Thank you for taking the time to share your experience — this is genuinely useful feedback, and we'd like to offer some perspective that may be helpful both for you and for others reading this.
The detail that stands out most is the footwear you're using. 'Good, supportive' shoes — while well-intentioned — are mechanically incompatible with how our Next Generation insoles work. This insole model design is focused primarily on improving functional foot strength and not artificial support – which it appears that you are seeking.
The concept of 'good supportive' footwear has been widely promoted by healthcare professionals and footwear brands for over a century — but it is not well supported by science. Modern research consistently shows that footwear which artificially supports and cushions the feet impairs the foot's natural neuromuscular function, and with regular use produces progressive weakening and instability. As that instability increases, more support and cushioning is commonly prescribed — a cycle that perpetuates rather than addresses the underlying decline. This is the context in which most people are making footwear decisions today.
When the Next Generation insoles are used in highly supportive cushioned footwear, the shoes and insoles work against each other rather than together. Our footwear guide exists specifically to address this — the insole is only as effective as the shoe allows it to be.
The heel pain developing progressively through the day rather than immediately is also significant. That pattern is consistent with soft tissue that has lost its natural elasticity as the foot adapted over time to a supported, cushioned environment — and our insoles are stimulating muscle activations that are now asking that inelastic soft tissue to engage more actively. The heel pain you're experiencing may simply be caused by the inelastic tissues’ resistance to movement – creating a sticking point that impedes healthy function. This is a normal occurrence when inactive soft tissues are asked to move after a period of dormancy. These inelastic tissues are easily addressed by a healthcare professional that specializes in soft tissue mobilization therapies, by breaking down the fibrotic tissue to regain natural elasticity.
Based on what you've described, our Barefoot Science insoles — which deliver a graduated strengthening progression — may be a better starting point given your current footwear.
We'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you directly. Please reach out to us at info@biopods.com and we'll do our best to find the right solution for you.