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Whether you’re a runner, a weightlifter, a CrossFit athlete, or someone who simply wants to be comfortable while running errands, you know that proper footwear is essential. The right shoes can provide arch support, stability, and comfort during your activity. At the same time, the wrong footwear can lead to aches and pains and may even be dangerous, depending on the activity.
However, while many fitness enthusiasts spend plenty of time looking for the perfect pair of shoes, many don’t consider what goes inside the shoe, specifically the insole. Even the best running shoes typically come with basic shoe insoles, which may be enough for some, but upgrading your insole can make a good shoe even better.
In this Fulton insoles review, I’ll explain everything you need to know about one of the best insoles we’ve tested so far. I’ll also explain how to use the insoles, how they feel, and whether or not they’re worth trying in your favorite pair of shoes.
Tested by a Footwear Guru
Every GGR review is based on extensive testing from our team of expert testers, who include certified personal trainers, strength coaches, running enthusiasts, and more. Over the years, we’ve tested nearly 100 pairs of shoes, and we understand how a good shoe should function and feel.
For this insole review, we had our resident shoe expert try out these Fulton insoles for a few weeks. He knows everything there is to know about footwear, and there’s nobody better to provide an honest, insightful look at the insoles.
After spending plenty of time with the insoles, he rated them using our equipment testing methodology, which looks at specific aspects of footwear, including:
- Durability
- Comfort
- Ergonomics
- Versatility
Fulton Athletic Insoles
Fulton Athletic Insole
Product Highlights
- Cork material
- Multiple sizes available
- Molds to the shape of your foot
- Only works with one pair of shoes at a time
- Great for all sorts of activity
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cork material molds to your foot
- Long-lasting materials
- 90-day warranty to them out
- True to size with wide sizes available
Cons
- You need a set for each pair of shoes you have
- They're not cheap
Bottom Line
The Fulton Insoles are durable, supportive insoles designed to fit in nearly any shoe, providing cushion and support. They require a break-in period to mold to your feet, and once broken in, they're very comfortable.
A Quick Look at the Fulton Insoles
Fulton specializes in products that provide comfort and pain relief to tired feet, including insoles, socks, and an ergonomic mat for standing. For this review, we tested the Fulton Athletic Insoles, one of three insoles offered by the company.
The Athletic Insoles are specially designed for high-impact activities and fit well in athletic shoes, while the Classic Insoles are meant for all-day wear during more leisurely activities. Fulton also offers the new Universal Insole, which has a unique design meant to fit shoes that don’t have the traditional long, narrow shape.
These insoles are meant to prevent both pronation and supination, conditions where the ankle excessively rolls inward or outward. They’re also designed to provide proper arch support, shock absorption, and pain relief. As someone who suffers from overpronation, I can attest that proper support makes a huge difference, so I can immediately see the appeal of these insoles.
While many popular insoles, like those from Dr. Scholl’s, are sold pre-molded for specific needs, the Fulton insoles mold to your foot and shoe over time. This means you’ll get a custom fit, but they aren’t meant to be used with multiple pairs of shoes.
RELATED: The Best Shoes for Standing All Day
The company suggests leaving them in the same shoes so they can adapt to your feet, which means you’ll need a separate pair of insoles for all of the shoes you want to upgrade.
Whether you’re experiencing back pain or soreness from standing on flat feet, or you simply want to upgrade your favorite shoes with new inserts, the Fulton insoles are a great choice. If you care about sustainability, you’ll love Fulton, as all insoles are handcrafted in Portugal using sustainable materials that make Fulton insoles carbon-negative.
Before You Buy
- Fulton Athletic Insoles work best with running shoes, sneakers, and hiking shoes.
- The insoles mold to the unique shape of your shoes and feet, so you’ll need a separate set for each pair of shoes you wear.
- The material is meant to mold to your feet over a period of 10 hours of wear time, so they may not be as comfortable during the initial break-in period.
Are the Fulton Insoles Worth It?
While these insoles are reasonably priced, the cost can quickly add up if you purchase a set of insoles for each pair of shoes you own. Before stocking up on insoles, you’ll want to make sure that you’re a good fit and will benefit from them in the first place.
