Shock-absorbing material
Sorbothane
seems to have been around for ever, but the brand is taking a step into
the 21st Century with the launch of the
Sorbo-Pro Total Control
insole which is designed to control excessive pronation.
The insole, says Sorbothane, is intended to 'ensure that feet are
correctly supported, aligned and cushioned'. It combines Sorbothane
cushioning with 'biomechanical pronation control technology'. What that
little mouthfull means, is that the insole features a heel cup and a
stabilising arch support which are designed to cradle the foot and
reduce its tendency to flatten the arch of the foot under impact and
misalign joints right up the leg and beyond.
The insole also incorporates Sorbothane impact-absorbing material under
the heel, forefoot and big toe to reduce the impact of hard surfaces
during foot strike and beyond. Finally a silver-based anti-microbial
treatment stops odours.
The anti-pronation element of the design works on similar principles
to the likes of Superfeet and Sole and should be fine for the
majority of people who over-pronate slightly, though it won't
help those with serious bio-mechanical issues. Where the
Sorbothane design differs is in the incorporation of extra
shock-absorbing material into the insole.
Sorbothane is claimed to absorb 'up to 94.7 per-cent of foot impact
shock' and act like a part solid, part fluid material. If you dropped a
large ball bearing onto a pad made of the material, in other words, it
would pretty much stop dead with no notable rebound. That's fine, but
it does means that Sorbothane insoles can feel a little 'dead' in our
experience, if you're expecting something springier.
We'll try and get some in for review and see how they compare with the
offerings from Superfeet and Soul - both of which we're very positive
about. Price for the Sorbo-Pro Total Control is
£27.99 and
you can find out more at
www.sorbothane.co.uk.
