Running for me has been a pain most of my life. Literally.
I used to dread running. It just hurt. My flat feet don’t agree with repeated slapping against hard surfaces. I endured the discomfort, even when it led to pain in my shins. I just pushed through it.
Different shoes had different results for me. About 10 years ago I discovered the Brooks Adrenaline GTS and it was heavenly. I never knew running could be tolerable. But the Brooks Adrenaline allowed me to train for and run my first 5K.
I own a variety of running shoes. Some are great for running. Some have been downgraded to “daily drivers” only, mainly because they don’t provide the comfort I desire while running. There’s nothing wrong with them; I just have others I prefer to run in.
And then I discovered Superfeet inserts. The new Superfeet Adapt Run insole, to be exact.
At first glance, the Adapt Run looked like any other insert I had tried in the past. An insert is an insert. Right? Wrong.
According to Superfeet, the Adapt Run orthotics are designed with patented Adaptive Comfort Technology to flex and adapt to your foot’s natural motion for a smooth, easy ride and unmatched cushioning in every step. These inserts are reported by users to relieve discomfort in the feet and ankles, knees, back and spine.
So I decided to give them a spin. The box had simple instructions for trimming the insert, but it turns out I didn’t need to. I slipped them in a few pairs of shoes and walked around for a bit. Nice and spongy. Very comfortable. They gave each pair of shoes a new and unique ride. I had no doubt these inserts would feel great in my running shoes. But I didn’t want to give them the obvious test.
The Superfeet Adapt Run Test
Yes, the inserts felt great in my regular rotation of running shoes. But what about my daily drivers? Could Superfeet transform these kickabouts into the performance footwear I need for my flat feet?
I slipped them into my favorite pair of electric blue Brand A shoes and took off on the road. The ride was cushiony, not jarring. Springy, even. The biggest thing I noticed was what I didn’t notice … discomfort in my feet. And not just my feet. When I finished my test run I noticed I had no shin pain. Zero. I hadn’t even realized it while I was running.
Was this a fluke? The next day I decided to try the Adapt Run inserts in another pair of daily kick wear, my black-and-white Brand B pair. The result was the same. Both pairs of shoes, while comfortable to wear daily but not up to the challenge of cushioning the pounding my flat feet give me, were transformed into shoes I could employ in running rotation. I was happy with this discovery.
How Long Do Superfeet Inserts Last?
The insert experts at Superfeet claim the Adapt Run orthotic will provide comfort and support for up to 12 months or 500 miles. This limit has yet to be reached by me. We’ll see.
Product Features
A. Low to medium arch Superfeet orthotic support helps stabilize the foot while running; thin profile made to fit well in running shoes and athletic footwear, including zero-drop running shoes.
B. Patented Adaptive Comfort Technology helps your feet move the way they’re supposed to, flexing with the foot for efficient heel-to-toe turnover.
C. Superfeet insoles feature durable construction and are designed to keep their shape. For a long time.
D. Moisturewick wicking and breathability with odor control keeps feet fresh mile after mile.
E. Energizing Heel Cushion helps disperse impact with every heel strike, reducing excess vibration to fight fatigue and minimize stress and strain.
F. Responsive Forefoot Zone blends cushioning & rebound to maximize energy transfer and help you get the most out of every step.
G. The Aerolyte dual comfort layer helps your foot relax in the shoe and provides optimal cushioning for flat feet and sore arches.
The Superfeet Bottom Line
I can’t say enough about how comfortable the Superfeet Adapt Run orthotics are. They are truly a game-changer for my flat feet. My wife has problems with plantar fasciitis, which is the stretching and possible tearing of the plantar fascia ligament that runs from the heel bone to the metatarsal bones on the bottom of the foot. Small tears in the ligament cause inflammation and pain in the heel region and arch. Superfeet claims the underfoot support will stabilize the bone structure of the foot, helping to slow pronation and over-stretching of the plantar fascia ligament.
So, time to get her a pair to run in. Because running shouldn’t be a pain.
