Protalus Insoles Review (In-Depth Look)

Whether it be high arches, flat feet, or the dreaded plantar fasciitis, the foot pain can make your one mile run feel like an ultramarathon with each step.

There are so many products on the market from custom designed orthotics to over the counter inserts, that it can be a little overwhelming to determine which one is best for you. Today I will dive into Protalus Insoles. 

Protalus Insoles Review

Quick Protalus History Lesson

Marketed as ”the gap between custom made orthotics and over the counter inserts”, Protalus Insoles feature patented Tri-planar technology that support your foot and improve ankle alignment.

Founded by Christopher Buck, whose son was experiencing chronic foot and back pain, the insoles’ design allows for an even distribution of body weight across your joints and shifts your weight off of weaker areas that might be painful because of misalignment.

The goal of the insole is to increase the efficiency of each step, and according to Protalus, the insoles are scientifically proven to improve ankle alignment by 31% compared to generic stock insoles.

In addition to ankle alignment, Protalus Insoles are designed to help with other conditions such as shin splints, calf and achilles tightness, hammer toes, heel spurs, lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, and Morton’s neuroma.

Options Available

Protalus sells removable and non-removable insoles/inserts for nearly every style of shoe including athletic shoes, work boots, heels, dress shoes, and slip-ons.

They have four series: Max, Thin, Heel, and Extra Thin, each with one or two length options available, either full length or ¾ length. The MAX is the most popular by far. 

So whether you are training for an 5K, 10K, Marathon, going out dancing for the night, or working a twelve hour shift at the hospital, there is a Protalus Insole model to fit your shoe.

For example, the M100 Insoles come in 43 different shoe sizes including youth.

Are Protalus Insoles Good?

There are many benefits to purchasing a high-quality product from Protalus. They offer a vast size range (from kids to huge adult) ensures that their products are of excellent quality and suit virtually every body type. If you have a minor to medium arch and don't require much support, they're an excellent choice.

Cost

Although at a higher price point than most over- the counter- insoles, Protalus offers a 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, along with free shipping and returns.

Through the Affirm platform, there is also a 3 month payment plan option with no interest or late fees.

You can also sign up for a subscription based model and receive insoles, at increments ranging from once a month to once every six months for about $45 a pair.

There is also a rewards program that you can join and earn credits for discounts and free gifts.

It is important to keep in mind that the average lifespan of the insoles are 6 to 8 months for average wear and 4 to 6 months for extensive wear, so if you try the insoles and like them, a subscription option might be the most feasible option.

Protalus Review

Having tried the Protalus M100 for a few months the first thing I noticed was comfort and support for my plantar fasciitis. I can see how these inserts can relief symptoms of knee pain and arch pain. The arch support was comfy yet firm. 

Protalus offers many patented features that provide stability, support, and comfort for feet. These features include:

• Special Heel cup design: Their patented curved shape heel cup is designed to fit your feet like a glove, providing comfort and support. The deep curve of the heel cup molds to the shape of the wearer's foot, giving it a natural gait.
• Tri-Planar technology: This patented technology provides support, promotes stabilization of the ankle, and helps to align your body and feet as you walk. 

Protalus Insoles, stand out from other products because of their focus on whole-body alignment.

During tests conducted by the center, Protalus insoles worked 5 times better than their closest competitors at aligning the ankle. 

One of the most notable features mentioned is the heel cup design. The curved shape cup provides contoured cushioning, which helps relieve pressure and absorb shock.

Another notable feature is the anti slip ridges which help prevent the insole from moving around while you’re moving.

Another pro mentioned on various review sites was the option for youth as well as adult sizes.

Pro-Max Series

The Protalus Max Series has the full-length M100 and three-quarter length M75. They're designed for runners, work boots and shoes, hiking boots, and other roomy footwear.

Protalus makes a variety of custom-made shoe insoles for athletes and people with foot problems.

For example, there are 13.5 to 4, 4.5 to 12.5, and 5.5 to 15 sizes available for youths, men, and women, respectively. The Protalus line's signature model is intended to increase the amount touchpoints your feet has with the insoles which decreases pressure on heels, midfoot and your forefoot.

The Tri Plantar technology and a curved heel cup, according to Protalus, contribute to the uniqueness of their insoles. They work together to realign your ankles and feet while supporting a natural stride.

As a result, your body is aligned, reducing strain on your joints, and weight is distributed throughout the entire foot. The bottom of the insoles have anti-slip ridges to keep them from moving about in your shoes.

The cushioned and supported platform feet and arches, as well as the arch support structure, provide comfort with each stride while also alleviating foot tiredness. The top cloth layer has antimicrobial, antibacterial properties that reduce friction and wick moisture away from your feet.

