Frequently Asked Questions
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What is your return and refund policy?
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We are proud to offer a 90 Day Performance Guarantee, which means that if you're not completely thrilled by your Blumaka insoles, you have a full 90 days after receiving your item to request a return and receive a full refund even after you've worn them.
To start a return, simply contact us at help@blumaka.com. -
What is your shipping policy?
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We offer free shipping on all orders in the United States. We will ship in 24 hours after receiving your order excluding weekends and major holidays.
By default, all orders will ship USPS. Expedited shipping is also available. However, we'd like for you consider using USPS. USPS is required to visit every household in the United States six days a week. So since they're already going to your house, we'd like them to drop off your insoles at the same time. UPS and FedEx are luxury choices as they make a special trip to your house. Any package shipped by those carriers adds to the carbon footprint and therefore, additional charges will apply. -
Are your mailers recyclable?
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Yes, our mailers are recyclable. When we chose our 100% recycled brown paper envelope as our mailer, our main priority was to select something every customer’s waste management center can handle. Different cities have different capabilities and it creates confusion. Biodegradable or compostable bags are not accepted by every center and not everyone knows where to put them – in trash or in green waste? Plastic is obviously, bad. But nearly every recycling center around the world can accept paper and recycle it. That’s why we chose a 100% recycled brown paper envelope as our mailer. Put it in the recycling bin and know that it can be repurposed, again. We also chose to minimally “decorate” our envelope, because every time you print and stick you’re creating more waste.
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How many miles/how long can I wear a pair of Blumaka insoles?
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Our Blumaka insoles are made with the most durable foam on the market which is why we offer a 1,000 mile cushioning guarantee. Most running shoes lose their cushioning in 200-250 miles so you can expect your Blumaka insoles to last 4-5 pairs of shoes.
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Can I send my Blumaka insoles to you to recycle when I am done?
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Not yet, but we are working to make this possible. Sign up for our email list and we will email you when this is available.
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What should I do with the old insoles I take out of my shoes?
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We are not yet able to collect insoles from your shoes but plan to offer this in the future. In the meantime, we recommend donating insoles that are still in good condition, or you can turn them in to a fun art project!
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Which Arch Support is right for me?
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It depends on your arch type and needs. Neutral or average arches typically do best with Medium Arch, and you can always size up to High later if you notice discomfort. If you deal with plantar fasciitis or want extra support from the start, High Arch is a great place to begin.
Already wearing another brand's arch support insoles? Match your current arch level: if you wear a high-arch insole today, start with our High Arch.
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How tall are the arches in the Medium and High Arch insoles?
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The arch height itself is actually the same across our Medium and High Arch insoles. What changes is the stiffness: High Arch uses a firmer support system that resists compression more strongly, so it holds its shape better under load, while Medium Arch allows a bit more give.
Rather than building the arch taller, we increase resistance to collapse, which gives you effective support when you're standing, walking, or running, without added pressure when your foot is at rest.
Keep in mind arch height also scales with shoe size: a size 5 insole has a lower arch profile than a size 15, matched to the natural proportions of the foot.
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Should I choose Low Profile or Max Cushion?
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Low Profile is thin and minimal, perfect for cleats, racing flats, or any shoe with a snug fit (soccer, golf, track, rugby, lacrosse, dress shoes). Max Cushion adds extra shock absorption for shoes with more room to spare (basketball, tennis, football, pickleball, volleyball, baseball, training, running). If you're between the two, Max Cushion is the better choice for all-day comfort and higher-impact activity.
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How do I use/clean Blumaka insoles?
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Remove your current insole and replace with Blumaka insoles. Loosen the laces of your shoes and widen the opening as the insole may grab your sock when sliding in your foot. Before lacing up, make sure your socks lay flat and aren’t bunched. Dirt may reduce the tackiness of your insoles. To clean, pull out Blumaka insoles and rinse with warm, soapy water. Shake off excess water and let the air dry.
Do not put the insoles in the dryer. For a perfect fit, trim the insoles by placing old insole on top of the Blumaka insole and cutting any excess material. -
Do I trim my insoles to fit my shoes?
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Our standard insoles can be trimmed to fit, but it is usually not needed as we make sizes from 5-15. Sometimes there is a shoe shape that needs a little trimming, but not often.
Our Carbon insoles (Carbon Elite and Carbon Pro Rigid) cannot be trimmed: the integrated carbon plate makes cutting them impractical and can affect performance.
Important: once an insole has been trimmed, it can no longer be returned or exchanged, so we recommend confirming your fit before cutting.
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Do insoles actually affect athletic performance?
