Mats vs. insoles
June 27, 2025
By Wearwell, for the Blue Print
By Wearwell, for the Blue Print
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Wondering about mats versus insoles, and which one is better for your workforce? Here’s the scoop.
Over the past 75 years in business, we’ve found that a combination of anti-fatigue mats and quality insoles offer a superior solution for workplace safety and comfort. When combined, you cannot lose… but insoles are not a 1 to 1 replacement for matting. Here are 6 reasons why insoles alone just won’t cut it: 1. Insoles don’t prevent slips There will always be slick spots, wet workstations, and other types of work environments where insoles are useless. In this case, a mat will still be necessary to solve a slip issue. Manufacturing environments are vastly different. If there are wet spots, dry dust, oils, etc., a mat is the best option to prevent slips. 2. Insoles don’t prevent impacts If someone falls and hits their head on a mat, the chances of injury are far less than on concrete. Insoles do not prevent these injuries like mats do. If an insole is the only thing supporting a team member, they still risk a much greater injury from a fall on concrete. 3. Insoles are a consumable + require continuous admin costs Companies love selling consumables, because it guarantees them future profits and a continued stream of money! Insole companies take this approach. According to insole companies, insoles should be replaced every 6 months at minimum! This short purchase cycle ends up costing far more than initially expected, and far more than a long-lasting mat. In addition, insole sizes must be recorded in a database by size, person, date purchased, and when the re-purchase should be. That also includes adding every new employee to the insoles database, purchasing for them out of rhythm, and ensuring that they are using the insoles in the first place. 4. Insoles are not a 1-size-fits-all We mentioned that insoles of different sizes must be managed in a database. There are many different size insoles that will need to be purchased. Women’s shoe sizes typically range between 4 and 12, while men’s sizes range between 6 to 16. Even without half sizes, this means nearly 20 different insole sizes to consider and keep track of. 5. Many workers won’t use their insoles anyway Workers are independent, and they take pride in that independence. If they don’t find the insoles helpful, or they don’t like the company telling them what to do, they won’t wear them. People buy their shoes because they like the way they feel in the first place. It seems silly to ask someone to put insoles into a brand-new pair of quality shoes. And for the workers who choose not to wear the insoles, that choice will also need to be recorded in a database. 6. Shoes today already come with great insoles which were designed for that specific shoe It sounds silly, but shoe and insole technology have come a long way. This isn’t the 1950’s where everything was made of rubber and leather. Companies have perfected designs, and make high quality, ergonomic, and comfortable shoes/ boots that already come with great insoles. Replacing an insole which was designed for a specific shoe is probably not recommended by the shoe manufacturer in the first place. Conclusion? While good insoles are important, they can't do it all. Work with a supplier that will help you to find the best solution for your industrial Athletes! Content originally from Wearwell. Reused here with permission.
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