Okay, so you’ve got your best running shoes ready to hit the pavement, trail, or treadmill belt, but the insoles your kicks come with do little in terms of support and cushioning, meaning that plush underfoot is mainly the result of your shoe’s midsole tech. Aftermarket inserts, like Fulton Insoles, allow you to garner even more shock absorption and pain relief in each stride, more so than the flimsy piece of cloth typically found in athletic sneakers.
Having tested 12 different shoe inserts across different athletic shoe silhouettes, I feel these Fulton Insoles, specifically the Athletic Insoles, are some of the best for boosted in-training comfort. The cork base creates a customized fitment to your foot for superior arch support and shock absorption, leading to all-day comfort whether logging miles on the road or sets in the gym. In this Fulton Insoles review, we’ll cover the insert’s basic components, our experience with sneaker add-ons, and who we feel would benefit most from this accessory.
For more information on how we test products, be sure to check out the BarBend Equipment Testing Methodology page.
Fulton Insoles feature a cork base that naturally customizes its shape to your specific footprint. The antimicrobial qualities of this material allow it to defend against unwanted odor and bacterial buildup.
Main Takeaways
- The Athletic Insole from Fulton is designed for shoes with wider toe boxes — the typical design of most running and cross-training shoes.
- The cork base molds to both your footprint and your shoe’s midsole last, so swapping insoles in-between sneakers is not recommended.
- Organic cotton top layer helps keep things breathable while also resisting odor buildup.
Fulton Athletic Insole Specs
| Price | $48 |
| Available Sizes | 5-14 (Standard), 5-14 (Wide) |
| Material | Cork, Organic cotton |
| Cushioning Level | Medium |
| Cut-to-Size | No |
The major selling point of Fulton Insoles is the brand’s use of cork across the insert design. This component is featured in both the Classic Insole (designed for narrow toe boxes like those in lifestyle shoes) and Athletic Insole (designed for wider toe boxes, often found in running and cross-training shoes). For the sake of our content, we’ll focus on the Athletic Insole, but know that the integrated technology remains the same across the two insert profiles.
These cork insoles give the Fultons a unique sense of personalization. After a brief break-in period, the cork begins to mold to your specific foot shape as well as your shoe’s midsole, creating a structured sense of support and fit. This also makes the Fulton Insole a great option for all arch types since the material bends and shapes itself to your personal step.
That said, this cork construction also means that Fulton Insoles cannot be swapped from one pair of shoes to the next. If you want the extra support and comfort in, say, your running shoes or the best cross-training shoes in your collection, we recommend purchasing multiple pairs at once. Fulton offers bundled pricing, so you will get some savings as part of the larger order.
This Athletic Insole also features a top layer made of organic cotton. Not only can this be beneficial for keeping your shoe’s interior cool and breathable, but the organic cotton can also be helpful in defending against odor build-up. Paired with the cork, a naturally antimicrobial material in its own right, this construction means these insoles can be great for those looking to curb stinky sensations within their training footwear. (1)
Fulton Insoles are available in both men’s and women’s sizes between 5 and 14. Plus, you can purchase these shoe inserts in both Standard or Wide cuts. According to the brand, if you’re in-between sizes — like me, who wears a Men’s 9.5 — you should size up to the next rounded number.
Fitting the insoles to your shoes is also a breeze. Simply take out the cloth insert of your sneaker and slide the Fulton Insoles in their place. Fulton does not recommend cutting your insoles to size, as this can compromise the integrity of the cork base.
[Related: How to Choose Running Shoes]
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use Fulton Athletic Insoles
Fulton Insoles can be a great solution for a wide range of athletes, but some may not need to spend the extra $48 for added underfoot support. Below are a few recommendations for who should and shouldn’t consider adding these best insoles to their training sneakers.
Recommended for:
- Those wanting a custom-molded insert to match their arch type
- Athletes looking for an odor- and bacteria-free insole for their training footwear
- Individuals looking for a shock-absorbing insert suitable for more high-intensity workouts, such as running or strength training
Not Recommended for:
- Athletes that need a versatile insole capable of being swapped in-between different sneakers
- Those wanting immediate comfort and support — the cork takes hours of wear to properly break in
- Larger-footed athletes needing an insole size larger than 14
Our Experience Training With Fulton Athletic Insoles
I’ve worn Fulton Insoles consistently in everything from my favorite daily sneakers to some of my best treadmill running shoes. For this review, I used the Athletic Insole in both my daily running shoes and my trusted cross-trainers (different pairs in each, of course). Workouts consisted of differing circumstances and intensities from multi-mile weekend jogs to strenuous powerlifting sessions in the gym, making note of the underfoot comfort and support felt in each step or stride.
I also examined how well these insoles broke in over time and compared that to my experience with 12 other insoles I’ve had in years past. All categories were rated on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
Break-in Period
The shock-absorbing cork, while comfortable and sturdy over time, does need to be rendered before hitting its true stride. If you know how to break in running shoes, you likely won’t be put off by the initial rigidity of these insoles. I’d say that the break-in period was more challenging with my running shoes as opposed to my cross-trainers given the fact that I was putting the sneakers through more aggressive wear and tear — trudging along for multiple miles can definitely lead to more soreness than, say, walking from machine to machine in a gym setting.
