Best Running Insoles of 2023
The Blumaka Konnect Max Cushion will help cushion and support your feet, especially if you’re running hard downhill or on technical trails. These insoles have a very deep heel cup that cradles the heel comfortably. They also have a more flexible design compared to others in this guide, so they’re a good choice if you prefer a bit more flex versus rigidity with your running insoles.
Why This San Francisco Giants Outfielder Praises Blumaka’s New Insoles
“Blumaka stepped up and created the arch support insole,” said Mike Yastrzemski, an outfielder for the San Francisco Giants. He credits the Arch Line for helping him stay on the field longer after developing plantar fasciitis, and the Arch Support variants were created in response to the baseball star’s feedback regarding his and his teammates’ needs, according to the company. “It’s allowed me to play without pain while taking advantage of the already-excellent non-slip technology,” Yastrzemski added.
Ratio Setting a Sustainable Shoe Pace
A new running shoe brand called Ratio from industry veteran Stuart Jenkins is pushing the envelope on sustainability, circularity of recycling waste materials, and performance—and just might cause other shoe brands to take a closer look at their own environmental impact.
Running Insoles: Should You Use Them? Orthotics? What's Best?
"Blumaka Insoles are designed to provide the ultimate comfort and support for your feet, while also feeling good about the environment! The result is a lightweight foam that absorbs shock and provides cushioning, while also helping to evenly distribute your weight to reduce fatigue."
The Sustainably-Minded Photo Collective Unveils Their First Sneaker
Requiring only a fraction of the amount of glues and adhesives typically necessary for industry-standard constructions, Blumaka-designed insoles provide a cushioned ride while saving 99% of water consumption through its foam-waste program alongside a VIBRAM-crafted cupsole and woven PET yarn Wincord laces.
What's the Definition of a Sustainable Shoe? The Industry Can't Seem to Agree
"Stuart Jenkins, CEO and founder of Blumaka, a company that specializes in recycling foam waste into new insoles and midsoles, said, 'If you’re measuring the weight of recycled foam as your recycled content, why is using recycled heavy foam better for the planet than light foam?"
'He's Just a Stud'
"The changes he [Brendan Donovan] made this winter included the use of a puck knob bat, the use of high-friction insoles for his cleats that help eliminate slipping [Konnect], and a more upright stance at the plate. Those adjustments returned early results in the Grapefruit League as Donovan hit four home runs in 54 at-bats after having hit five in 391 at-bats during the 2022 regular season."
How the Nike-Veteran-Backed Hilos Aims to Solve Footwear Waste
"The traditional footwear manufacturing model involves multiple steps that can generate waste or carbon emissions at multiple steps, from product design to shipping overseas. For example, scrap foam from the creation on insoles and midsoles generates a significant portion of footwear waste, something startup Blumaka is specifically looking to address."
Blumaka Launches Central American Manufacturing & Shoe Assembly Facility
The facility allows Blumaka to expand its product line and bring its expertise in clean foam to new applications and brand partnerships. Production services at the facility will include the ability to assemble footwear; manufacture sandals, flip flops, slippers and slides; and manufacture shoe components including midsoles, insoles and cupsoles.
Why Mike Yastrzemski and the Giants are sold on special insoles: "If you're slipping, you're losing."
“These are the Blumaka Konnect Insoles and, if Yastrzemski and others with the Giants are to be believed, they might be the latest innovation in sports performance.” @zachbuchananmlb
Today’s article in The Athletic really hits it out of the park! We’re honored.
