The Evolution of Sorbothane Comfort and Performance Insoles
September 18, 2020 Categories: Uncategorized
Sorbothane® Comfort and Performance Insoles have proven to be the best defense against foot pain, back pain, and impact-related injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, runner’s knee, and shin splints. With proven results and a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association, doctors, sports medicine specialists, and professional trainers recommend Sorbothane. However, it all started with bold and fascinating human experiments conducted to develop a material to absorb harmful heel-strike shock.
Invention of Sorbothane
In 1975, Dr. Maurice Hiles became a human test subject to measure the effect that running, and walking have on the human body. With electrical probes surgically implanted into his own leg, he was able to gather the necessary measurements to develop a material that could prevent harmful shock from entering the body during physical activity.
During his experiments, Dr. Hile’s discovered the body could be subjected to up to 17 Gs of dangerous force when running. This helped him formulate a material that could absorb harmful heel-strike shock before it entered the body. Since physical activity by nature is repetitious and often continues over long periods of time, the new material was developed to possess excellent memory and the ability to perform during the entire duration of any activity.
Dr. Hiles named his new synthetic material Sorbothane, patterned after the body’s shock absorbers, human flesh, and the calcaneal fat pad. Since Sorbothane is a unique viscoelastic material, Dr. Hiles was awarded a 17-year patent. As a result of his invention, one of the initial applications of Sorbothane included the development of shock-absorbing insoles.
Sorbothane Insoles are Developed
The first Sorbothane impact absorbing insoles for the athletic and orthopedic markets were the Full Sole Insert and Heel Pad. These performance insoles surpassed expectations and helped to establish the premium shock absorbing insoles market in the United States.
Sorbothane Partners with Nike
In 1980, a Sorbothane® Heel Pad was featured in the Nike® “Equator” running shoes, and Nike studies confirmed that Sorbothane absorbs up to 94.7% of impact shock.
Sorbothane, Inc. is Awarded a Dual Casting Patent
Sorbothane engineers created and refined a production system that allows for multiple materials to be cast within one layer. With this new manufacturing process, the Ultra Sole™ Performance Insole was developed. It combines a molded air-infused foam base with a unique Sorbothane heel inlay designed to provide pure comfort and impact protection. The Ultra Sole™ also has a Sorbothane® Gel forefoot pad, adding cushioning and extra assistance with push-off.
Dual casting enables Sorbothane to combine their unique material with a proper ergonomic design that cradles the foot in comfort and helps protect the entire body step after step. Sorbothane Comfort & Performance Insoles won’t bottom out like other athletic insoles, warranting a closer look by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
APMA: Setting Standards and Ensuring Quality
Products including shoes, socks, insoles, materials, and equipment found to promote good foot health are granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance and Seal of Approval. To earn the seal, each product is reviewed by a group of APMA podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health. In 1986 Sorbothane was granted the American Podiatric Seal of Acceptance.
Doctors, sports medicine specialists, and professional trainers for athletes recommend Sorbothane Comfort & Performance Insoles to prevent injury and provide relief from pain.
Direct Distribution to Retail Sporting Goods
In 2013 Sorbothane, Inc. began the direct distribution of Sorbothane Comfort and Performance Insoles to the independent retail sporting goods and shoe stores. This enables athletes of every type and active individuals at any level to purchase Sorbothane Comfort & Performance Insoles at their preferred sporting goods or specialty store.
Whether you are searching for added comfort or protection for work, leisure, or sports, there is a Sorbothane Comfort and Performance Insole for you. From the concentrated comfort of the Sorbothane Heel PAD to the full-length comfort, protection, and stability of the Sorbothane Ultra PLUS –we have an insole to fit your needs.
Find the perfect Sorbothane Comfort & Performance Insole for you today!