FAQs
Q: “I see that you have two different styles of ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts. How do I know which style is right for me?”
A: ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts are made from material that has a molecular structure which is sensitive to the weight and activity level of each individual user.
For most people, we would recommend ShockBlockers® WORK/SPORT Insole Inserts.
If you have sensitive, injured or injury-prone feet, we would recommend ShockBlockers® DELUXE Insole Inserts. Our DELUXE Inserts will require shoes with adequate room to accommodate the additional thickness of the product. If you have a foot related medical condition, please consult with your physician prior to using ShockBlockers® DELUXE Insole Inserts.
Q: “How do I choose the right size?”
A: ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts are available in the following US sizes and can easily be trimmed to an exact fit with a normal pair of household scissors.
SMALL (Men’s 4-6 Women’s 6-8)
MEDIUM (Men’s 7-9 Women’s 9-11)
LARGE (Men’s 10-12 Women’s 12-14)
X-LARGE (Men’s 13-15 Women’s 15-17)
XX-Large (Men’s 16-18 Women’s 18-20)
If you wear a half size or have wide feet, choose the next larger size to be sure that the insoles fit properly.
A cutting guide and installation instructions are included with each pair of ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts. For a perfect fit, remove the existing insoles from the shoes and use them as exact templates for cutting. (PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to make a left and a right copy, with the ShockBlockers® Inserts fabric facing up when installed.)
You may find that permanently removing the shoes existing insoles and replacing them with your ShockBlockers® Inserts will help in achieving a proper fit.
Q: “When I removed my ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts from their packaging, they felt a little too firm to be at all comfortable. Why is that?”
A: You may notice that when you take your ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts from the package (and also when you put them on each day), they may feel somewhat cold and hard. This is because the polymer we use in the core construction of the product is sensitive to temperature.
ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts are designed to function at 90 degrees F. (which is skin temperature for anyone with a pulse and respiration!). Once you have your shoes on, it takes approximately 10-15 seconds for the core material to become softer and adapt itself to the temperature and shape of your feet.
Q: “Can I use the same set of ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts in different pairs of shoes?”
A: In most cases, the answer is “yes”. As long as the shoes are the same size, you will find that your ShockBlockers® Inserts will easily slip out of one pair of shoes and into the other.
Q: “Can I use ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts with the orthotic inserts my doctor prescribed or the over-the-counter arch supports that I am currently using?”
A: In most cases, the answer is “yes”. You will notice that your ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts are built with a constant thickness. This feature, along with their natural flexibility, will allow them to easily follow the shape of the orthotic. We would recommend placing the orthotic in the shoe first, followed by your ShockBlockers® Inserts (FABRIC SIDE UP!). This will ensure that you get the full benefit of the heat and moisture wicking properties provided by the top fabric surface of the ShockBlockers® Inserts as well as the shock-dampening ability of the core layer (which most orthotic designs are lacking). We do have some reports of folks using ShockBlockers® Inserts underneath their orthotics and they seem to work just fine.
You may find that the extra thickness of the ShockBlockers® Insole Insert added to the thickness of the orthotic itself makes the fit of the shoe more of a challenge. If you haven’t already done so, remove the shoes existing insole inserts to create more room.
If you still can’t achieve a proper fit, you may need to choose another pair of shoes that have adequate space.
Q: “Can I use ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts in my high-heeled shoes”
A: High heels can be problematic. This is primarily due to the fact that, in the US market, the average size of a woman’s foot is size 8, but the average size shoe sold is size 7 ½. Besides being too tight, ladies high heeled shoes rarely have a stock insert that can be removed.
Q: “How long should my ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts last?”
A: The lifespan of your ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts is largely determined by how much use and abuse they are subjected to. A safe rule of thumb is that your ShockBlockers® Inserts should last for two years or two pairs of shoes, whichever comes first. Someone using their ShockBlockers® Inserts in running or work shoes will wear out both their shoes and their ShockBlockers® Inserts faster than a person who is on their feet very little.
Your ShockBlockers® Inserts will last a great deal longer if you keep dirt and sand from building up inside your shoe. These abrasives will accelerate the wear of your ShockBlockers® Inserts.
Remember: ShockBlockers® Insole Inserts come with a full 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Click here to read more about Our Guarantee.
Q: “Can I put two pairs of Work/Sport ShockBlockers® Inserts in my shoes for extra cushioning?
We have had customers who work trade shows report that this is an effective way to manage the long hours spent standing on cement floors. Note: You need extra volume in your shoes to fit two pairs of ShockBlockers® Inserts