Carbon Fiber & Composite Insoles

What are carbon fiber and composite materials?

Carbon fiber is made from long strands of carbon filaments made of pure carbon atoms, which themselves are extremely strong, lightweight, and rigid. These strands of carbon filament are then woven together and held together using materials such as epoxy resin, creating an extremely firm material that is excellent at resisting bending and movement while remaining extremely lightweight.

The term "composite materials" is used to identify materials that are made up of two or more different base materials that have different physical properties that often complement one another when combined. Carbon fiber is one example of a composite material, as it is made from carbon filaments combined with epoxy resin.

Why carbon fiber or composite?

Carbon fiber and other composite materials are extremely lightweight while being incredibly strong. Arch support insoles which make use of carbon fiber or composite materials provide excellent rigid and semi-rigid support while remaining lightweight, thin, and extremely durable. Full carbon fiber insoles are great at resisting bending and movement, making them ideal for the treatment of foot conditions such as turf toe, broken toes, and hallux rigidus/limitus, all of which require stabilization of the foot and limited foot movement.

Is carbon fiber/composite or plastic a better material for arch support?

Most arch support insoles will have an arch support comprised of either durable plastic or carbon fiber/composite materials. Both will provide good semi-rigid or rigid support, but there are advantages to each. Regarding carbon fiber in particular:

• Carbon fiber is very good and resisting flex, making them an ideal material for use in rigid arch support insoles.
• Carbon fiber arch supports typically require less material to have the same rigidity as an equivalent plastic support, making them ideal for providing support in thin insoles.
• Carbon fiber is extremely durable and will often be more resistant to wear & tear than similar plastic supports.
  

The major drawback to carbon fiber is that it is generally slightly less cost effective compared to equivalent plastic supports. This means that carbon fiber insoles tend to be a little more expensive, but you will get all of the advantages listed above.