While some may experience a bit of soreness as these shoe insoles mold to the shape of your foot, I still scored the break-in at 4 out of 5. The experience isn’t unbearable by any means, and you’re left with a fully-customized insole that’s primed to your specific arch type. This is also why I recommend Fulton Insoles for flat feet, low arches, and high arches — the cork is capable of matching your step provided you give them the chance to break in.
Durability
Another great attribute of these Fulton Insoles is their durability over hours of wear. The cork and organic cotton top layer are resilient enough through daily stressors, which can be a blessing for those looking to compensate for supination or overpronation day in and day out.
Admittedly, I’ve had my Fulton Insoles for months now, so I have experienced some fraying around the edges of the shoe inserts themselves. However, I feel this is a normal occurrence with insoles, so I wouldn’t worry too much. Overall, I rated the durability at 4 out of 5.
I will say, though, that the durability can be compromised if you routinely expose these insoles to moisture. For example, I had a previous pair of Fulton Insoles in my one pair of running shoes that I’d routinely wear for running in the rain. The wet conditions (and natural sweat) would break down the cork over time, leading to a much-needed replacement pair.
If you are prone to sweating through your socks or routinely wear these insoles through inclement weather, I suggest removing them from your shoes post-workout in order to air them out efficiently.
Comfort
That resiliency also translates to improved comfort over time. Again, I’ve worn these shoe inserts across lifting and running endeavors and never felt compromised with knee pain, back pain, or other ailments. In the gym, I attribute this to the deep heel cup that keeps you locked into the footbed for added sturdiness — a true perk when trying to push out of the hole in a back squat. On the road or treadmill, I like how easy the cork absorbs impact, keeping my feet cozy through each progressive stride.
I also rated the comfort and cushioning at 5 out of 5 thanks to the soft organic cotton top layer. This appealing textile sits comfortably under my socks with little friction or grit. I also like that it provides a slim barrier between my digits and the rougher cork base. The breathable qualities of the cotton layer also help ensure my feet aren’t completely drenched after a workout.
Versatility
While the craftsmanship and comfort is impressive with these Fulton Insoles, I do want to note that they are a one-shoe ordeal, meaning you cannot swap them from one pair of sneakers to the next. While the cork molds to your foot shape over time, it does the same process with your shoe’s midsole last. Essentially, it’s creating two imprints at once for a truly personal fit. Swapping the insoles between multiple pairs of shoes would render this feature useless and potentially lead to soreness or other alignment issues.
As such, I scored the versatility at 3.5 out of 5. If you are wanting the customized feel in every training sneaker, it’s best to purchase multiple insole pairs at once and break them in accordingly. Thankfully, Fulton does offer bundle orders that can help you save some coin on multiple insole sets.
[Related: Best Recovery Shoes]
What to Consider Before Buying Fulton Athletic Insoles
Insoles can provide far more to your workout performance than just a cozier footbed. Like other essentials you house in your best gym bag, their influence can make or break your training session whether logging multiple miles atop a treadmill or locking in for some hard-nosed weight training. Below are a handful of factors we recommend pondering over before adding a pair of insoles to your cart.
- Available Sizing: “Don’t just pick a size, any size,” notes Alex Polish, BarBend editorial team member and our expert reviewer. “Just like trying on the perfect shoe, make sure you’re getting something that contours well to your feet.”
- Cushioning: Insoles are intended to provide extra cushioning underfoot for a smoother, more appealing ride. Be sure to look at the listed materials and overall design to confirm that the added plush is worth your investment.
- Arch Support: Another main reason that athletes opt for aftermarket insoles is to provide ample arch support to each step. When looking at insoles, make sure that the silhouette caters to your specific foot type either through its initial profile or after a break-in period.
- Versatility: Fulton’s insoles are designed to be used in one pair of shoes only. If you are trying to recreate the same underfoot experience in each pair of kicks in your closet, you’ll need to order multiple pairs of inserts or opt for an insole that can be swapped from sneaker to sneaker.
- Preferred Activity: “If you’re weight training, you might want a less intense cushion for better force transfer,” says Polish. “If you’re running or just going to be on your feet for a long time generally, you might want an insole with a bit more bounce.”
