Frequently asked questions

Will I only be wearing/selling neutral shoes from now on?

No, you will continue to use/provide running shoe advice as before. Noticeable patterns in the roll -­ through of the foot will help sales associates make the appropriate shoe recommendations just as before. currexSole insoles do not replace support in the shoe but offers synergy between the flat  midsole and the naturally rounded areas of the foot.

How does "natural running" tie in with the currexSole?

currexSole inserts support runners on their path to natural running in shoes with a lower midsole and /or heel. Thanks to the dynamic interaction between foot and insole, the currexSole insole supports the feet and musculature in this “learning process”, thus preventing potential overuse injuries.

Could the value of an expensive running shoe be lowered by using currexSole insoles?

No. Nearly all running shoes come standard with a flat “sockliner” which provides virtually no arch support but all feet are rounded leaving significant gaps between the foot and the shoe. In order to provide optimal traction and ensure 100% performance of the sports shoe, the foot NEEDS an insole which fills the gaps between the foot and the shoe and adapts to the contours of the foot -­ this protects it from overuse injuries. (Even a BMW can be improved upon with a “sports interior” package.)

Is the currexSole in competition with orthotists or podiatrists?

No, because the currexSole is aimed at the 95% of normal, healthy athletes who enjoy running and would like to avoid injury. If an athlete is seriously injured their doctor must be consulted and will decide upon an appropriate treatment and care program. The currexSole simply opens up the market for people who have not yet experienced the increased comfort that a sports insole can provide. Many orthopedic specialists, sports scientists and physiotherapists already work with the currexSole and recommend it to their customers who do not require a prescription but want to treat their aches and pains.

Do I need a medical background knowledge in order to properly fit the currexSole?

Medical knowledge is always an advantage when buying / selling running shoes but the currexSole is already equipped with this medical expertise. It is important to evaluate the foot profile and the leg axis correctly in order to make an initial choice. This said, if the medical expertise of a practitioner leads them to choose a different model of the currexSole this is fine as well.

Can an incorrect assessment have negative consequences?

No, because the currexSole does not alter the mechanical movements of the body but gently stimulates the neuromuscular functions in an orthopedic way. The only possible negative effect could be a brief period of muscle aching but this is actually encouraging as it proves the currexSole is influencing your posture and/or gait.

What differentiates the currexSole from an insole prescribed by a doctor?

Standard prescription insoles (otherwise known as “custom orthotics”) follow the thought process that an insole should alter the positioning of the bones in the foot in an attempt to support the arch. Scientific studies on the subject indicate that this is not the proper method for most athletes. Such an insole may even be detrimental to the movement of the foot. currexSole is currently the only functional insole concept which incorporates a philosophy of “subtle support”. Cushioning alone is not ample. Forcefully adjusting the bones of the foot is not typically beneficial. Only a comfortable and well-­‐fitting insole can have a positive effect on the body. Shoe sales have always followed this concept and the currexSole is simply following the same path by enhancing the comfort of a shoe AND enhancing the fit of the shoe. All without inhibiting the technologies inherent in the shoe.

Does the currexSole lead to overcorrection in combination with support shoes?

No. The currexSole does not lead to a doubling up of the support to your foot because the currexSole does not aim to straighten the bones in the foot. Instead, it modifies the neuromuscular movement patterns in order to “teach” the body a healthier way of moving.

Does the currexSole change your running style?

The currexSole affects the sensory functions (sensory perception) of the sole of the foot and adapts the body’s movement towards an optimized running style via the neuromuscular functions, which helps prevent overuse injuries to the ligaments, tendons and muscles. In this way, the currexSole gently adapts the body’s movement in the proper direction without being uncomfortable.

Do currexSoles have to be “worn in”?

All “change” requires a bit of time and this goes for currexSole as well but the foot will adapt to it  quickly: typically after 20 minutes you’ll barely notice them. You are not “breaking in” the  product – you are properly aligning the feet and legs (perhaps for the first time). Many users will be able to detect new muscles being used (i.e. in the calf) but this dissipates in only a few  days. This is proof of the gentle neuromuscular stimulation of the receptors in the sole of the  foot. Additionally, the left and right foot are never exactly the same, so your currexSole insoles may initially feel different on each foot. When it comes to using the insoles during sports we advise you to wear the currexSole like a new shoe for one or two days before using it for sports.  Rule of thumb? Wear it during training first and then in competition.

What effect does the currexSole have on foot musculature?

The currexSole works together with the foot and adapts to its natural roll-­‐through movement. In the loading phase – that is, when the body’s full weight is borne by the currexSole – the dynamic arch cradle (DAC) flattens and enables full muscular activity. Only in the case of severe fatigue and/or movements such as overpronation does the arch cradle protect against damaging peaks in  oading. In the toe-­‐off phase, the DAC springs back and transfers the saved energy myofascially (myo (Gr.) = muscle; fascia (Lat.) = connective tissue) to the plantar tendon, which increases strength in the toe-­off phase.

How durable is the currexSole?

When the top layer of the currexSole shows signs of significant wear, it’s time to change your insoles. The outer material is breathable, which, in combination with the special layers beneath, helps maintain optimum moisture management inside the shoe. The nylon composite of the DAC provides a lifespan of 800 to 1,500 km (500-­‐1,000 miles) depending on body weight and running style.

