QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT SORBOTHANE
Recommended by Jack Medina, M.A.


1.What is Sorbothane?

It is a proprietory visco-elastic polymer that has been scientifically proven to reduce shock and relieve pain. It acts like human skin and has been called “plastic flesh.” Sorbothane insoles are designed to offer protection from impact related injuries caused by continuous foot strike.

2. Does it Last?

Unlike foam insoles which can compress and lose effectiveness, Sorbothane insoles are designed to retain their shock-absorbing properties for literally millions of steps. Although solid, Sorbothane feels and behaves like your body’s own energy-absorbing tissue giving unprecedented fatigue and pain reducing properties.

3. What’s so special about Sorbothane?

Primarily its ability to absorb shock, the impact that results from foot strike while walking or running.

4. What’s so bad about shock?

Impact shock is the leading cause of sports related injuries, i.e. Achilles tendonitis, plantar faciitis, and even knee and lower back pain.

5. What does Sorbothane do about shock?

It absorbs impact shock, up to 94.7% of it.

6. Who says so?

The Nike Sports Research laboratory.


7. Don’t other materials like Eva and Air Soles absorb shock?

Yes, but considerably less. At last report Eva Soles absorbed 60.3%, Air Soles 58.2% and Sorbothane an amazing 94.7%!

8. Sorbothane sounds good for runners, but does it offer protection to the average person and/or players of other sports like baseball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, etc.?

Most definitely! One of Sorbothanes outstanding features is its ability to absorb shear and torque; exactly the forces produced by the sharp, twisting movements in sports.

9. How does it work?

By not only absorbing shock, but by “flowing” with the foot to eliminate friction.

10. How can a solid flow?

It flows because it has the properties of a liquid. And that, by the way is the secret of Sorbothane’s shock absorbency. The downward force of the foot-strike dissipates into a harmless lateral motion, just as the force of a stone dropping into the water produces ripples.

11. Do the grooves on the bottom surface have anything to do with its liquid qualities?

YES! They are the space into which the Sorbothane flows.

12. All this is very interesting, but will Sorbothane really help me?

Absolutely! It will significantly reduce pain resulting from impact shock, reduce the chances of your sustaining an injury, and can actually speed up recovery from injury.

13. How do I know Sorbothane works?

Because there is a considerable body of medical and professional literature supporting these claims. I first saw it many years ago on the “That’s Incredible Show” with Fran Tarkington (former Quarterback with the Minnesota Vikings). I then had it analyzed by Dr. Jerry Bornstein, M.D., who at that time was the “team physician” for the United States Track and Field Team. Dr. Bornstein highly recommended it and used it extensively in his orthopedic practice.

14. Will Sorbothane eventually pack down like other shock absorbent materials?

No! It has been run through 2,000,000 compressions with no significant packing down or loss of absorbancy.

15. How does it hold up in cold weather?

Excellent! Its properties are virtually unchanged through the minus 40 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit range.

16. What about hot weather?

Excellent also! Sorbothane does not generate heat.

17. Why does the bottom surface feel tacky?

It is tacky in order to hold the insert in place. In fact, if it should lose its tackiness, it can be gently washed in soap and water and allowed to drip dry; the tackiness will be restored.

18. What is the top surface made of?

A soft, brushed cambrelle that is anti-bacterial, fungicidal, and fully washable.

19. Sorbothane Insoles are a bit heavy aren’t they?

Yes, a bit. They weigh a fraction over 3 ounces each. But you simply can’t get all the protection they provide any other way. What athlete in his or her right mind wouldn’t gladly wear an additional 3 ounces to remain virtually injury free. They can be removed during special events, races, etc. if you so desire and the extra weight bothers you.

20. They are expensive aren’t they?

Not really. They are a high technology polymer, not a mere foam insole. For the kind of protection they offer, and the length of time they last, they are the best bargain around.

21. Where can I get a pair?

Sorbothane insoles are available through Designs For Fitness for $24.00 per pair which includes shipping. ($19.95 + $4.05 shipping). If you order via my website (www.jackmedina.com) make sure you indicate “Male or Female” and shoe size.
You can also call us at 1-866-204-8786 toll free.