Reviews > Footwear > Footbeds and Insoles > Archmolds Maximum Shoe Inserts > Chari Daignault > Field Report

Product: Maximum Heat Moldable Custom Insoles
Year manufactured: 2006
Advertised weight: N/A
Verified weight:  3.5 oz. per pair (99 g)
Thickness: 3 mm [0.12 in]
Size tested: Women's 8.5 - 9. [Also fits Men's 7 - 7.5]
Available sizes: Women's 4.5 - 12.5, Men's 6 - 16.5
Retail Price: $37.95

Please see my Initial Report on the Archmolds Maximum Insoles for a thorough product description and an explanation of the customization instructions and use.

Testing Results

Since July [2006], I've been wearing my shoes with the Archmolds Maximum insoles on a daily basis. I have been running on asphalt and sidewalks three to five days a week, for two mile runs in preparation for a 5K in November. This was quite a change from my usual daily runs on local trails, which offer a much more forgiving surface. Initially, I was concerned how my knees, hips and back would react to the difference, since asphalt and sidewalk are much harder and cause more shock on impact. I would estimate that since installing the Archmolds Maximum insoles mid July, I've put over 100 miles on them.

The insoles are firm, but not hard. They remain comfortable over long periods of wear time and do not develop sore spots in key areas of my feet, like the ball or heel of my foot. Due to the transition of my running surface, I expected some aches and pains, particularly in my knees and back, but did not experience any problems, other than my lower back feeling a bit tight after the first day. The fact that my knees did not hurt truly surprised me.

The Archmolds stayed in place and did not shift during use. Many OEM and custom insoles I've used have had a problem with riding up the back of my heel -- this did not occur with the Archmolds Maximum; they were formed to both my foot and the shoe.

The ball of my foot and my heel on both feet did not experience any pain or discomfort while running and did not experience any residual aches or pains afterward. Areas on my feet where I am prone to callouses did not feel uncomfortable and did not appear to be any worse. The pain I've been experiencing on and off in my left big toe did not increase; it's actually decreased a bit. I'm hoping it will go away completely over time.

Due to the fact that my knees and back did not experience discomfort during or after running on asphalt and sidewalks while wearing the Archmolds Maximum insoles, I've come to the conclusion thus far that the 3mm thickness of the polyurethane cushioning absorbs much more shock than my OEM insoles and many other custom insoles I've tried.

One thing that has really impressed me is the fact that my shoes, socks and feet do not smell when using the Archmolds Maximum insoles. Apparently, the embedded Advanced Ag antibacterial silver coating actually does prevent foot odor. I've used other products, particularly clothing, that could not stand up to the sniff test after repeated use -- these products used silver to prevent odor as well. I'm able to stash my running shoes indoors after using them without getting nasty looks from my family.

Most likely due to the lack of smell in my shoes, I have still not machine washed the insoles. I have hand washed them and they dried overnight with no changes in color or shape. They fit easily back into my shoes, ready for use. I have noticed no wear on them and they have not come apart at any point.

This far into testing, the Archmolds Maximum insoles have maintained the look and feel they provided during my first use. I am happy with the results of testing so far.



Things I still plan to find out:

Can the insoles be cleaned in the washing machine?

Field Information

The average temperature this time of year for Metro Orlando in the testing area is 92° F [33.33 C], and the elevation is about 12 feet [3.6 Meters] above sea level. The terrain is mostly flat, with sand, scrub brush, local trees and the occasional creek or river to cross. I am running on asphalt and sidewalks, to test how well the Archmolds Maximum insoles support my back and hips on hard surfaces.

Test note: I had orginally intended to test these insoles in three different pairs of shoes. Due to the limit on the number of times these insoles can be heated and re-heated, I am testing in only one pair for the entire testing period. I have chosen my North Face Cutback trail running shoes.

Many thanks to Archmolds, LLC and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test this product.

Reviews > Footwear > Footbeds and Insoles > Archmolds Maximum Shoe Inserts > Chari Daignault > Field Report