Be More Konnected When You Skate

By Jake Hexburg, professional skateboarder

Konnect Performance Insoles by Blumaka are a game changer for the sport of skateboarding

Skateboarding relies heavily on fast twitch footwork and board feel in order to perform the most technical tricks as well as the most basic tricks and Blumaka Konnect insoles provide an edge for skaters looking to improve performance. From an ollie to a 360 flip, the more Konnected we are to our footwear and board, the more precisely we can perform our tricks.

From my personal experience as a 28 year-old who has been skateboarding for 12+ years, these insoles have me performing at a higher level than ever before. Insoles in the past were an aspect of skateboarding that I failed to consider until there was a heel bruise to nurse or the foam in my stock insoles became completely flattened from use. Now, having had the opportunity to work on the early testing of the Konnect insoles, I don’t feel the same on my board if I don’t have them in my shoes.

Since we are often putting pressure and weight on different areas of our feet, specifically around the balls of and edges of the foot, reducing the movement within our shoes is crucial to be able to maintain balance when that pressure is being dispersed across our feet. The friction the surface of the sole creates under our feet gives all the stability needed to feel more confident and connected to our equipment. Once we can get skateboarders thinking about insoles as being capable of improving one’s performance on the skateboard, not just being beneficial for cushioning and preventing injury from impact, then there is no doubt that Blumaka will be the only choice for skateboarders across the world.

A great way to test first-hand how beneficial these insoles are is to head to your local skatepark or skate spot and warm up wearing your usual or stock insoles. Once you feel yourself getting comfortable and settled into the session, replace the old insoles with a set of your choice of Konnect insoles and you will be blown away by the improvement in feel. One thing that is immediately noticeable is the response when performing tricks, specifically flip tricks. By reducing movement within the shoes, Konnect Performance Insoles gives skaters the ability to maneuver the board as effectively as possible. Without the extra movement within the shoe, we are decreasing variables that can throw off a skateboarder's ability to land tricks. Yes, it may feel a little weird at first when you stick your foot in the shoe and your sock immediately bunches on or grabs the surface of the insole, but that is also how you can recognize this technology does exactly what it says it will do. 

Fit is Important to Consider

The Konnect insoles come in three different styles giving skaters the option to choose what fits best for them. Because individuals skate in shoes of all different shapes and sizes, it’s important to consider the cushion to board feel ratio that best fits your footwear and skateboarding style. Someone who relies on more board feel or wears a shoe that already has more natural cushion built into the midsole and design may consider the Konnect Low Profile, whereas someone wearing a much lighter or low profile shoe, like the Vans Old School shoes, might be drawn to the Konnect Max Cushion. These insoles also come in an Arch Support option for those who require a little more support from their insoles.