I have the Ergon IP3 insoles and they're a collaboration with Solestar. They're basically the entry-level version of these insoles. I've had my pair for four years, and it's got the same impressive shape and rigidity, although the IP3s transition over to a less dense foam material at the toe area. They improved the long-ride comfort of my Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4s, and they further reinforce the arch support baked into my Specialized S-Works 6 XCs.
I'm done with any of these insoles. What I did was, I bought me a plaster cloth. Molded my foot and dremel what fits my cycling shoe. I have a rubber sheet that's laying around the house and glued it to it's shape. It's the best insole that I ever had on my cycling shoes 😁. I only spent $25 on amazon.
Thanks for the detailed review. I also ride Sidi Shot, and I was never happy with the extra inside space vs. my Ergo 2s. The foot was moving around. Never changed a thing. It was always bearable. I will give the Kontrol II a try. The full carbon ones seem overkill on a carbon-stiff shoe. Next stop would be the bike fitter.
Great review..I bought a pair of Solestar BLK, although these are a well made product they just didn't suit my foot shape.. I use Specialized S- Works 6 wide fit road shoes because they have a slight varus fore foot that alleviates mild discomfort I had been troubled with for years ... When I fitted the Solestars in my shoes, they put my forefoot in a valgus angulation... This I found most uncomfortable..
Thanks for feedback! These are not recommended for specialized shoes or a shoe where a varus wedge or shims are being used. Try them again in a regular shoe after 10 rides. Curious if it feels better.
Just a heads up as it's not been mentioned on the vid - you need to be very careful with Solestars due to the way they are designed. For some reason they are designed to elevate the outside of the forefoot relative to the inside. That is very unusual. For a lot of people it won't cause a problem, but for some this is the exact opposite of what their foot needs. It's the equivalent of putting a forefoot wedge in the shoe but wedged in the wrong direction. The arch support on these is superb as it stops collapse posteriorly at the navicular, rather than trying to support the entirety of the medial longitudinal arch. However, I'm yet to meet any expert (I've seen a fair few due to problematic feet...) who agrees with what they have done at the forefoot. I used these a few years ago and fairly soon started getting pain on the outer foot. I thought it was due to the extra volume taken up by the insole and went on a long merry-go-round of different wider shoes thinking that was the problem. Turns out it was due to the above. Case in point - my new custom insoles have the *inside* of my forefoot raised by about 4mm Vs outside. The complete opposite of the solestars - which is far more common.
Great feedback, thanks! For me the slightly lifted outer fore foot seems to help balance my foot in the shoe since the first large metatarsal is slightly lowered. Also I noticed my feet were really stiff and tight before using solestar. I spent a lot of time with a trigger point ball to loosen up the fascia and man what a difference overall. People are walking around with stiff feet also causing issues.
Hey John! I had lake cx332 in xl. They will be a bit narrow and not fill out the shoe but as long as your foot or toes are not hanging off it’s a go. 6 week trial, order them and try 😎
would you be able to do hike-a-bike in these? i'm considering these because my outer toe is in sharp pain underneath...i do get lots of calluses too. i ride lots of gravel, wondering if i'll fatigue in these.. thank you
Hey, no these are not for walking. Carbon / fiberglass is too stiff. They do make a “run” version for more walking hiking. See my video library. I posted a video.
So compared to the g8, this helped better prevent overpronation? I use icebug high and like it, but the arch collapses into the sidewall given any pressure. So as soon as you get even half way to your ftp you end up with your knee off track again. Thinking I will order these when I get back from my trip
Now I'm no sure sure about these. Due to injuries at the ball, of my foot I've been looking for insoles that provide good arch support. This is so pedal force is evenly distributed and not all going into the balls of my feet. Are you saying these insoles don't actually support the arch, and are unlikely to reduce force on the balls of the feet?
They do have arch support but it’s neutral. Not low or high. It helps support the ankle. With a 6 week money back, you gotta try them! Discount code is in the description. I do not get any incentive, I just want to get the word out about solestar. I have tried every brand out there, custom as well. Solestar was my best. I just own 4 pairs of cycling and one for running shoes. Also the metatarsal pad is perfectly placed and helps a lot.
I have 3mm shims under my cleats because my right leg is shorter. And I have 1 wedge Wy must I remove these if i use solestar insoles?they recommend it
I have the Ergon IP3 insoles and they're a collaboration with Solestar. They're basically the entry-level version of these insoles. I've had my pair for four years, and it's got the same impressive shape and rigidity, although the IP3s transition over to a less dense foam material at the toe area. They improved the long-ride comfort of my Fizik Terra Powerstrap X4s, and they further reinforce the arch support baked into my Specialized S-Works 6 XCs.
Great review on this product!
