Shock Absorption in Shoes: How and Why it Works

The Importance of Impact Protection in Footwear 

Whether walking around the office or running a marathon, every step we take puts pressure on our feet, knees, joints, and hips. While our feet naturally absorb shock from our day-to-day activities, sometimes they need some help. This is where shoes are designed to step in and reduce this pressure build-up, but some shoes are better at protecting us from impact than others.

In this post, we take a look at how shock absorption in shoes is essential in preventing injury and alleviating pain, as well as the best features to look for for optimal impact protection.

What is Shock Absorption? 

Shock absorption is the process through which your muscles absorb the impact forces you sustain while walking, running, or jumping.  

When the foot strikes the ground, shockwaves are sent up the leg. Shoes with impact protection technology soak up this shock, giving the wearer a healthier stride and a lighter joint load, or the force acting between adjoining bones. 

Shock absorption in shoes is important to ensure the wearer’s muscles and joints do not withstand extreme amounts of stress. Shoes with shock absorption technology aid in injury prevention and impact protection. 

Shock Absorption in Shoes  

When it comes to insoles, shock absorption can be a huge selling point for many buyers. Since the insole is the part of the shoe that your foot makes direct contact with, it plays a major role in impact protection in your footwear. 

While many consumers associate the type of material used with an insole’s level of impact protection, shape also plays an important role.

The shape of an insole can be enhanced to promote shock absorption qualities. Insoles may have arch support or heel cups to support the foot entirely.  These features minimize over-pronation, which can optimize the gait cycle and lead to improved impact protection. 

Read More: Understanding and Addressing Pronation: Insoles for Overpronation

INSITE Poured PU Insoles 

INSITE insoles are specially crafted for optimal shock absorption. INSITE® Poured PU Foam  is optimized to balance rebound, shock absorption, and cushioning. It also supports INSITE proprietary shapes for better biomechanics and durable all-day comfort. 

All INSITE foams are optimized through our ProvenComfort™ academic-grade biomechanics testing, helping our insoles achieve data-driven comfort benefits.

This method uses third-party validated tests to quantify the comfort of our insoles along with the shoes they’re made for, including impact tests for compression, shock absorption, and rebound. 

The Bottom Line  

Insoles with technologies specifically crafted towards shock absorption are becoming increasingly popular. From athletes who put immense pressure on their feet, to the average person looking for pain relief from their day-to-day activities, impact protection is becoming a priority for many.  

At INSITE®, our insoles are carefully crafted and customizable to shape to anyone’s feet. Whether you’re an elite athlete or an office worker, INSITE® insoles bring the utmost levels of comfort to your feet. 

SEE Our Poured PU Materials for yourself