Insoles for Minimalist Shoes (15)

Be Lenka shoe insoles fine-tune the comfort of your barefoot shoes. They help keep the footwear fresh, adapt to the foot and give it a pleasant feel all day long without restricting natural movement.

What insoles are for in barefoot footwear

In the barefoot world, insoles have a different role than in classic footwear. It isn’t about shaping the arch or raising the heel, but about hygiene, warmth and comfort. The insole wicks moisture away, keeps the inside of the shoe fresher and can easily be taken out and dried. In winter models it adds a layer that insulates against the cold from below. And when the original insole has served its time after months of wear, a replacement gives the shoes back the feeling of the first day.

When an insole really pays off

There are several situations and all of them are practical. If you wear one pair of shoes daily, a second set of insoles lets you alternate them and always put on a dry shoe. If a model fits you in length but a little free space remains, the insole fine-tunes the volume. In winter, a thin insulating layer helps during long periods of standing outdoors. And with footwear you wear barefoot, the insole takes care of the cleanliness of the interior and easier maintenance.

Which insole belongs in which model

One rule makes the choice easier: what decides is the sole of your shoes. CottonComfort combines natural cotton with recycled foam, wicks moisture away, dries quickly and is the most universal choice for every day. ActiveBoost, 5 mm thick, adds memory foam that cushions impacts during active movement. ThermoWool builds on merino wool and a layer of ALU foil that prevents the cold from getting in from below, so it belongs in winter footwear. These three suit all Be Lenka models for adults except those on the AlldayComfort sole. For those, SoftStep is intended: a thinner insole, 3.5 mm, with a perforated textile that increases breathability. The Diva, Mojo, Charlotte and Glam models on the ErgoGrip sole have their own replacement insole, Thermo Fleece, made of recycled PU and fleece.

An insole mustn’t steal space

When choosing, one rule stands above the others: the insole must fit into the shoe without taking room away from the toes or lifting the heel higher than the toe. That’s why thin flat models in an anatomical shape belong in barefoot footwear, not the contoured insoles from ordinary shops. If the insole feels tight once inserted, rather take it out. The space in the shoe is the most precious thing barefoot footwear offers.

A small accessory with a big effect on lifespan

The inside of a shoe suffers most from sweat and moisture, which gradually break down the materials. A replaceable insole takes most of this burden on itself and protects what can’t be replaced. Together with regular care of the upper, you’ll thus extend the life of a favourite pair by whole seasons. You’ll find cleaning and waterproofing products in the shoe care category; together with insoles they form the basic equipment of every wardrobe.