I'm done with any of these insoles. What I did was, I bought me a plaster cloth. Molded my foot and dremel what fits my cycling shoe. I have a rubber sheet that's laying around the house and glued it to it's shape. It's the best insole that I ever had on my cycling shoes 😁. I only spent $25 on amazon.
Whatever works! 👍😂
Thanks for the detailed review. I also ride Sidi Shot, and I was never happy with the extra inside space vs. my Ergo 2s. The foot was moving around. Never changed a thing. It was always bearable.
I will give the Kontrol II a try. The full carbon ones seem overkill on a carbon-stiff shoe. Next stop would be the bike fitter.
Kontrol all the way!
excellent details
Great review..I bought a pair of Solestar BLK, although these are a well made product they just didn't suit my foot shape.. I use Specialized S- Works 6 wide fit road shoes because they have a slight varus fore foot that alleviates mild discomfort I had been troubled with for years ... When I fitted the Solestars in my shoes, they put my forefoot in a valgus angulation... This I found most uncomfortable..
Thanks for feedback! These are not recommended for specialized shoes or a shoe where a varus wedge or shims are being used. Try them again in a regular shoe after 10 rides. Curious if it feels better.
The red version work better for me
I own both but I would highly recommend these
Same the red Kontrol feel the best
Just a heads up as it's not been mentioned on the vid - you need to be very careful with Solestars due to the way they are designed. For some reason they are designed to elevate the outside of the forefoot relative to the inside. That is very unusual. For a lot of people it won't cause a problem, but for some this is the exact opposite of what their foot needs. It's the equivalent of putting a forefoot wedge in the shoe but wedged in the wrong direction. The arch support on these is superb as it stops collapse posteriorly at the navicular, rather than trying to support the entirety of the medial longitudinal arch. However, I'm yet to meet any expert (I've seen a fair few due to problematic feet...) who agrees with what they have done at the forefoot. I used these a few years ago and fairly soon started getting pain on the outer foot. I thought it was due to the extra volume taken up by the insole and went on a long merry-go-round of different wider shoes thinking that was the problem. Turns out it was due to the above. Case in point - my new custom insoles have the *inside* of my forefoot raised by about 4mm Vs outside. The complete opposite of the solestars - which is far more common.
Great feedback, thanks! For me the slightly lifted outer fore foot seems to help balance my foot in the shoe since the first large metatarsal is slightly lowered. Also I noticed my feet were really stiff and tight before using solestar. I spent a lot of time with a trigger point ball to loosen up the fascia and man what a difference overall. People are walking around with stiff feet also causing issues.
I just got recommended these insoles from my bike fitter. Will pick up a pair soon. Are you still using them, and more importantly, happy with them?
Thank you for all your reviews. These insoles look narrow, do you think they would be suitable for Lake cx332 extra wide shoes eu44?
Hey John! I had lake cx332 in xl. They will be a bit narrow and not fill out the shoe but as long as your foot or toes are not hanging off it’s a go. 6 week trial, order them and try 😎
@@addictcyclist Thanks for your quick response. I may give them a try especially as I'm in Europe.
would you be able to do hike-a-bike in these? i'm considering these because my outer toe is in sharp pain underneath...i do get lots of calluses too. i ride lots of gravel, wondering if i'll fatigue in these.. thank you
Hey, no these are not for walking. Carbon / fiberglass is too stiff. They do make a “run” version for more walking hiking. See my video library. I posted a video.
So compared to the g8, this helped better prevent overpronation? I use icebug high and like it, but the arch collapses into the sidewall given any pressure. So as soon as you get even half way to your ftp you end up with your knee off track again.
Thinking I will order these when I get back from my trip
Order immediately! Best thing I ever did. G8 caused so much knee pain from the collapsing springing arch.
Now I'm no sure sure about these. Due to injuries at the ball, of my foot I've been looking for insoles that provide good arch support. This is so pedal force is evenly distributed and not all going into the balls of my feet.
Are you saying these insoles don't actually support the arch, and are unlikely to reduce force on the balls of the feet?
They do have arch support but it’s neutral. Not low or high. It helps support the ankle. With a 6 week money back, you gotta try them! Discount code is in the description. I do not get any incentive, I just want to get the word out about solestar. I have tried every brand out there, custom as well. Solestar was my best. I just own 4 pairs of cycling and one for running shoes. Also the metatarsal pad is perfectly placed and helps a lot.
What size should I get them for in shimano rc901 shoes size 43?
Shimano size up one side per website
cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0281/3988/0519/files/SOLESTAR_Size-Finder_Table.pdf?v=1638789167
I have 3mm shims under my cleats because my right leg is shorter.
And I have 1 wedge
Wy must I remove these if i use solestar insoles?they recommend it
Not too sure about shim removal. I can understand wedging being removed but not shins. Contact solestar. The customer service is great.
Did you remove the shim or keep it in place? Thanks