Why Soft Soles?

Why Soft Soles? — Benefits for Foot Health & Comfort

1. Improved Impact Absorption & Reduced Plantar Pressure

Soft soles and cushioned midsoles help reduce plantar pressure during walking, lowering stress on the heel and forefoot.
• Studies show softer, low-density midsoles and insoles attenuate peak plantar pressures compared with harder materials, which may lower tissue loading associated with common foot complaints (e.g., heel pain, forefoot stress). PMC+1

2. Enhanced Foot Comfort

Soft soles are generally perceived as more comfortable during extended wear.
• Comfort perception and cushioning are linked to lower injury risk in repetitive weight-bearing activities when shoes with good cushioning are preferred, suggesting comfort itself may be a marker for beneficial footwear properties. PMC

3. Shock Absorption & Fatigue Reduction

Soft materials in soles and orthotic inserts help absorb shock and may reduce muscle fatigue during prolonged walking, especially under load.
• One trial found that softer prefabricated orthopedic insoles decreased plantar pressure and suggested potential reduction in muscle fatigue during uphill walking with load. MDPI

4. Promotes Natural Foot Movement & Biomechanics

Less rigid, more flexible soles allow the foot to move more naturally, which can support intrinsic foot muscle activation and natural gait mechanics.
• Research on minimal-type footwear (often with soft, flexible soles) suggests that such footwear helps maintain more natural foot mechanics and may reduce certain gait alterations associated with conventional stiff shoes. PMC

5. Better Friction & Reduced Slip Risk

Softer sole materials can provide greater available friction on walking surfaces compared to hard soles, reducing the risk of slips under certain conditions. PubMed

 

References 

  • Bonanno, D. R., et al. (2021). Footwear choice and locomotor health throughout the life course. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, PMC11899058. PMC

  • de Castro, P. R., Abreu, M. C., Pinto, L. S., et al. (2021). Effect of hard vs. soft orthopedic insoles on plantar pressure and muscle activity during weight-bearing walking. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, MDPI. MDPI

  • Malisoux, L., Gette, P., et al. (2021). Association of shoe cushioning perception and comfort with injury risk in recreational runners. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, PMC12541242. PMC

  • Morrissey, D., Cotchett, M., Said, A., et al. (2021). Immediate effects of footwear design on in-shoe plantar pressures and loading rate in people with plantar heel pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine, PMC12163246. PMC

  • Owings, T. M., Pavol, M. J., & Grabiner, M. D. (2009). Increased shoe sole hardness results in compensatory changes in the utilized coefficient of friction during walking. Gait & Posture. PubMed PMID: 19553123. PubMed