For retailers looking to ramp up their insole game this year, there are plenty of options in 2025. And there is an emerging consumer base tuned into the importance of orthotics and insoles at a younger age.

“The majority of our orthotic consumers are aged 25-35, more so than 65-plus,” says Matt Schwartz, Chief Revenue Officer, Aetrex. “These consumers regard their orthotics as equipment that helps them feel and function better in their daily activities.”

The perception of insoles is evolving, agrees Matt Gooch, VP of product and innovation, Superfeet. He notes, “Athletes are more open to the idea that the right insoles can play a significant role in helping achieve goals. Gone are the days where insoles are reserved for medical referrals, with many consumers looking to optimize their kit with this essential to help them perform at their best.”

Here, brand execs share their insight on what discerning consumers are looking for in 2025.

What Consumers Want from their Insoles

“I believe quality, durability, function, choice and value will remain top consumer priorities and this will certainly remain a focus for us as well.” - John Hinds, founder, Cadence

“Through recent insight studies, we see a growing trend of consumers wanting personalized underfoot experiences that go beyond basic comfort. This includes a desire for products that both feel good and deliver uncompromising performance, whether that means optimizing movement, minimizing injury risk or navigating the demands of a busy workday more efficiently.”- Matt Gooch, VP of product and innovation, Superfeet‍

“Consumers are demanding a high level of quality and better performance in their footwear; and also expect that durability will be part of the equation as well in the footwear they purchase. Sustainability continues to be important, but step-in comfort and durability will lead the way. Consumers expect more value and expect that their shoes will perform.” -CB Tuite, Chief Sales Officer, OrthoLite

“Active participants continually ask for a way to add lightweight performance and cushioning — and put comfort back into their runs or workouts. Running, walking, playing pickleball or standing - consumers are looking for support and comfort.” -David Church, president, Sorbothane

“Consumers are looking for orthotic customizations to help support their unique feet. For Aetrex, the process all starts with a 3D foot scan, which allows us to collect 16 unique measurements of each foot. We then use the data from the consumers’ foot scan to match him/her to a specific orthotic that is best suited for their unique foot type. Our orthotics are designed based on data and learnings from our database of over 50M global 3D foot scans, creating anatomically correct products.” - Larry Schwartz, CEO, Aetrex

“Many consumers need help identifying those products that can help relieve their foot pain. Skilled footwear retailers and practitioners that offer in-person service and that stock a variety of quality products are still the most effective operators at matching consumers with appropriate products.” - Marc Goldberg Owner, Bonapeda Enterprises (Saluber)‍

“More than anything consumers want value from the product they buy, especially as prices will not come down. Pedag has several value priced products to allow consumers experience German made quality and performance at affordable prices.” - Ivan Komashinskiy, president, Pedag USA

SALUBER

H485 SERIES

These comfort anatomical insoles feature an Alcantara cover which provides extreme toughness (yet with a soft feel), absorbs perspiration and is non-allergenic. A cocooning heel with a PORON anti-shock insert helps perfect posture, absorb vibration and soften heel impact. Made in Italy. MSRP $104.99 - $107.99.

CADENCE

PERFORMANCE MP

Performance MP is a sleek, low-profile companion to the brand’s popular EX+MP. The Performance MP provides midfoot support, a built-in metatarsal pad and an unstructured heel counter for enhanced shock-absorbing comfort, plus relief under and around the heel. MSRP $49.95.

PEDAG

VIVA

Viva is a vegetable-tanned leather orthotic with arch support. This insole’s natural materials and activated carbon odor control work in tandem to eliminate stink and promote a healthy foot environment. Designed to fit snugly into any shoe or boot, this comfort footbed supports the foot and helps to alleviate arch and back pain. Viva is also available in High, Low, Outdoor and Sport styles MSRP $40.

SORBOTHANE

SORBOAIR

The SorboAir replacement insole features a lightweight air-infused Sorbothane foam base for heel-to-toe comfort. A Sorbothane heel is added to absorb up to 94.7% of impact shock before it enters the body, reducing impact-related injuries and relieving pain. A urethane foam liner provides extra cushioning and moisture wicking. Made in the USA.
MSRP $30.99.

AETREX

EDGE

The new Edge is a full-length unisex orthotic, designed for footwear with less space, such as cleats and ski boots. This series helps prevent and alleviate issues like plantar fasciitis, arch pain and metatarsalgia by providing essential support, cushioning, and pressure relief. The orthotics offer stability and feature a slim forefoot profile and are perfect for high-impact winter footwear. MSRP $59.95.

ORTHOLITE

FLOAT

This lightweight underfoot technology responds to the unique movement of the foot and quickly rebounds after each step. Float provides immediate comfort along with a ‘cushy’ floating ride. The comfort technology delivers moisture management and l performance throughout the entire lifespan of the shoe. OrthoLite Float can be used within comfort casual, outdoor, athletic, dress, fashion, and all active lifestyle footwear categories.

SUPERFEET

RUN SUPPORT

2025 marks an update to the Run Support family, designed to help runners train stronger, reduce fatigue, and recover quicker. This update features refined geometries for Run Support High, Run Support Medium and Run Support Low to complement a proprietary EVOLyte carbon-fiber reinforced foundation. The new Aerospring Rebound comfort foam contains recycled materials.

MSRP $59.99.