How To: Trimming Insoles

How To:  Trimming Insoles

I have been feeling a little sick today.  So I decided to take it easy and write up a little tutorial on how to trim your Insoles.

Trimming Insoles is an essential part of getting your insoles to fit properly and give you the most comfort possible.  When we received some Aaron "Jaws" Homoki Signature High-Profile Insoles from FootPrint Insoles we noticed that the insoles are too big and too round to fit in our shoes.  This is common in almost all skateboard insoles.  This gives you some room to ensure that you can trim the insoles to fit into your shoes.  If the insoles made a pre shaped insole that didn't fit into a shoe people would complain.  Luckily, I have dealt with multiple pairs of insoles that needed to be trimmed so you guys don't mess up the insoles and waste your money that you have been smart enough to invest in a product that will better your skateboarding pleasure!

Things You Will Need:

• Your fresh insoles.  In our case "Jaws" Signature FootPrint Insoles.
• A pair of insoles that you know fit your shoes (stock insoles, etc...)  We used some Remind Insoles that we trimmed to the shape of Nikes Lunerlon Insoles.  
• Scissors (Make sure they are sharp)
• A pen with black or blue ink.
• A clean workspace

1.  Now, choosing the insoles you are going to use as the template for cutting the new insoles can get tricky.  Make sure that the insoles are from shoes that fit your normal size.  Another important thing to remember is to use an insole that fits well in all shoes.  We used a Nike Lunerlon Insole to trim the Chico Brenes Insoles that are shown in the photo.  So far we have not found a shoe that they fit perfectly in.  Vans, Emericas, and Lakais are perfect for the shape.  Most shoes have the same sole shape.  So be careful.  Make sure the scissors are sharp so that you get the most precise cut.  And use a pen with black or blue ink.  It shows up the darkest.

2.  Take your new insoles out of the package.  Take whatever insole you want (we used the right insole) and place the old insole over it.  Take the both insoles and place them so that the bottom of both insoles are touching a horizontal surface.  This just ensures that the new insole and the old one are perfectly lined up.  Make sure to center the old insole too.  Lay them down after they are centered and get ready to trace the shape of your old insole.

3.  Apply pressure to make sure the tracing is as accurate as possible.  Keep applying pressure and trace around to the other side of the insole and go back around to make sure you have a nice dark line.

If you traced correctly this is what it should look like!

4.  Now grab your scissors (sharp ones) and begin cutting out the shape of your insole according to the line you drew.  Go very slowly and don't be afraid to take your sweet time.  Make sure you make a smooth transition when cutting into the insole.  Taper your way into your line.  We only needed to cut the toe but on other insole you may need to cut more off the sides if the insole is too wide.  When you trim the insole be aware that some insoles have parts that are filled with materials and areas where you can't cut.  There isn't anything you can do to that.

This is the end result.  Spot how I tapered into the cut so there are smoother contours.

5.  Great!  You are about 45% done with the process!  Now repeat for the other insole.  Make sure you use the correlating insoles.  (use the right insole as a template for right. Left for left)  I know its obvious but people can be stupid sometimes.  After you are done you are almost done!

6.  Now, pop 'em in some shoes and go skate!  You get to experience the good feeling that skateboard insoles give you and know you made an investment to help your body, feet, and most importantly YOUR SKATEBOARD EXPERIANCE.  Have Fun!!!!!

These insoles are great in the Lakai Marc skate shoe.  The thickness makes the shoe fit nice and snug!

All Things Skateboarding Recommends:

• Etcetera Insoles
• Remind Insoles
• Footprint Insoles