How should the sales proceed if the customer says they already have insoles?

If a customer is 100% satisfied with their current insoles or if they have to wear them for medical reasons they should continue wearing them. However, customers have frequently had poor or unsatisfactory experiences with insoles because standard insoles may cause pressure points or do not include good moisture management or simply don’t solve their existing concerns. Customers are not typically aware of the fact that there are major differences between the insoles currently available in the market and the currexSole – show them the currexSole product and they will rapidly understand that no brand compares to currexSole. The design, weight, materials, 3-­‐D arch (“shank”), decoupled heel and construction all combine to present an obvious visual and aesthetic difference. An insole which purely cushions the foot is not suitable in a running shoe (or virtually any other athletic shoe). The best explanation of this concept would be to compare a cushioned insole to “running in sand”. Yes, it feels good while you’re doing it but it requires significantly more propulsive energy to perform. A properly designed athletic insole should enhance athletic performance, not detract from it. There is a reason why you will see currexSole being used by professional athletes but rarely (if ever) will you see a professional using one of our competitor’s products.

Should an insole prescribed by my orthopedic specialist be changed?

This is up to the specialist in question and requires his or her expertise. In general, an insole should solve the customer’s problems and not cause any additional issues. That’s to say: do not change a functioning insole – at the most, you can supplement it, i.e. with a currexSole for sports shoes and the existing insole for everyday wear. This said, there are many customers who are not happy with their “custom orthotics” and if the sales associates has reason to question its suitability they can ask the shopper if they would like to try something new while reiterating the currexSole “money-‐back” guarantee.

Can the currexSole and Nike Free be worn together?

Yes! currexSoles have a decoupled heel and work dynamically with the foot allowing for natural movement. They complement the concept of Nike Free and aid the customer in adjusting to this new shoe concept.

Does the currexSole work in modern minimalist shoes?

Customers often do not have the muscular strength to run in a minimalist shoe and need to continue to work on changing their running style toward a midfoot running style or a flat heel strike. In this case, the currexSole offers ideal support so that the new shoe or running style does not become painful or injurious. Minimalist shoes can be fine for runners but many are  injured because they attempt to transition to this footwear too rapidly – not allowing their bodies time to adjust and adapt. CurrexSole can help this process.

How "individual" is the currexSole?

Although the currexSole is a pre-­‐manufactured product it is also highly individualistic. The three different foot profiles (low, medium and high arch) and five sizes result in 15 different versions of each model of currexSole. (4 models currently available with 2-­‐3 more anticipated within the next 12 months.) Every sport has a different relationship to the dynamic arch cradle (DAC) and when adapted to the foot profile and weight a unique, individualized platform is the end-­result.

My customer does not suffer from any injuries or pain. Do they still need a currexSole?

Absolutely! Every customer can benefit from the enhanced fit and increased comfort offered by currexSole. It is considerably easier to prevent overuse injuries than to rehabilitate them afterwards. As Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (And for our new triathlete customers – were you aware the Ben Franklin also invented swim fins?!)

Does the currexSole influence the specific technology of the shoe?

The currexSole optimizes all specific functions of the shoe. The heel height – the difference in height between the toe and heel – is not altered. The decoupled heel of the currexSole works together with the shoe’s own cushioning system. Also, the currexSole offers increased propulsion in the forefoot to help you push off when running.

Can the currexSole also be worn in indoor / leisure shoes?

currexSole insoles can be recommended for all sports shoes with removable insoles (or “sockliners”). currexSole insoles have the same height (4 mm) as existing standard insoles. Also, currexSole can be used in any shoe where there is sufficient volume and space – whether this is cycling shoes or “brown shoes”. currexSole gently realigns the feet so which impacts the entire body. Are you “on your feet all day”? currexSole can help the feet, legs and back. Customers will frequently be amazed by the difference currexSole will make in their posture and thereby their overall level of fatigue at the end of a day.

Is the currexSole also suitable for sports that involve fast changes of direction?

Yes. Sports which involve quick direction changes benefit from optimized energy transfer which is  enabled via the three-­dimensional construction of the currexSole. Indoor sports shoes (just like running shoes) typically only have a sockliner. Customer will quickly learn to appreciate the improved comfort offered by the currexSole whether they are playing basketball or golf or football
or soccer. By closing the gap between the foot and the shoe currexSole insoles positively impact the process of energy transfer prior to impact and post-­impact propulsion.

Can the currexSole be worn by children and young adults?

Because the currexSole does not alter the body’s mechanical movement, there is no difference between an adult and a child. However, it strongly suggested that all children participate in varied exercises or the body can experience damage or degeneration during the growing phase.

Can the currexSole be worn in MBT, EasyTone or FiveFingers shoes?

MBT and EasyTone: yes; FiveFingers: no.

How do I best look after the currexSole?

We recommend holding the currexSole under running water and cleaning it with a nailbrush and some gentle soap. Allow the insole to thoroughly dry before the next use. They should NOT be machine-­washed!

currex GmbH
motion analysis solutions
Dorotheenstrasse 48
D- 22301 Hamburg
Tel:  +49 40 4134 6060
Fax: +49 40 4134 6069


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