How to Use SoxsolS Washable Shoe Inserts

You just opened your SoxsolS package and you're looking at what appears to be a single thick insert. You might be thinking you got shorted. You didn't. SoxsolS come as a pair, pressed together face to face with the grip sides touching. Your first step is to peel them apart.

Here's everything you need to know to get them into your shoes and keep them working well.

Quick Answer

• SoxsolS come stuck together as a pair. Peel them apart at any corner or edge.
• Place each insert grippy side down in your shoe, rolling from heel to toe.
• Trim with household scissors if needed. The fabric won't fray when cut.
• Wash and dry them like socks. The SolSecure grip renews with every wash.
• Expect 1 to 3 years of use depending on how often you wear them.

Wait, There's Only One? No, There Are Two.

This is the most common question we hear from new customers. When you open the package, your SoxsolS look like a single piece because the two inserts are pressed together with their SolSecure silicon rubber grip sides facing each other. They're designed to ship this way so the grip surfaces stay clean and protected.

To separate them, grab a corner or edge and peel. They'll come apart easily. You now have a left and a right. (They're identical, so it doesn't matter which goes in which shoe.)

How to Insert SoxsolS Into Your Shoes

Getting SoxsolS into your shoes takes about 15 seconds per foot. Here's the method that works best:

1. Peel the pair apart so the grippy silicon rubber side of each insert faces down.
2. Start at the heel. Place the heel end of the insert into the back of the shoe's footbed, grippy side down.
3. Roll forward toward the toe, pressing gently as you go. This smooths out any air pockets and lets the SolSecure grip make full contact with the footbed.
4. Press flat. Give it a final press with your fingers, especially along the edges.

Rolling from heel to toe works better than trying to lay the insert flat all at once, especially in closed shoes where you can't see what you're doing. The grip is strong, so once it's down, it stays down.

How to Remove SoxsolS

When it's time to wash your SoxsolS, just peel one end up and pull. The grip holds firm during wear but releases without a fight when you lift from a corner. Think of it like peeling a sticky note off a desk.

Trimming SoxsolS to Fit

SoxsolS are designed to be trimmed, and the fabric won't fray when you cut it. If your pair is slightly too wide or too long for your shoes, here's how to get a clean fit:

1. Place the insert in your shoe untrimmed first. See where it overlaps or bunches.
2. Mark the trim line with a pen or just eyeball it.
3. Cut with regular household scissors. No special tools needed.
4. Test the fit. Trim a little more if necessary. You can always cut more, but you can't add it back.

Trimming for Thong Sandals

If your sandals have a toe post (like Birkenstock Gizeh, Mayari, or similar styles), you'll need to cut a notch for the thong. Cut in from the side at the instep, not from the toe end. This keeps the toe section more stable and less likely to shift around.

Sizing Tips Before You Trim

SoxsolS use European sizing from 36 to 47. For most shoes, order the same size as your shoe. Two exceptions worth knowing:

• Birkenstocks: Order two sizes down from your Birkenstock size. Birkenstocks have a raised lip around the footbed, and the insert fits best when it sits inside that cup.
• Extra wide feet: Go with the Wide Cut. If you're still concerned about width, order one size up for extra room.

Not sure which cut to pick? The Wide Cut is shaped for sandals and comfort shoes like Birkenstocks, Keens, and Chacos. The Narrow Cut is shaped for flats, heels, and narrower shoes like classic Converse.

Washing and Caring for Your SoxsolS

The whole point of washable shoe inserts is that you actually wash them. Treat your SoxsolS like socks:

• Machine wash with your regular laundry.
• Machine dry or air dry. Both are safe.
• Wash after heavy wear. If you wore them all day in the heat, toss them in the laundry. In cooler weather, you can get a few wears between washes.

One tip: air drying keeps the SolSecure grip at maximum stickiness because it avoids picking up lint from the dryer. Machine drying is perfectly fine, but if you want the strongest possible grip, air dry when you can.

The grip actually renews with every wash. Washing removes dust, lint, and any residue that builds up on the silicon rubber surface, so your SoxsolS come out of the laundry grippier than they went in.

How Long Do SoxsolS Last?

SoxsolS have a lifespan similar to socks. Most people get 1 to 3 years out of a pair depending on how often they wear and wash them. The natural fiber top (cotton French Terry or melton wool) holds up well to regular machine washing, and the SolSecure grip stays effective throughout the life of the insert.

When the fabric starts to thin or the cushioning feels flat, it's time for a new pair. At about 3mm thick (roughly ⅛ of an inch), they're thin enough that you'll notice when they've worn down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do SoxsolS come as a pair?

Yes. They arrive pressed together face to face with the grip sides touching, which makes them look like one thick insert. Peel them apart at any corner and you'll have two.

Can I use SoxsolS in any shoe?

SoxsolS work in most shoes and sandals you'd wear without socks. The Wide Cut fits sandals and comfort shoes. The Narrow Cut fits flats, heels, and narrower shoes. You can trim either cut to fit your specific footwear.

Which side goes down?

The grippy silicon rubber side (SolSecure) goes down, against the shoe's footbed. The soft fabric side (cotton or wool) faces up, against your foot.

Do SoxsolS slip around inside the shoe?

The SolSecure silicon rubber grip is designed to hold the insert firmly in place. In contoured footbeds like Birkenstocks, the raised lip provides additional stability. The grip doesn't weaken with use and actually gets refreshed every time you wash.

Can I put SoxsolS in the dryer?

Yes. SoxsolS are machine washable and dryer safe. Air drying keeps the grip slightly stickier by avoiding lint, but machine drying won't damage them.

How thick are SoxsolS?

About 3mm, or roughly ⅛ of an inch. That's thin enough to avoid changing the fit of your shoe while still providing cushioning and absorbing perspiration.

What's the difference between cotton and wool SoxsolS?

Cotton French Terry is a popular choice for warmer weather. Melton wool is preferred in cooler climates. Both are natural fibers, both are machine washable and dryer safe, and both absorb perspiration effectively.

Where are SoxsolS made?

SoxsolS are made in Oregon.

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Your SoxsolS are ready to go. Pick the Wide Cut for sandals and comfort shoes or the Narrow Cut for flats and heels, peel them apart, roll them in, and forget about sweaty footbeds. If you have questions, our FAQ page covers the details.