Bike shoes that feature a stiff insole are designed to increase your pedaling efficiency. According to REI, high-end mountain and road bike shoes commonly feature a stiff insole. A soft insole, however, helps to prevent heel bruises. Due to the high impact of tricks associated with BMX events, shoes designed for the sport generally have the softest insoles.
Entry-Level Shoes
Consider your budget before purchasing a pair of BMX shoes. Entry-level BMX shoes provide adequate ankle and heel support for an affordable price. Top-rated models of the entry-level shoe feature a soft yet basic insole. The softest entry-level insoles are constructed out of a single layer of high density foam. For added comfort, these simple insoles also feature an arch pad that supports the middle of your foot and a heel cup for increased stability.
High-End Shoes
High-end BMX shoes feature a more sophisticated insole that offers increased foot protection. As opposed to the inexpensive foam insoles of the entry-level BMX shoes, top-of-the-line BMX insoles are designed with a gel formula. The Sole Technology Institute specializes in custom insoles for BMX shoes. According to the STI Lab, some of the softest insoles for BMX biking feature a full length gel insert. Another advanced feature of the high-end insole is a built-in air bag.
Vulcanized Sole
BMX shoes commonly have either a cup sole or a vulcanized sole. The cup sole features a pre-molded design that is glued directly to the bottom of the bike shoe. Cup-soled bike shoes commonly feature a rigid insole. According to Detroit City Skateboards, the vulcanization process allows the shoe's sole to be pliable. BMX shoes with a vulcanized sole are equipped with the softest insoles. The flexible design of the vulcanized sole allows the soft insole to conform to the unique shape of your foot.
Recommended Shoes
Professional riders and BMX publications rate shoes based on comfort and performance. Vital BMX recommends the Nike 6.0 Air Insurgent shoe for its lightweight design and soft insole. The insole in the Nike 6.0 Insurgent shoe features a built-in air bag. The DC shoe company offers the Pure model as one of its top-of-the-line BMX shoes. The DC Pure shoes feature an ultra-soft insole that was designed by the Sole Technology Institute.
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