The Anatomy of Footwear Cushioning

Inside Every Layer and Its Contribution to Overall Footwear Comfort

Footwear designers and developers know that a comfortable pair of shoes is the result of great engineering. There are multiple layers that make up modern footwear, and each is integral to delivering comfort, performance, and support – as well as cushioning, stability, and rebound. 

Footwear comfort comes from the combination of layers working together to absorb impact, align with preferred movement, and encourage all-day support. 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – footwear can be incredibly well-designed, but with a poor insole, those features are far less impactful. Insoles shape the initial step-in experience and influence overall performance throughout the life of the shoe. 

In this article, we break down each layer of footwear and how it contributes to overall footwear comfort – and we’re starting with the insole as the piece that unlocks the most meaningful gains from the rest of the shoe.

Layer 1: The Insole – A Foundation for Comfort, Performance, and Support

Insole Contributions Deconstructed

• Support & Stability: Insole shape matters as much as the material. INSITE insoles use patented shapes like Contoura® 3D design to support the body’s preferred movement path during a variety of activities, promote proper gait mechanics, and correctly position the foot inside the shoe for efficient biomechanics. 
• Shock Absorption: Impact mitigation in footwear is essential and starts with the insole. A well-engineered insole will evenly distribute pressure through the full range of foot motion to reduce stress from impact and relieve foot fatigue, arch pain, and heel pain, especially during long periods of standing or activity. 
• Rebound: Insoles designed using human factor data can provide ideal energy return across all footwear types, providing a more responsive, energized stride during wear. 
• Fit & Feel: From the first step-in experience through the life of the shoe, a well-made insole offers a premium first-wear feel at every wear that enhances the overall comfort of the shoe.

With the insole playing such a direct role in how someone moves in a shoe, even small improvements in material makeup or shape can elevate footwear comfort and create a better customer experience. With the right insole, your footwear brand can have a big impact with the least disruption to existing designs. 

Layer 2: The Strobel Board – Connecting Foot to Midsole with Flexibility and Structure

Beneath the insole lies the Strobel board, often a woven fabric or thin foam-backed layer stitched directly to the upper. Its job is subtle, but essential.

Strobel Contributions Deconstructed

• Structural Integrity: The Strobel board gives footwear a bottom structure while maintaining flexibility for natural foot movement.
• Step-in Softness: Foam-backed Strobel constructions can add extra cushion and smoothness underfoot to complement the insole. 
• Energy Transfer: Because it sits between the insole and midsole, the strobel board impacts how efficiently the shoe handles movement.

While often overlooked, the Strobel is a great way to double up the cushioning benefits of the insole, especially in lightweight or minimal footwear where every part of the construction matters.

Layer 3: The Midsole – Driving Cushioning & Rebound

The midsole absorbs the majority of impact during movement like walking, running, hiking, or standing. Typical midsole materials include EVA, PU, or specialized high-rebound foams.

Midsole Contributions Deconstructed

• Impact Absorption: The midsole compresses during footstrike, which helps protect joints and muscles from repeated stress, especially during high-impact activities.
• Rebound & Responsiveness: High-quality midsole foams provide energy return, which helps improve stride and make movement more comfortable.
• Stability & Motion Control: Sidewalls, posting, or firmer-density cushioning make up the midsole design and help reduce unwanted movement.

The midsole and insole complement each other: the insole supports the foot’s biomechanics and the body’s natural movement, while the midsole provides the deeper shock absorption and energy return. Together, the insole and midsole deliver long-term comfort.

Layer 4: The Outsole – Grip, Durability & Direct Contact

The part that touches the ground needs to be built for durability and traction. The outsole is typically constructed from rubber or specialized compounds to withstand the elements and take on any terrain.

Outsole Contributions Deconstructed 

• Traction & Control: A secure grip delivers confidence to tread on any surface, reducing the fatigue that can be caused by instability.
• Stability: Outsole design can enhance lateral stability or enable smoother heel-to-toe transitions.
• Protection: The outsole is also responsible for shielding the midsole from wear, which helps preserve the cushioning over time.

While the outsole doesn’t directly cushion the foot, its design plays a major role in how stable and supported the wearer feels.

The Argument Stands: The Insole Makes an Important Impact  

The layers inside a shoe function as a system, but the insole is the underpinning of the complete experience, shaping the foot’s interaction with the rest of the shoe.

Well-designed insoles help brands:

• Deliver exceptional comfort, performance, and support right out of the box
• Improve comfort without having to redesign an entire footwear line
• Enhance foot support and reduce fatigue
• Increase rebound and overall performance
• Meet customer expectations for premium fit and feel

At INSITE, we use biomechanics data, pressure mapping, and proprietary foam material formulations to engineer insoles that optimize the other layers of your footwear. When you invest in better insoles, you’re not upgrading only one component – you’re upgrading the entire shoe.