding a structured insole to my boots was not
without some trepidation. This turned out to be unwarranted. The one
backpacking trip was the first of the season, my annual short trip (~3
miles / 5 km) at a local trail to check out and reorganize my gear. The
trail was a mix of dirt and mud and mostly flat. Temperatures were about
65F/18C. During the 3 day hikes I did about 5 miles (8 km) of mostly
good trail with some rock and talus, but also a some pea gravel. The
insoles were comfortable and mostly unremarkable until I hit the pea
gravel. I was pleasantly surprised at how much the additional structure
from the insoles helped improve my footing and reduced the amount of
effort it took. Despite the additional insulation I noticed with my ski
boots I experienced no noticeable increase in heat while using them in
my hiking boots in warmer weather (temps ranged from about 60F/16C to
82F/28C). One of the day hikes was a trail condition scouting trip on
the Pacific Crest Trail. I did about 11 miles (18 km) with rock, dirt,
and some sections of snow. My feet were comfortable for the duration
and the added structure helped with footing on the snow sections.
Overall
I am happy with the insoles they did a good job at molding to my feet
and boots as well as add some insulation without causing my feet to get
excessively warm. I experienced no movement of my foot, nor any
hot-spots or blisters. While the insoles did improve footing and
traction in some conditions I still prefer to wear the minimal footwear
necessary so at the conclusion of this test I plan to move the insoles
back into my ski boots for next years ski season where I think I will
get the most benefit from them.
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This
concludes
my report. I would like to thank the folks at SOLE and BackpackGearTest.org
for the opportunity to test this product.
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