Great for:
- Those who experience foot pronation, supination, or foot pain
- Anyone who wants an insole that will mold to the shape of their foot over time
- Runners, walkers, and anyone who needs support for high-impact activities
Not recommended for:
- People with medical conditions who need custom orthotics from a specialist
- Those who regularly replace their shoes every few months
- Anyone shopping on a tight budget
Fulton Insoles Specs
| Price | $60 |
| Available sizes | Men’s 8-14, Women’s 5-12 (wide widths also available) |
| Materials | Cork, foam, cotton, vegan cactus leather |
| Cushioning level | Medium |
Experience Using the Fulton Insoles
For this review, our tester wore the Fulton Athletic Insoles for several months, using them in both his running shoes and his regular training shoes. This allowed plenty of time for the soles to mold to his feet so he could give them a proper assessment.
He noted that there’s definitely a break-in period as the cork molds to your footprint, but he was very impressed with the level of support the insoles provide for various activities. Once broken in, however, they’re very comfortable.
RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
“The balance between rigidity and cushioning is perfect for athletic needs and a better resolve than insoles designed for traditional/lifestyle sneakers,” our tester said. “While the versatility is a little displeasing—you’ll need a pair of insoles for each pair of shoes you plan to use them in—I really like the feel of these Fulton Athletic Insoles. The cork (once broken in) provides great shock absorption, and I appreciate the somewhat deep heel cup that helps with stability during lifts.”
He also noted that the cork material provides traction and helps the sole stick to the bottom of your shoe. It doesn’t slide around during use, even if it’s not perfectly fitted to the dimensions of your shoe.
Appearance and Design
While we typically rate shoes based on their appearance, which is an important consideration for most of us, insoles go inside of the shoe, so you’ll never see them once they’re installed.
That said, we do appreciate the minimalist design of the Fulton insoles. They come in neutral colors with clean branding, and the various insoles have slightly different shapes designed to fit different types of shoes.
Durability and Construction
For the durability and construction, our tester rated the Fulton insoles a 4 out of 5 after several months of use.
He noted that he began to notice some fraying between the top layer and the shock-absorbing cork base, but this is normal and expected after months of regular use. He also recommends airing out the insoles on a regular basis, especially if you sweat heavily or wear them on a rainy day.
Interestingly, the cork itself has natural antimicrobial properties1, but the moisture can cause the cork footbed to break down faster than it normally would.
Comfort and Ergonomics
For the ergonomics and feel of the insoles, our tester gave them a 5 out of 5.
They’re stiff when brand new and require a break-in period, which is clearly stated on the Fulton sales page, but they are very comfortable once broken in.
Our tester said, “Once they’ve molded to your footprint, the comfort is impeccable. There’s plenty of shock absorption where needed, and I never feel compromised in my stances given the cork’s resiliency.”
Adjustability
For adjustability and customizations, the Fulton Athletic Insoles earn a 5-out-of-5 rating.
They’re made true to size, so unlike other insoles, there’s no need to cut them and try to trim them to the proper size. They come in both standard and wide shoe sizes, so most people will be able to find the perfect size for their shoes.
In addition, the Classic Insole features a lower profile and slimmer toebox to fit in standard shoes, while the Universal Insoles are meant for shoes without removable insoles, like boots, loafers, and flats. Fulton has an insole that will meet the needs of nearly any type of shoe.
Regardless of your arch type or foot shape, Fulton insoles mold to your foot over time, so you don’t have to worry about custom fitting. They’ll fit your feet perfectly after around 10 hours of regular wear.
Fulton Insoles vs KURU QUANTUM 2.0
KURU QUANTUM 2.0
KURU QUANTUM 2.0
Product Highlights
- 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Wide design
- Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
- Available in men’s and women’s colorways
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supportive heel cushion
- Wide design and toe box
- Available in both men's and women's colorways
- 8.5 mm heel to toe drop
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
- 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes
Bottom Line
The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.
