We were only able to catch a quick glimpse of these insoles at last month’s InterBike Show. The technology looked promising enough, we decided to post some more information about them.
About
Oliver Elsenbach has been successfully advising professional athletes as a qualified sports expert about their training regimens since 2003. In particular, he has been active in the area of orthopaedic insoles as used by professional athletes, and has become a specialist on the optimal sitting position for cyclists in recent years. The expert from Cologne has been working on the idea to develop specialised insoles for cyclists for six years.
The developmental breakthrough – following more than 50 prototypes – came in autumn 2010, in cooperation with perpedesröck, a leading German manufacturer of insoles and a specialist in the processing of carbon in this area.
The SOLESTAR cycling insole concept is the result of many years of development. This experience, and that gained from a variety of training sessions and competitive races, has created a product that combines three central qualities: increased performance, enhanced comfort and stress reduction.
Product
For better torque in cycling.
It’s the cyclists muscle power that enables him to ride his bike, conquer mountains, and break records. It all depends on the perfect interplay of man and machine. The connection between the foot and pedal is part of the power transfer process, and determines the athlete’s performance level.
The problem: all of the cyclist’s energy is transferred to the pedal through the most unstable point of the body: the foot.
A unique new concept.
SOLESTAR carbon insoles give the feet the support and stability that is needed during the pressure phase. The SOLESTAR insoles are based on a highly innovative and patented concept, the Stabilization-Delta. This concept is the result of a long-term collaboration with professional athletes worldwide. Their experience, as well as their feedback, directly influenced the developmental process.
The effectiveness of the SOLESTAR concept has been scientifically proven in a study conducted by the German Sport University in Cologne.
More stability, better power transfer
The foot has an inherently high degree of flexibility, ready to meet the challenges of walking, running or jumping. In cycling, however, the foot with its flexibility is the weakest link during the power transfer process. With each pedal rotation, the constant pressure results in an involuntary twisting of the foot, as well as an inner rotation of the knee and the pelvis. This produces a loss of efficiency during the entire movement chain and function, often resulting in physical discomfort.
With SOLESTAR insoles the feet become the steady foundation of the entire movement chain from the pelvis to the foot.
The SOLESTAR carbon insoles were specifically developed for requirements in cycling and the pedaling motion. The insoles work to an innovative and patented concept. The SOLESTAR Stabilization-Delta acts as a clamp. The foot remains in a steady, neutral position for the entire pedaling cycle.
The result: improved power transfer, increased comfort, and significant stress reduction.
How the SOLESTAR Stabilization-Delta works
The three main contact points of the Stabilization-Delta provide strong support of the foot during the entire pedaling cycle.
1- Ankle support: the SOLESTAR carbon insole provides strong support for the ankle. The foot is supported and held in the correct position for optimal power transfer. This prevents twisting of the foot and inner rotation of the leg during the pressure phase.
2- Forefoot support: simultaneously, the elevated outer edge of the forefoot prevents the foot from breaking out on the lateral side. This keeps the foot locked in the ideal neutral power transfer position in the cycling shoe.
3- Lowered Metatarsophalangeal Joint: the Metatarsophalangeal Joint is lowered for closest contact between foot and pedal.
Fitting
Step by step to higher performance
All feet are different, and cycling shoes come in many different sizes as well! We have specially designed the SOLESTAR carbon insole for this exact reason. A hand-made product that can be adapted to suit the individual needs of each cyclist. Only this way can the individual performance really be optimized.
Here we provide you with details about which steps are used to customize your SOLESTAR insoles, and what exactly the certified SOLESTAR dealers do so that your insoles are adapted exactly for you.
To adapt your SOLESTAR insoles, make an appointment with one of our certified specialists. Don’t forget to bring you cycling shoes! Our dealers are specially trained SOLESTAR experts.
2. Measuring and Diagnosis
During the appointment, we make a full inspection and exact measurements of your feet. To start with, we check the fit of the cycling shoes. Then follows a statistical analysis of the feet, the position of the knees, and the status of the muscles. This test can be supplemented by using a dynamic analysis, which is based on the normal cycling motion. Your feedback is very important during these steps of the analysis. Please inform us of any discomfort, such as pressure points on your feet, or possible problems related to past injuries. The results of the examination are recorded for the individual customization of the SOLESTAR carbon insoles by using an exact imprint of your feet. There are several different procedures that can be used to obtain an imprint. Each SOLESTAR carbon insole can be adapted in the same manner as a regular orthopaedic insole.
3. Fitting to the cycling shoe
Based on the information of your feet, body statics and your cycling shoes a pair of SOLESTAR insoles will be produced. These are made to perfectly fit your feet and the form of the cycling shoe. That’s why it’s important to bring your cycling shoes to the appointment!
Your new SOLESTAR insoles will be finished in only a few days. The process is completed when you pick up your SOLESTAR insoles (again, please bring your shoes along). Your dealer will check that the cycling shoe fits perfectly and, if necessary, make final adjustments.
5. Working in
You should work in your new SOLESTAR insoles at least two or three times under normal conditions before taking part in any major races or longer tours. That way, you’ll be used to the new cycling sensation and get your muscles attuned to the benefits that SOLESTAR insoles provide.
http://www.solestar.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.
