Company Overview: "Developed by Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist Dr Emily Splichal, Naboso® Insoles are designed to uniquely stimulate the nerves in the bottom of the feet. Naboso® Insoles are backed by surface science and texture research - and have been shown to not only improve balance but also positively impact gait patterns, ankle proprioception and force production in athletes."
Product Description:
Naboso has a range of products that employ their patent-pending, textured, proprioceptive technology - Including mats, flooring and insoles. The insoles are categorised according to the dimensions of the texture on the insole, and even come in a children's range.
I had the opportunity of testing the Naboso Adult Insoles 1.5. They are available to purchase for $50 USD, and can be purchased here. (Affiliate link). Use the code FOOT15 for 15% off all Naboso Technology products.
(Disclaimer: These insoles were given to me to review, however my opinion is my own).
Product Details/Materials:
1.5mm patent-pending two point discrimination texture
3.5mm total thickness
Specific hardness (durometer) to maximize stimulation
Freedom of rotation and movement to allow natural foot function
Thin enough to put on any orthotic or arch support
Sizing is as follows:
Product Test:
I had no clear expectations heading into my test of the Naboso Technology insoles. I was familiar with the company and concept, however like most new adventures, you have to experience them yourself to form a conclusion.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Leanne from Swift Fitness (Australian distributor), who was quite helpful in guiding me through their product range. I had a brief test of the Naboso mats, which to my surprise, actually stimulated my senses more than I'd imagine, and gave me the first taste of the world of Naboso. To describe it as best as possible without sounding too pretentious, I felt as though the nerve endings in my feet were sending electrical impulses to my brain, bringing awareness to the existence of my feet. After receiving further information regarding the differences between texture patterns, what her team does, and the people the insoles would most likely benefit, I left with a pair of 1.5 Insoles.
Once taking them home, I had to trim them to fit my shoe - Which is advised to do from the heel side of the insole. Another thing to note is that they're not as wide as most barefoot shoe brands - I was worried that this would cause issues such as my toes hanging off the side of the insole, however this wasn't the case. It is also advised to ease into wearing the insoles, much like barefoot shoes.
During the first few weeks or so, my feet felt as though they were numb after wearing the insoles for an extended period of time. However, this wasn't the most unpleasant feeling in the world, and I'm convinced this was more likely due to an increase of blood flow into the feet. I noticed that my balance almost immediately improved - to describe it, I felt as though my brain was signalling the muscles in my feet to activate, thus gripping onto the insoles and forming a stable foundation. Furthermore, I felt my big toe engaging more during my gait cycle, as the texture somehow subconsciously increased the awareness of my toe alignment.
After a month or so, the numbness feeling subsided, my foot function improved, and the insoles have since become a staple.
Future Product Improvements:
Larger insoles that fit most barefoot shoes
Models with more cushioning
Footwear (Already developed)
Possibly other materials or colours?
Sweat resistant
By my own admission, I'm confident to say that the insoles have definitely improved my foot function, however I wish there was an accurate method I could've used to test this. The benefits I noticed were;
Increased stability
Increased big toe function during gait cycle
Decrease in lethargy for my feet
Increased awareness in my feet
Sweat build-up without socks would make the insoles slippery
The Naboso insoles have a lifespan of around 6 months.... My pair have almost approached that 6 month lifespan, and I believe that i'll invest in another pair in the near future.
-Alex, TheBarefootShoeReview