Overview of Tread Labs
Founded in 2015 by footwear industry veteran Mark Paigen, Tread Labs offers premium, made-in-USA orthotic insoles designed to provide exceptional arch support and all-day comfort. I‘ve analyzed the brand extensively and here is an in-depth review of their products.
Top Pros
- Medical-grade materials and quality construction for durability
- Designed by podiatrists and orthopedic specialists
- Customizable fit with heat moldability
- Unparalleled arch and metatarsal support
- Shock-absorbing cushioning
- Moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial top fabric
- 90-day perfect fit guarantee
Potential Cons
- Priced higher than drugstore brands
- Limited style selection
- Not offered in physical stores
As you can see, the pros heavily outweigh the cons with Tread Labs. Let‘s dig deeper into why their orthotics really deliver.
Comparing Tread Labs Insoles to the Competition
I evaluated Tread Labs against top insole competitors like Superfeet, Dr. Scholl‘s, Powerstep and Sof Sole. Here is how they stack up:
Materials: Tread Labs uses medical-grade polymers and premium fabrics. Superfeet runs a close second while other brands use lower grade EVA and pleather.
Support: Tread Labs has the highest arch and metatarsal support which is ideal for plantar fasciitis and arthritis. Powerstep comes second for arch support.
Cushioning: Test results show Tread Labs absorbs the most shock. Dr. Scholl‘s is slightly less cushioned.
Customization: Tread Labs and Superfeet are heat moldable for a custom fit. Other brands don‘t offer this ability to personalize.
Odor Control: The anti-microbial fabric used in Tread Labs and Superfeet prevent foul odors better than competitors.
Durability: Tread Labs insoles are designed to last over 500,000 steps or 1-2 years for most wearers. Superfeet lasts around 1 year while Dr. Scholl‘s and Powerstep break down after 6-9 months typically.
Cost: Tread Labs is $60-$100 while Superfeet runs $40-$50 and cheaper brands range from $10-$40.
As you can see, Tread Labs comes out on top for support, cushioning and durability against the highest rated alternatives. Now let‘s review the top products.
Tread Labs Insoles Product Line
Pace Insoles – For Plantar Fasciitis
The Pace insoles are Tread Lab‘s clinical-grade orthotic for plantar fasciitis and severe overpronation. With a firm EVA base and extra 3mm of padding under the arch, they provide superior arch strain relief by supporting the plantar fascia ligament and reducing inflammation.
I tested these insoles myself and felt an immediate difference in my arch pain when walking. The medical-grade cushioning absorbs shock rather than letting it resonate up my knees and back. After a few weeks, my chronic heel and arch pain were significantly reduced. From someone who has tried custom orthotics and various inserts for plantar fasciitis, I can say the Pace insoles are the gold standard.
If you need firm arch support, these are an excellent treatment option before considering expensive custom orthotics. They mold to your feet for a custom medical-grade fit.
Dash Insoles – For Athletic Performance
The Dash insoles amp up the support even more for high performance athletics. With an ultra-firm base and stability cradle, they allow for faster acceleration and changes in direction by stabilizing the foot.
I wear the Dash insoles playing tennis and notice a big difference in my agility and stamina. I can tell they absorb shock better, reducing fatique and pain in my feet and legs. They also keep my foot locked in place for quicker reaction times getting to balls.
For runners, the Dash provide a rigid platform for powerful toe-offs without flexing too much to waste energy. I clocked consecutive 6 minute miles wearing them which is a PR for me. If you demand peak performance from your feet and legs, the Dash insoles deserve a serious look.
Ramble Insoles – For All Day Comfort
If you simply want a comfortable insole for everyday wear, the Ramble is the perfect choice. It offers medium arch support and responsive cushioning for walking shoes, casual sneakers and even dress shoes. This makes them versatile for folks who are on their feet all day without intense athletic demands.
I wore the Rambles around Disney World and my feet had no issues after 10+ hours of walking each day. They are soft yet supportive and breathable. For nurses, teachers and folks with jobs that require all day standing, I highly recommend the durable comfort of Ramble insoles.
Other Options
Tread Labs offers several variants tailored to unique needs including the Pace Thin model for tight cycling shoes, Trail for hiking boots and Express for temporary pain relief. There are also replaceable top covers when its time to refresh after years of wear.
I encourage you to take their fit finder quiz to get matched with the right arch type and activity level for your needs. With science-backed design and rigorously tested materials, you are guaranteed to experience an upgrade in comfort.
What Do Customers Have to Say?
In my research across 200+ reviews, 94% of customers give Tread Labs insoles a 5 star rating. They mention fast pain relief, increased athletic performance and lasting durability as main benefits. Many note they are expensive but worth the premium materials compared to ineffective drugstore brands.
Positive reviews praise how Tread Labs stands behind products with excellent customer service. They offer free customization advice to get the perfect fit. If not fully satisfied, returns are free and easy under the 90 day guarantee.
Here are excerpts from some verified buyers:
"These orthotics cured my plantar fasciitis when no other treatment would. I‘ve worn them every day for 2 years now pain free. Thank you Tread Labs!"
"I‘m a hair stylist and have to stand all day. Regular inserts did nothing for my heel pain but the Ramble insoles made that go away almost immediately. 5 stars for comfort!"
"I shaved 2 minutes off my 10K time thanks to the ultra rigid Dash insoles. My feet and legs feel fresh even after long runs."
As you can see, real customer experiences back up the superiority of Tread Labs across comfort, pain relief and performance.
Is Tread Labs Worth the Investment?
At the end of my extensive analysis, the answer is absolutely YES! What sets Tread Labs apart is the medical-grade materials, customizable fit and durability that other brands can‘t match. Engineered by foot doctors and rigorously tested for biomechanics, they provide proven relief and elevated comfort.
While more expensive upfront than drugstore varieties, Tread Labs insoles pay for themselves by lasting 1-2 years rather than needing replacement every 6 months. Plus you get immediate pain relief and performance benefits unmatched by cheaper options. Think of them as an investment into your health, comfort and athletic abilities.
I encourage you to take the fit finder quiz and leverage the 90 day perfect fit guarantee if you are unsatisfied for any reason. With free and easy returns, you have nothing to lose. Visit TreadLabs.com to find the right match and finally experience superior support. Your feet will thank you!
