In this article I will review the Solestar Neutral Run performance insoles that I’ve recently purchased for the Asics Gel Kayano 27 running shoes.
I’m a long term user of the Solestart Kontrol (BLK) cycling insoles that I use in combination with the Sidi Wire SP cycling shoes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Solestar Neutral Run Insoles
During the COVID-19 pandemic I’ve expanded my sports activities. Despite I still enjoy cycling I also like to hike with my daughter and enjoy the forest and green around me. And going out for a 1 hour run, gives me a good an versatile exercise and workload on my body as well. You can get pretty tired in an hour, that’s the huge advantage of running.
Despite having good Asics Gel Kayano 27 running shoes with the Duo…. heels, I was hugely surprised by their insoles that simply feel like a piece of paper (crap) and don’t provide any grip or stability for the food. As a long term Solestar Kontrol BLK user I checked out the Solestar webpage and found out that Solestar recently launched the Solestar Neutral Run performance insoles. Coincidence ?
Anyway on the Neutral Run Insoles product page you can read the following description.
“Solestar Neutral Run insoles put your feet in the ergonomically optimal neutral position thanks to the patented stabilizing shell. Perfect support for mid and long distance runners as well as triathlon and ultra distances.”
Stabilization Delta also for Running
In my review of the Solestar Kontrol BLK cycling insoles you can read the following description of the Stabilization Delta:
“What makes the Solestar cycling insoles so innovative lies in the patented Stabilization Delta, which works like a clamp in your cycling shoes. The Stabilization Delta brings the foot into the optimal neutral position while giving the foot the support it needs during the pressure phase inside the cycling shoe and provides long lasting stability. The foot has a better grip in the shoe, allowing power to be transferred directly to the pedal.”
The concept of brining the foot in a neutral position is also applicable on the Solestar Neutral Run insoles. Of course you would say ! However you can see in the picture above how the Neutral Run Insoles are layered up.
Another interesting detail to know is that the Solestar Neutral Run insoles are backed up with science:
The Solestar Neutral Run insoles were developed in collaboration with the athletic team of German Sport of University in Cologne. This sport University is well known worldwide. The performance insoles were tested and approved by full and half marathons, mid and long distance runners, triathletes.
Neutral Run in practice
As a long term user of the Solestar Kontrol insoles, I’m already used to the foot position and the clamping mechanism of the stabilization delta. So the adjustment impact for my leg muscles is really limited. The familiar bulge that clamps behind the ball of your foot keeps the foot in a stable place (just like the cycling shoes).
When I compare the stock insoles of the Asics Gel Kayano running shoes to the Solestar Neutral Run insoles, the stock insoles simply feel like paper (crap). Not just the grippy top material but also the difference in shape and support can be seen, and also felt.
So for both expensive cycling and running shoes, the stock insoles are of a relative low quality. The good news for runners though, is that the Neutral Run insoles are roughly 1/3 of the price of the Solestar Kontrol Performance Cycling Insoles. So even when you use multiple pairs of running shoes you are able to have insoles in two or three pairs for a reasonable price.
The Solestar Neutral Run insoles have a grippy red EVA cover material that keeps your foot locked into its position. The stabilization delta and the 2 mm. thickness of the insole will do the rest.
A pair of running insoles size 42/43 has a weight of 80 g.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The Solestar Neutral Run performance insoles for running are an expansion of the Solestar product portfolio. While Solestar is providing professional World Tour cycling athletes with their insoles for a long time, they are now expanding their business to the running and hiking segment. This is of course a huge step.
The Solestar Neutral Run insoles are available for the price point of € 39,00 (where the Solestar Kontrol are € 99,00). The price point is well balanced so with multiple pairs of running shoes you can use the Neutral Run insoles on all of them for a reasonable price. From a price point perspective it can be compared to the Ergon IP3 Solestar insoles for cycling.
Just as with the cycling insoles the muscles might need to adapt to new optimized neutral position, so do your first runs in an easy training pace. If you cannot get used to the new position Solestar offers a 6 weeks money back guarantee that allows any customer to send back the insoles.
- Check out the Solestar Kontrol BLK review over at www.cycling-review.net
- Want to run faster. Check out the book review: “The Secret of Running” by Ron van Megen and Hans van Dijk.
This is my 3rd pair of Solestar performance insoles so I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do. Otherwise I’m very curious to learn what running insoles you are using?