Protalus Thin Series 

The Thin series has a small footprint that's appropriate for dress shoes, Nike Free sneakers, Vans, Toms, Chuck Taylors and other casual footwear.

The thin series offers the same patented features as the M Series and include most of the same sizes for kids, women, and men.

The T series has less firm support, but it still aligns your feet and ankles, as well as providing cushioned comfort. The T100 full length is meant for use with shoes that have existing insoles that can be removed—and the T75 three quarter length is meant for use with factory inserts that can't be removed.

For some, the arch support offered by these insoles may not be adequate. Especially for those who have flat feet. 

Protalus Extra Thin Series 

There may not be enough space in your dress shoes or casuals for shoe inserts when they are well-fitting. The three quarter length ET75 aims to tackle this problem.

They're available in a variety of sizes ranging from 5 to 15, and they provide moderate cushioning while also alleviating strain on your feet.

On the other hand, it appears that you'll have to slip them into your shoes just right or they may slide forward when you insert your foot in.

We liked that the insole is made of breathable fabric and has a deep heel cradle for support. It also does not get compressed easily after repeated use, which promises great durability.

In terms of comfortability, the multi-density foam base provides good cushioning while also relieving pressure from your feet. You can walk on it all day without feeling tired.

We also liked the fact that it is slim and does not take up a lot of space in your shoe. This makes it a great choice for people who have trouble finding shoe inserts that fit well in their shoes.

However, we did not like the fact that the heel cup is quite shallow. This means that it may not be able to provide adequate arch support for some people.

If you are looking for a pair of shoe inserts that offers moderate cushioning and can provide relief on your feet, the 3/4 length ET75 seems like an attractive choice. 

Protalus Heels Series 

Many women adore their heels but despise the agony they may cause. The H75 Protalus insole is designed specifically for shoes or boots with a heel of 2.5 inches or more and can help relieve pain caused by wearing high heels.

Available in ladies' sizes 5 to 12.5, anti-slip ridges are built into the contoured form. Simply put - they stay put inside your shoes.

Unlike the Max and Thin series, this line of insoles isn't meant to align your feet; instead, they're meant to provide cushioning and moderate support. They may relieve the strain on your feet caused by wearing high heels.

Many individuals prefer the comfort that these insoles provide, but others find them to be too prominent and cause their heels to slip out of their shoes, particularly in higher shoes like stilettos.

How Long Do Protalus Insoles Last? 

The anticipated lifespan is five to six months. To maintain the support provided, the company advises changing them after this duration.

Do I Need Full or the Three Quarter Length Protalus Insoles?

The full-length insoles from Protalus are meant to be used in place of factory insoles. The three quarter length choices are for people who already have inserts.

Alternative Options

The one major complaint about the Protalus Insoles across all reviews is the high price point. One cheaper alternative is the Sof Sole Insole.

The gel pads in the heel and forefoot provide cushioning and with a neutral arch, the insole fits most foot types. 

On the pro side, durability was the recurring theme and on the con side, thickness was a common complaint.

Another option is the Spenco Polysorb Walker/Runner Insole.  This insole is available on Amazon and on the company’s website.

We compare the Protalus vs Superfeet another very popular insole brand. Both are highly recommended and have some positive remarks for thousands of buyers. 

How to Decide - Protalus Insoles Review

No one knows your body better than you do. That is why it’s so important to have an understanding of what you need in an insole.

This test from the Mayo Clinic, can help you determine your arch type. Putting your wet feet on cardboard can also give you an idea if you are an overpronator, a supinator, or a neutral pronator, or in other words, how your foot absorbs the impact of each step.

If you overpronate, you tend to roll your foot inward as you move. If you’re a supinator, you put more pressure on the outside of your foot when you move. If you are a neutral pronator, you tend to strike the ground with your heel and roll your weight forward to your toes.

Looking at where the most worn down parts of your running shoes are, can also give you insight into which type you are. You can also go to your local running store and see if they will provide a gait analysis.

Of course, if you are experiencing chronic pain, it is probably a good idea to consult a podiatrist or physical therapist.

Customer Service

Once you are equipped with all of this information, you will be better able to determine what insole is the best fit for you. Because of the 90 day money back guarantee, Protalus Insoles might be a good option to start with.

On the website, there is a guided quiz to help you find the perfect insole based on shoe style, arch type, and the type of pain you are experiencing.

If you have any questions, customer service is available via live chat, email, and phone from 5:00 AM to 7 PM PST Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM PST on weekends.

There is also a downloadable guide that shows you what to expect in terms of results, how to install your insoles, how to trim them if necessary, and a stretching guide.