Custom Live insoles: bespoke comfort and performance

Hiking is on the rise. It appeals for its simplicity and its benefits: health, well-being and freedom.

From the occasional walker to the dedicated trekker, everyone shares the same goal: to walk for long periods, at a leisurely pace, to reconnect with oneself and with nature.

Yet one obstacle remains: discomfort in the shoe. Blisters, chafing, instability... these nuisances affect casual walkers just as much as dedicated trekkers.

The cause? Most of the time, these pains are linked to standard insoles, which are not adapted to the unique shape of each foot.

It is therefore to meet this need that Sidas has developed Custom Live, a technology for thermoformed insoles made directly in-store, in just 6 minutes.

The result? A precise fit, optimised cushioning and immediate comfort.

What is a custom insole? What are the benefits of bespoke insoles? And are they suitable for sports?

Find all the answers in this article dedicated to our innovative Custom Live technology.

“Most of the time, hikers’ pain is linked to standard insoles, which are not adapted to the unique shape of each foot. ”

WHAT IS A CUSTOM INSOLE?

Custom insoles are based on a fundamental principle: every foot is unique, and each therefore deserves a tailored insole.

In other words, an insole moulded to the specific shape of each foot.

Unlike standard insoles – which you’ll find in your hiking, running or other shoes when you buy them, and which are based on a universal mould – these bespoke insoles offer a precise fit, impeccable stability and optimised comfort.

“These custom-made insoles offer a precise fit, impeccable stability and optimised comfort.”

HOW DOES A THERMOFORMED INSOLE WORK?

Thermoforming involves heating an insole to make it malleable, ensuring it moulds to the shape of the foot, particularly the arch.

This customisation is carried out in a specialist shop, in the presence of an expert who, by following the procedure below, will be able to mould precise and immediately effective insoles for you in just 6 minutes:

1. Remove the insoles from your running or hiking shoes.
2. Heat the Custom Live Hike insoles for 2 minutes 30 seconds. Then insert them into the shoes.
3. Put the shoes on. Stand still for 1 minute, then walk for a further 1 minute.

Under the effect of the heat, the EVA shell becomes flexible and naturally adapts to the shape of your foot under your body weight.

At the same time, the TPU reinforcement remains stable despite the heat, ensuring constant and reliable arch support throughout the process.

Your customised insoles are ready. A short walk in the countryside, a day’s hike in the mountains or a multi-day trek: a wide range of adventures awaits you.

“A short walk in the countryside, a day’s hike in the mountains or a multi-day trek: a wide range of adventures awaits you.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CUSTOM-MADE INSOLES?

Custom Live insoles (product link) offer several benefits:

1/ A personalised fit

Thermoforming allows the insole to mould perfectly to the unique contours of your foot. This gives you an unrivalled sense of ‘fit’ and provides genuine support for the arch of your foot, which works extremely hard when you’re hiking.

2/ Optimal stability

The arch support positions the foot securely within the shoe, ensuring it feels perfectly supported. This enhanced support limits unwanted movement, thereby significantly reducing the risk of chafing, overheating, blisters or black toenails.

3/ Enhanced comfort

The comfort of our Custom Live insoles is based on a clever combination of gentle cushioning and balanced pressure distribution. To achieve this, we rely on two key features:

• The EVA base, a foam renowned for its shock-absorbing properties, particularly in terms of vertical comfort.
• Small cushions positioned at strategic points – under the heel and the forefoot – to absorb shock with every step.

4/ Impeccable breathability

Our Custom Live Hike insoles are covered with an AMF upper, a material highly regarded for its breathability and its ability to promote excellent moisture management. Because dry feet maximise the chances of prolonged comfort.

5/ Unbeatable efficiency

It’s well known: hikers would rather spend time outdoors than in a shop. That’s why we’ve developed a process that’s as efficient as possible.

Thanks to Custom Live technology, designing bespoke insoles will take you no more than 6 minutes!

“Real support for the arch of the foot, which works incredibly hard when you’re hiking.”

THERMOFORMED INSOLES VS ORTHOPAEDIC INSOLES: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

Orthopaedic insoles are made within a medical context. They are most often prescribed by a doctor to correct a medical condition.

Thermoformed insoles, on the other hand, are designed to improve comfort and sporting performance, with a view to optimising performance or well-being, without any medical intervention.

DO CUSTOMISED INSOLES IMPROVE PERFORMANCE?

We hear this question time and time again: can you use custom-made insoles for running? Or to put it another way: are Sidas insoles suitable for sports?

The answer is: yes. Quite clearly.

A more stable and better-supported foot allows you to:

• Walk for longer without getting tired
• Avoid the discomfort that makes you think about anything other than the present moment
• Staying focused on the terrain and your effort

Custom Live insoles therefore promote comfort. A comfort that naturally leads to improved performance.

When hiking, this translates into a smoother and more sustainable experience, even over long distances.

“A more stable and better-supported foot allows you to walk for longer without getting tired. ”

FOCUS ON CUSTOM LIVE HIKE: INSOLES DESIGNED FOR HIKING

Custom Live Hike insoles are the first models to emerge from Custom Live technology.

They are designed for hiking, but are paving the way for other models to come, specifically designed for skiing, trail running or running.

These Custom Live Hike insoles are designed for all types of walkers:

1/ Occasional walkers, who enjoy shorter walks and are looking for immediate comfort. The aim of the custom-made insole is therefore to prevent pain from the very first outings.

2/ Regular hikers, accustomed to day trips across varied terrain, sometimes technical and sometimes more rolling. The benefit of the customised Sidas insole is to improve support and reduce fatigue.

3/ Long-distance trekkers and those undertaking multi-day hikes, usually carrying a backpack of varying weight (bivouac). The custom insole then acts as a protective layer to safeguard the foot over time.

As you can see: your foot is unique, and your insole should be too.

Discover Custom Live insoles, and realise that comfort is not a luxury: it is your best ally!

“The custom insole then acts as a protective layer to safeguard the foot over time.”