The Invisible Foundation.

My Go To Insoles.

Insoles, like a lot of gear, are a subjective equipment choice. What works for one person won’t always work for another. I’ve personally tested a mountain of insoles; at one point, I had a stack of eight different options I’d tried and hated. Most were big-box department store brands, but some were "higher-end" versions costing upwards of $80. While $80 isn't much in the world of custom orthotics, these were off-the-shelf insoles that looked good on paper but didn’t deliver.

The brand that I can honestly say holds its own is Currex, specifically the RunPro. They offer three different arch supports—high, medium, and low—for each model. After trying the mid-support, I decided to bump up to the high arch, and I haven't looked back since. These typically retail for around $55 and can be found at most local running shops, Amazon, or directly at Currex.com. If you can find them locally, most running shops have a digital foot scanner that will start you in the right direction for the correct arch support.

Currex RunPro are a simple, no-frills, minimalist-type insole. They use targeted forefoot and heel cushioning with a dual-layer setup for the rest of the foot. It really adds to the plush feeling of modern running shoes without being bulky. Where Currex shines is the rigid plastic arch support built into the base. Where other tested options eventually collapse, Currex supports my arch comfortably—whether it's a fast 5k anaerobic effort or a long 20-mile trail run.

Just make sure they're actually in your shoes!

While it would seem difficult to leave without your insoles—you’d feel pretty silly, right? Embarrassingly enough, I’ve done it. I didn’t make it very far, luckily! While staying in a hotel, I had about an hour to squeeze in a short run. I got sidetracked discussing the day's plan with my wife and somehow missed transferring my right insole. I made it as far as the parking lot before the odd height difference of my shoes made me pause for an inspection. Forgetting a piece of gear I use for everything; running and hiking to walking around a 3-day music festival, I felt real dumb walking back to our room for a single insole.

If you liked this post check the full review on my favorite set of Shoes to pair with my Currex Run Pros.