Fulton Athletic Insole Vs. Competitors
While insoles, as a whole, can be viewed as a simple accessory for training, there are some qualities that separate a high-quality pair of insoles (like Fulton) apart from the pack. That said, there’s never a shortage of competition, especially for athletes that have routinely tried to combat foot and arch issues over time. Read below as we compare two popular insole options we feel match up well to Fulton Insoles — Remind MEDIC Insoles and VKTRY’s Gold Performance Insoles.
| Fulton Athletic Insoles | Remind MEDIC Insoles | VKTRY Gold Performance Insoles | |
| Price | $48 | $55 | $149 |
| Available Sizes | 5-14 (Standard), 5-14 (Wide) | 4-13.5 | 2-17.5 |
| Material | Cork, Organic cotton | Extreme Impact Protection foam | Aerospace-grade carbon fiber |
| Cushioning Level | Medium | Medium-High | Medium |
| Cut-to-Size | No | No | No |
The MEDIC Insoles from Remind are also prevalent across my footwear collection, and I do appreciate the more accommodating size range for smaller-footed athletes. However, I feel that Fulton’s cork material molds better to my normal arches, as opposed to the Extreme Impact Protection foam featured in the Remind offering. I think these Remind insoles can be better suited for rougher terrain, though, so they can still be an option for work boots, trail running shoes, or other kicks that see a lot of uneven terrain.
[Related: How Long Do Running Shoes Last?]
The VKTRY Gold Performance Insoles are, essentially, an engine swap for your training footwear. The carbon fiber design gives these insoles excellent energy return, but that extra spring can be more jarring than you’d think. For running shoes and cross-trainers, I still feel Fultons are preferable as they’re more shock-absorbing. Plus, there is a definitive price difference at $149 for VKTRYs.
Ordering and Assembling Fulton Athletic Insoles
There is no assembly required with these Fulton Insoles, but the process of adding them to your best trail-running shoes is less plug-and-play than you’d imagine. You’ll need to remove the existing insert from your sneaker and replace it with the Fulton silhouette. There is no trimming necessary as the brand constructs its insoles true to size.
As far as the break-in period — where the cork naturally molds to the shape of your foot — I’d recommend wearing these Fulton Insoles regularly for roughly one week. After that, the rigidity will dissipate and you’ll be left with a comfortable experience thanks to the shock-absorbing cork material and soft organic cotton top layer.
Places to Buy Fulton Athletic Insoles
Fulton Insoles are available online at the brand’s retail site. You can also find these shoe inserts at select third-party retailers such as Amazon. Classic Insoles are also available in-store at all REI flagship locations, which include SoHo, New York, Washington, DC, Bloomington, Minnesota, Denver, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
Fulton only makes insoles, so the focus is primarily on giving customers a better experience underfoot. The trademark cork featured across the brand’s products is handcrafted in small batches from Porto, Portugal. Plus, the emphasis on sustainability and plant-based materials has allowed the brand to remain carbon negative with manufacturing processes actively removing CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. To reach the brand with any inquiries, you can contact Fulton at info@walkfulton.com.
From a customer reviews perspective, Fulton maintains its high praise with an average 4.8 rating out of 5 on the brand’s site. “I have worn my insoles for 10 days. It was uncomfortable at first but now they are quite comfortable and my feet do feel better,” notes one customer.
[Related: What Are Cross-Training Shoes?]
Warranties
Fulton understands that satisfaction is never a given result, so the brand offers a 90-day return policy with these Fulton Insoles. According to the brand, “As part of our 90-day comfort guarantee, we accept returns up to 90 days after delivery, but after 30 days of the item’s receipt. We consider the first 30 days an important trial period, where you have the opportunity to completely break the insoles in and experience the benefits of custom molding arch support before choosing whether you would like to return them.”
If a return is necessary, Fulton will offer a 100% refund for your insoles.
Final Thoughts on Fulton Athletic Insoles
If you’re looking for high-quality athletic insoles to match your arch type and improve underfoot comfort, Fulton’s insoles are definitely worth considering. Yes, there is a break-in period and you cannot swap the inserts from one shoe to the next, but the cork base does an excellent job of cradling your foot comfortably and the shock absorption is top notch. Plus, with true-to-size dimensions, there’s no need to trim these insoles to fit your respective shoes.
Of course, though, when thinking about adding insoles to your go-to kicks, it’s always advantageous to think about how much cushioning you want underfoot, where you plan to wear these insoles, and how your arch type should be stabilized within your shoe’s interior. Be sure to keep these factors top of mind when browsing the Fulton website, but realize that you’re going in the right direction with comfort and performance in your near future.
Fulton Athletic Insole FAQs
How long do Fulton insoles last?
With the proper care, Fulton Insoles can last as long as your shoes. The main concern is getting the cork material wet, either through inclement weather or puddled sweat. If you notice your shoes have become wet, be sure to air out the insoles by removing them entirely from your shoe’s interior.
Are Fulton insoles good for plantar fasciitis?
Given the cork base’s ability to mold to the shape of your foot, Fulton Insoles can be a suitable solution for those dealing with plantar fasciitis issues.
How much do Fulton insoles cost?
Fulton Insoles are currently available for $48.
How do I break in Fulton insoles?
Fulton Insoles can be broken in through regular wear. Replace your current shoe’s inserts with Fulton Insoles and wear them regularly throughout your schedule. Over time — the brand lists a break-in period of roughly 10 hours — the cork base will begin to mold to your specific foot shape for a customized sense of support and shock absorption.
References
- Gonçalves, F., Correia, P., Silva, S. P., & Almeida-Aguiar, C. (2015). Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of Cork. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 363(3). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26635416/
