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

Product description

The Archmolds Maximum customizable insoles came in a plastic retail package with an illustrated instruction insert . Illustrated directions for customizing the insoles were prominently displayed on both the packaging and the insert. They also shipped with a pair of the Archmolds Standard insoles, which will not be addressed in this testing period.

The insoles required being placed one at a time in an oven at 225° F [107 C] for one minute and thirty seconds, and then continuing to heat at thirty second intervals until a tab on the bottom of the insole changes color from white to black. The insole is placed bottom-side up on the center of the oven rack. It took almost three minutes for the first insole's tab to change color. The insole was warm, but not too hot to touch. The instructions then had me quickly place the insole into my shoe, place my foot [with a sock on] onto the insole and stand on it for one minute. This allows the heated and pliable insole to form to both the bottom of my foot and the inside of my shoe. I did this step with both insoles. The shoe I chose for this test is my trail running shoe, which is a women's size 9. I did not need to alter the size of the Maximum insoles, as they fit the shoe from heel to toe perfectly. I removed the OEM insoles that came with my trail shoes prior to inserting the Archmolds Maximum insoles. I am keeping my OEM insoles just in case things don't work out.

According to the manufacturer, the Archmolds Maximum insoles can be reheated up to five different times, just in case it's necessary to replace or change shoes. The insoles may require a breaking-in period for folks with fallen or very high arches. The break-in period can be as long as 2 weeks. I experienced no discomfort from the insoles in my trail shoes, other than their feeling a bit tighter than before. I remedied the tightness issue by loosening the laces of my trail shoes from the top to the bottom and adjusting them to the new height of my footbed. This did not cause my laces to become too short, and I was able to tie them with no problems.

Initial Impressions

The Archmolds Maximum insoles were basically easy to customize for any adult [due to the need of an oven]. They fit my shoe prior to heating and molded nicely to the shape of my foot and shoe after being customized based on the included instructions. They feel comfortable and noticeably more supportive and thicker than the OEM insoles I removed from my trail shoes.

Testing Strategy

Something I have already found out:

Is any altering of the insole necessary for fit in my shoes?

Things I plan to find out:

Are they comfortable while in heavy use [not just while standing around]?
How well do the Archmolds Maximum insoles stay in place? [I have grabby feet]
Is there added protection for the ball of my foot?
How will they affect areas of my feet prone to callouses?
Will they positively affect the joint pain I've been experiencing in my left big toe?
Does the 3mm thick polyurethane cushioning absorb more shock than my OEM insoles?
Does the embedded Advanced Ag antibacterial silver coating prevent foot odor?
Will my back, knees, hips and heels feel a difference or improvement?
How long will the insoles take a beating and not compact themselves into an uncomfortable pancake?
Can the insoles be cleaned in the washing machine?
How quickly will they dry hanging up indoors?

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 will be testing in only one pair for the entire testing period. I have chosen my North Face Cutback trail running shoes for this test, as they will allow me to beat the heck out of the insoles and really test their resiliency.

Field Information

The average temperature this time of year for Metro Orlando in the area I'll be testing in 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 will also be running on asphalt and sidewalks, to test how well the Archmolds Maximum insoles support my back and hips on hard surfaces.

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 > Initial Report