EstCarbon - Carbon Fiber Insole - 1 pc Men 10-10 5 Women 11-11 5 - Unisex Orthotic Shoe

This carbon fiber insole was recommended to me post-op by my orthopedic surgeon after I had my big toe fused last year. I was to wear it in my running shoe at all times for 6 months post-op to give the fused joint more stability while it was healing. It was fairly easy to initially get into my shoe, however I wear a wide toe box shoe. A year and a half later I'm still wearing the orthotic in my shoe and it still feels great in there and is still holding up well. It really helps with pain and I have no doubt helped with my recovery. Highly recommend. My surgeon is from The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL and he personally recommended this brand of orthotic. As far as I know he does not have any financial interest in this company. Read more

I broke a bone in my big toe on my left foot and these carbon fiber inserts have really helped to mitigate the discomfort from this bone break. They've allowed me to continue running on the treadmill at the gym, by minimizing the amount of flex in my big toe. They are well worth the money. Read more

Why did you pick this product vs others?: These work, and are very stiff and light. I believe them to be made well. However, if you use these in your shoes underneath orthotics, certainly, and maybe even without orthotics, the surface wear, and a black powder starts to stain in your shoes or your hands if you put them in your shoes. For something with this limited life that needs to be replaced so frequently, this is a very expensive product. But I suppose if you need it, you need it. Read more

It is very durable.putting it under the insole of your shoe dos’t make it uncomfortable.I thought it was a little high you only get one. You can interchange it & put it in your other shoe. It has a peel stick on the heal if you want it to stay in one place so far I have’t done this incase I need to use for the other foot. I wear 7-71/2& this fit perfect. Read more

I bought this at the advice of my podiatrist who recommended a carbon fiber insole to help stiffen the shoe when I walk. After having surgery a few years ago my right foot has always been affected by a gait abnormality where I would put pressure on the side of the foot while walking. This issue sometimes causes my ankle to roll when depressing inside a normal shoe and with normal, more malleable, insoles. I learned to live with it and have gotten around with the issue but my podiatrist told me about carbon fiber insoles that help to keep the shoe stiffer which could help someone like me keep a more solid base while walking and prevent the ankle roll issue. And honestly, this may be one of the best purchases I made. It was less than half the price of what I would have had to pay using a medical supply store, and it does exactly what it should: provides a stiffer shoe and a more stable base. When underneath a regular insole, I don't even notice a comfort difference. It's so lightweight that there's no difference to the weight of the shoe either. It made such an instant difference for my issue and my only regret is not knowing about it sooner! Read more

I injured a ligament on my 4th toe and was recommended a stiff insole to limit its movement. For reference, I am an athletic 200 pounds and wear a US 14 / EU 49 running shoe. Unfortunately the stiffer 6 layer plates were not available in my size - they do not make large sizes - but I am grateful these 4 layer plates were. These plates do not provide enough support on their own - I believe I reinjured my foot walking because my shoe was flexing too much. I have to stack 2 on top of each other with a sock between to really prevent my toes from bending. Not ideal, as it fills up my shoe more, and is less comfortable to walk on, but for me, it’s that or hobbling around in a boot. The sizing is also too conservative - the insoles are about 2 sizes smaller than advertised. The US 14-14.5 is actually an EU 47, but should be EU 49. I suppose they may want to be sure the plate will fit, since it doesn’t bend, but I ended up returning my first order because it slid around in my shoe too much. I highly recommend wearing with shoes that have (1) a large and flexible toe box, but not a natural or wide one or the insole will slide (2) a thick insole, to provide padding on top of the plate and (3) minimal or no heel toe drop, because the plate is stiff and will push your toes against the upper of your shoe. Read more

Broke my foot/first metatarsal (almost like a really excessive case of turf toe / hallux rigidus) and have had trouble with it since- if I bend it back too far like pushing off, it brings back that injury. I still like to play sports like volleyball so this has been a recurring problem. This insert has helped with that a lot- now I can play and not have to consciously think about protecting my foot. I do have to tighten my laces more (but I like them loose, usually) so I don't accidentally step out of them now that the bottom doesn't bend as much but it's not uncomfortable and a small price to pay. Make sure you get the right size- I got the one that says for women's size 8, I normally wear size 8 in most shoes but usually get 8.5 in sneakers and these are a TINY bit short in my athletic shoes (which are 8.5, to be fair!). I wanted to go under rather than over since you can't cut them, but I can't sometimes feel the edge at the very tip of my toes. I think the 8.5 might have been too long so probably I just need to scooch it up a hair. Having the shoe been more rigid had not been as uncomfortable as I feared and it has really helped prevent aggravating my old injury so I'm really pleased. Read more

I am an avid runner and have a degree in sports medicine. This insole has made an amazing difference in my metatarsalgia and hallux rigidus. I’ve finally found something that really works. It’s feels great to have no pain. The only problem is that it squeaks when I run or walk? That has become annoying, but the product works! Is there a solution for this! Thanks Read more