Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After production of the insoles that I used for years ceased, I have been searching for a replacement brand. I have tried three products: (1) Superfeet men's orange insoles, (2) Sof Soles Fit Performance high arch insoles, and (3) Icebug FAT maximum cushioning insole. Bottom line, Superfeet broke quickly; Sof Sole is similar in feel to Superfeet, providing rigid arch support for daily use, but it appears to lack Superfeet's heel cup defect; and Icebug provides a more flexible arch support that I believe I will prefer during exercise. I believe individual experience with insoles will vary widely based on foot shape, foot issues, gate and use, making my review most applicable to someone with a narrow foot, wicked pronation, a long heel-stomping stride and activities ranging from office work to hiking. I want an insole that has a high and strong arch that can keep my arch, and therefore ankle, from collapsing as I push off with each step. In other words, I am looking for structure rather than cushioning. My review is based on these conditions and needs, which may make it more or less useful for you. As I said, I have tried three options. The first was Superfeet, which I chose after examining product photos and many Amazon reviews. Superfeet have a hard plastic heel cup and arch covered with a foam cushion, which I expected would provide strong arch support without feeling like I had lined my shoe with concrete. The insoles were magnificent, but not durable. They were unable to withstand the pressure that I put on inside wall of the insole from the heel to the arch. Within seven weeks they broke. The heel cup cracked through. Superfeet customer service was great, but the product was not going to work for me. Having struck out the first time, I tried two options simultaneously, Sof Sole and Icebug. I have been alternating between the two for about two weeks now, which is not enough time to give feedback on durability. I am, however, able to offer a comparison for anyone trying to decide between the two. Sof Sole Fit is most similar to Superfeet. It has a hard plastic heel cup and arch covered with a layer of foam. The heel cup is constructed differently, using a rounded rather than flat bottom. The arch is both very high and, like Superfeet, a bit close to the heel. It is, however, comfortable for me, and it appears to keep me from pronating as I am not experiencing the telltale knee pain that comes with a shoddy insole. Icebug is a different creature. Like Superfeet and Sof Sole, Icebug has a durable base extending from heel to arch that is topped with layers of foam and fabric, but the Icebug bottom layer is different. Whereas Superfeet and Sof Sole use a hard plastic, Icebug uses a more flexible material. The literature that came with the insoles explained that it is intended to return energy to your step a bit like a spring. The arch support feels good, but much less rigid. So far I like both Sof Sole and Icebug, wearing them on alternating days. Over time, I suspect I will begin to dedicate each insole to specific activities. Sof Sole has been great around the office and while running errands. Conversely, Icebug's more cushioned top layers and flexible underlayer may make it a better choice for longer, higher impact activities. The real test of an insole comes with time. Superfeet failed after seven weeks. I have been wearing Sof Sole and Icebug for only two weeks. If anything noteworthy comes up in the weeks ahead, I'll update my review. If no updates have been posted, assume they have both continued to perform in line with this review.