The Pearl Izumi 1:1 Insole system is a quality insole with forefoot and arch performance inserts designed to enhance both comfort and athletic performance at an amazingly low price. The insoles both increase comfort and help to align the leg for a more efficient pedaling action that correctly involves the proper leg muscles.
The system comes with two inserts for three Varus forefoot cant options - neutral +1.5mm, and +3mm. Also included are two arch support inserts for three options - low, mid and high. The inserts are simple to install/remove making the fit easy to dial in. Complete directions demonstrate how to use the arch supports and the forefoot shims for proper leg alignment.
Features
• Two arch support inserts
• Two inserts for three Varus forefoot cant options
• Increases comfort, reduces fatigue and aligns leg
• Molded heel cup for efficient and solid power delivery
• Dual density EVA damps vibration and reduces fatigue
• Vented low-friction ETC® top sheet eliminates hotspots and heat buildup
Most cyclists pedal at an average of at least 80 revolutions per minute. On a typical two hour ride, that adds up to nearly 10,000 circles your feet will have pedaled. And that your leg operates over a sizeable range of motion means that misalignments could be a recipe for a repetitive motion injury. Pearl Izumi makes their Insole System with Total Tune Performance Inserts to prevent all that repetition from manifesting itself as an injury. While the name doesn't roll off the tongue smoothly, the function of these insoles is unmatched by any other cycling footbed system. Not only can you adjust the height of the arch support, but you can also alter the forefoot (varus) angle of both feet. The latter adjustment is very important; most people run and walk, as well as pedal, by biasing their stride/stroke outward, toward the little toe. This is inefficient -- because it adds extra strain on the muscles of the lower leg to re-balance the path of the foot, tiring you faster and wasting watts that would be more useful in propelling you down the road -- and often leads to stress and strain on the knee and illiotibial band at the outside of the quadriceps.
Because Pearl Izumi's Insole System comes with what they call Total Tune Performance Inserts, which includes three arch adjustment as well as three varus adjustments, a fitter can watch your pedal stroke and quickly and easily adjust out any varus-tilting tendencies of the forefoot, as well as add arch support for both comfort and further lower leg alignment. Note that we highly recommend having a professional bike fitter make these adjustments for you. It's exceedingly difficult to self-diagnose your own pedal stroke and make these adjustments through trial and error, and you could wind up worsening any repetitive stress injuries or weaknesses. Get a bike fit, however, and you'll easily dial out inefficiencies in your stroke, making you faster, and eliminating any potential setbacks down the road.
The Pearl Izumi Insole System with Total Tune Performance Inserts is a complete setup for adjusting the inefficiencies of most riders' lower leg biases. They are Black/red and are available in a broad range of sizes from 36-49.