As we haven’t reviewed any other insoles so far, it’s hard to find a direct comparison. However, the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is a shoe designed to provide heel support and relieve foot pain, similar to the Fulton insoles.
The cushioning is a bit thicker in the KURUs, as is expected from a full shoe, but the drawback is that they cost significantly more, and you’ll need to wear the KURU shoe anytime you need support. However, while all shoes require some break-in, the KURUs require far less than the 10 hours recommended by Fulton. They’re great if you want comfortable shoes in a hurry.
Overall, the Fulton insoles are great for upgrading an existing pair of shoes, but the KURUs are better for those who want an all-in-one shoe that doesn’t require a lengthy break-in period and is ready to go out of the box.
To learn more, you can read our full KURU QUANTUM 2.0 review.
| Fulton Insoles | KURU QUANTUM 2.0 | |
| Price | $48 | $165 |
| Available sizes | Men’s 8-14, Women’s 5-12 (wide widths also available) | Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-12 (wide widths also available) |
| Materials | Cork, foam, cotton, vegan cactus leather | KURUCLOUD cushioning |
| Cushioning level | Medium | Medium |
Customer Experience
Fulton has excellent customer service and return policies, earning a 5 out of 5 for the customer experience.
When you purchase from Fulton, you’re protected by the company’s 90-day comfort guarantee. If you’re not happy, you can return the item anytime within 90 days, even if it’s been worn every day. You can reach customer service by email, but there is no listed phone number or chat option.
Ordering the Fulton Insoles
All orders over $60 ship free. As of this writing, the Fulton Athletic Insoles are on sale for $48. If you’re only buying one pair, you’ll need to pay shipping, but two or more will get you free carbon-neutral shipping.
Fulton also sells the insoles in a three-pack for $115.20, a 20% discount compared to buying three pairs individually. Plus, choosing the three-pack would unlock the free shipping.
There are no financing options, but you can complete your purchase with a variety of payment processing options, including Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, Venmo, PayPal, and Google Pay.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, Fulton insoles had an average customer review score of 4.8 out of 5 on the Fulton website, based on 728 reviews, and a 3.8 rating on Amazon with 141 reviews.
Most reviewers are happy with their purchase, though a few say they prefer cheaper options.
Final Verdict of Our Fulton Insoles Review
While not cheap, the Fulton insoles are an excellent way to upgrade any pair of shoes you own. They offer support, cushioning, and resistance against pronation and supination. The initial break-in period can be uncomfortable, but over time, the cork insoles mold to your foot and become very comfy.
Whether you have flat feet, high arches, back pain, knee pain, or plantar fasciitis, Fulton Insoles are a great way to add extra support and cushion to your shoes.
- Each pair of insoles can only be used with one pair of shoes, so you’ll need separate insoles if you want to put them in multiple shoes.
- The cork material is antimicrobial but should be aired out after excessive sweating to prevent early breakdown.
- If you order from Fulton, you’ll have a full 90 days to try the insoles and return them if you’re not happy.
Fulton Insoles Rating
Fulton Insoles
Should you upgrade your shoes with these athletic insoles? Find out in our Fulton Insoles review!
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.25
Fulton Insoles: FAQs
How long do Fulton insoles last?
The Fulton insoles should last as long as your shoes if you’re taking proper care of them. Be sure to air them out after heavy sweating or when running in wet climates to avoid premature breakdown, and they’ll last quite a long time.
RELATED: How Long Do Running Shoes Last?
Are Fulton insoles good for plantar fasciitis?
While you should always consult your podiatrist for medical questions, Fulton insoles are designed to provide support and cushioning, which may help those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
How much do Fulton insoles cost?
Fulton insoles cost $60, but we’ve seen them for as low as $48.
How do I break in Fulton insoles?
Fulton recommends wearing the insoles for about 10 hours, which is about 30 miles of walking. Keep them in the shoes you plan to wear, and over time, the insole will mold to the shape of your foot.
References
- Gonçalves, F., Correia, P., Silva, S. P., & Almeida-Aguiar, C. (2016). Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of cork. FEMS microbiology letters, 363(3), fnv231. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnv231
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