ProView – Superfeet Run Pacer Review

As running has become my newest hobby added to the list, I have found myself exploring trails around Boulder through all different terrains and distances. While the adventures are constantly changing, one thing that remains consistent is my foot pain after running more than a few miles. The Superfeet Run Pacer insoles were an exciting opportunity to soften the impact of runs and support my high-arch foot so I can confidently continue my running journey. 

I’ve used the Superfeet Run Pacer Insoles in a variety of different running and hiking conditions, as well as in two different running shoes – the Hoka Speedgoat 7’s and Altra Experience Wild 3’s. As I am training for a trail half marathon, I’ve been spending a lot of time running on the trails around the foothills of Colorado in the last month. Since I started my running journey, I have been getting foot and knee pain, especially over long distances. A few years ago, when I got my first pair of running shoes, I was fitted for Superfeet insoles to support my high arches and overpronation.

The Hoka Speedgoats I run in are quite roomy, and I deal with some foot sliding and instability. I believe this is due to the shoe being about a quarter to half size too large. But once I started using the insoles, I felt that the shoe performed better and with more stability. My foot slid less, and I felt more comfortable on uneven terrain. That being said, Hokas are very springy shoes in my experience. The insole was noticeably effective at decreasing roominess in the shoe, especially the heel, and adding even more spring to the shoe through the forefoot. 

When using these shoes in my Altra’s I felt a noticeable increase in cushion and spring throughout the whole shoe. If you run in Altras, you may experience similarly that they are responsive shoes, but are not very supportive. The responsiveness of the shoes was not lost when I put the insoles in, which was very important to me. I felt like they supported my forefoot and midfoot so that I was fatigued later on in the run than usual. In addition to the responsiveness, I felt significantly more spring when running. I was able to comfortably extend longer runs in my Altras and minimize pain. 

I have tested these insoles while hiking and trail running. I went to Crested Butte to do the Maroon Bells Trail, which clocks in around 11 miles and 3000 feet of elevation. My feet usually hurt and give up way before the mile 11 mark but I felt good all the way until the end. Additionally, I have tested them on trail runs around Boulder, including Mt Sanitas, Mt Falcon, Mesa Trail, Doudy Draw, and more. It’s been a mix of terrain, including looser, more scree like rock, and compact trail.  Ultimately, the insoles perform best when you are running, but I still think the support and spring they provide have been helpful on long days of hiking too. 

Fit/Comfort 

Fit is great. You can cut the insoles to match your shoe and foot shape which makes sizing relatively easy. I was able to easily switch back and forth between my two trail runners, maybe I got lucky but the sizing fit snug in both shoes with no issues. 

Look/Style

They’re inside your shoe so you don’t see them much, but they are low profile, light, and aren’t bulky inside of the shoe. 

Durability/Construction

Super rev foam and matrix beaded construction that makes landings less rough while maintaining performance. 

Durability is high, I have not noticed any wear in the insoles after using them. I have found insoles to last a while, they often outlast my shoes making the versatility of being able to switch between different pairs important. 

Friendliness to the Earth 

Superfeet is mission driven to protect the environment by partnering with non-profits and reducing their physical emissions. They have a very detailed page on their site about their sustainability initiatives that is definitely worth reading through. While no company is going to be perfect at creating and selling goods, I appreciate the awareness and efforts that Superfeet seems to be putting into making less of a negative environmental impact. They use recycled materials in certain parts of their products, have eliminated 90% of polybag use, and use LED lighting in their headquarters. While not perfect, reducing emissions to reduce the impact on climate change is important, and I hope all brands, especially outdoor focused ones, are putting in the effort to make a difference.  

The Final Word 

The run pacers are supposed to provide spring and cushion to your foot as you run, and a more responsive feel. I would agree that these were immediately noticeable upon my first few uses. These are meant to be an intro to performance insoles, and as someone who has never used performance insoles I felt they performed well.

I would recommend these to anyone looking to improve their performance in running and who feels they could benefit from a more stable and supported shoe. I would caution when cutting them to your shoe size and shape, aire on the larger size first, and be intentional about which shoe you want them for, a running specific shoe would be best. 

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