Insoles and Cleats

The terms "insole", "footbed", and "sockliner" are often used interchangeably. Technically, this is not correct, but you should be aware that shoe salesmen, shoe selling websites, and even manufacturers may use these terms incorrectly.

Let us first define "insole" or more specifically "insole board". The insole is normally the foundation of the shoe. During the manufacturing process, the insole will be attached (by stitching, sewing, gluing, bonding, combinations thereof, etc...) to the upper.

Now! What sits on top of the insole is a "sockliner". Here is a good picture of a sockliner...

"Footbed" is another term that we see often. And as of yet, we are not going to define this. We do know that it is often used in the same meaning as insole and sockliner.

Lastly, the terms insert, orthoses and orthotics are almost the same. Inserts, orthosis and orthotics are essentially “after-market” or “custom made” insoles.

Let us review one more time…

When you buy your pair of cleats off the shelf at the local sports shoe store… your cleats will have insoles and sockliners. Some companies will refer to the insoles as footbeds or sockliners and vice versa.

Often these sockliners are easily removed from the shoe. This allows you to remove the sockliners and replace them with inserts (for example Dr. Scholls) or to replace them with othotics that are custom made by a podiatrist.

Remember that the sockliners that come with the shoes are only a guess by the manufacturer about what is a normal foot. IF your foot happens to be “normal”, then the sockliner will possibly be good for you. However, if your foot is different from the manufacturer’s guess, it will be better to go to a podiatrist and have him or her make a pair of orthotics.

There are thousands of different types of sockliners. Many sockliners are made from EVA with a top textile material (the actual material your sock touches) bonded, laminated or glued on top of the EVA. The EVA is cushiony and shapes to your foot. The problem is that the EVA breaks down quickly and after time no longer has much cushioning properties. This top textile material can be of many types of materials such as leather, cloth, etc… There are also patented types of material such as ETC Anti-Friction Lining. This type of material is stated to reduce slippage between your socks and the shoe.

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