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Insoles can influence performance by affecting how the foot interacts with the inside of the shoe. This interaction plays a role in stability, muscle workload, and how force moves from the ground through the body. When internal foot movement is reduced, stability inside the shoe can improve, which may help with control during cutting, sprinting, and directional changes. Insoles designed with grip, durable cushioning, or forefoot stiffness target specific parts of this system. Blumaka insoles are designed around these principles, focusing on reducing internal movement, maintaining cushioning structure, and increasing forefoot stiffness in certain models.
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Why do my feet slide inside my shoes or cleats?
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Feet can slide inside shoes due to internal foot movement during activity. Even well-fitting shoes can allow small shifts when forces increase during sprinting or cutting. This can reduce stability and require muscles to work harder to maintain control. Insoles that use high-friction surfaces are designed to increase grip at the foot–insole interface. Blumaka’s FoamLock NonSlip surface is designed specifically to increase friction and help limit this internal movement.
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What is internal foot movement?
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Internal foot movement is the shifting or sliding of the foot inside the shoe during activity. It occurs between the foot, sock, and insole. While often subtle, it can influence stability, muscle workload, and control. Insole designs that increase friction at this interface are intended to help reduce this movement.
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Can insoles help reduce foot fatigue during sports or long days?
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Foot fatigue can increase when muscles must work harder to stabilize the foot or absorb repeated impact. As cushioning materials break down, support decreases and muscle workload can rise. Insoles made with high-resilience materials are designed to maintain cushioning structure longer. Blumaka uses 85% recycled ETPU foam cushioning engineered for durability, with the goal of helping manage fatigue over extended use.
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What causes foot fatigue even when shoes feel comfortable?
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Shoes may feel soft but still allow internal movement or use foams that compress over time. As support decreases, muscles in the feet and lower legs absorb more load, which can contribute to fatigue. Insoles that focus on both cushioning durability and stability inside the shoe are designed to address this.
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Can insoles help with turf toe or forefoot pain?
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Turf toe and some forefoot pain issues are associated with excessive bending of the forefoot under load. Insoles that incorporate stiffer reinforcement elements are designed to help limit excessive bending and control range of motion. Blumaka Carbon models include rigid carbon reinforcement intended to increase forefoot stiffness during high-force movements.
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What is the difference between a grip insole and a fabric insole?
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Grip-focused insoles are designed to increase friction between the foot and the insole to help reduce internal foot movement. Soft insoles often prioritize cushioning feel but may not address foot movement inside the shoe. Different designs target different mechanical priorities. Blumaka offers models focused on grip (FoamLock NonSlip) and others focused on cushioning durability.
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How do insoles interact with the shoe I already wear?
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Insoles influence the interface between the foot and the inside of the shoe. While the shoe outsole interacts with the ground, the insole affects stability, cushioning, and foot motion inside the shoe. Insole design can change how securely the foot interacts with the shoe and how impact forces are managed.
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Do insoles change how force moves through the body?
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Insoles can influence how force is distributed and managed at the foot–shoe interface. Stability, cushioning behavior, and stiffness can all affect how the body responds to ground forces. Insoles are one part of the movement system, along with shoe design, fit, and individual biomechanics.
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How do I know which type of insole is right for my problem?
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The right insole depends on the mechanical issue. Internal foot movement relates to stability, cushioning breakdown relates to fatigue, and excessive forefoot bending relates to forefoot stress. Different insole designs prioritize different features. Blumaka offers models focused on grip, cushioning durability, and forefoot stiffness depending on the need.
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Can insoles help with plantar fasciitis?
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Plantar fasciitis is associated with strain on the plantar fascia, often influenced by load, foot mechanics, and repeated stress. Stability, cushioning behavior, and support can all play roles in managing stress on the foot. Insoles designed to improve stability inside the shoe and maintain cushioning structure may help reduce some mechanical stress. Blumaka insoles are designed to improve foot–shoe interaction and cushioning durability, which may support overall comfort, but insoles are only one part of managing plantar fasciitis alongside footwear, activity modification, and guidance from a medical professional.
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Will these help with ankle instability?
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Our insoles are designed to improve support, stability, and comfort underfoot, but they aren't a substitute for medical treatment or targeted strengthening exercises. If ankle stability is an ongoing concern, we recommend pairing your insoles with guidance from a physical therapist or podiatrist.
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What are the heel and forefoot thickness specs for each profile option?
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Here's how heel and forefoot thickness compares across our Max Cushion and Low Profile options:
- NonSlip Performance Insoles, Max Cushion: 10mm heel, 5mm forefoot
- NonSlip Performance Insoles, Low Profile: 5mm heel, 4mm forefoot
- Performance Insoles, Max Cushion: 10mm heel, 5mm forefoot
- Performance Insoles, Low Profile: 5mm heel, 4mm forefoot
