Frequently Asked Questions
Biopods Sneakers
What are the differences between the Classic, Urban Flex, and Urban Sneaker models?
Every Biopods Sneaker features a unique, patented Biopods’ outer and midsole design with patented removable Stimsoles insoles inside. All three models are designed to feel roomy, airy, and flexible, maximizing the effectiveness of Stimsoles technology that promotes Right Movement and optimal foot health.
Classic- Full tongue with lacing for maximum adjustability over the arch area.
Urban Flex- Slip-on design with patented adjustable lacing over the arch area.
Urban- Sleek slip-on design.
How do I clean the Biopods sneakers?
Remove the insoles from the sneakers and wash them gently in a basin of warm soapy water. You can use an old toothbrush to scrub the high wear areas.
The sneakers themselves can be washed by hand in the same manner or added to an automatic machine’s gentle cycle. Always air dry both.
What is the difference between Standard, Narrow, and Wide Sneakers widths?
Standard (regular) Width: Made to established US B-C width ranges - fits most wearers.
Narrow Width: On average, 0.35" (9mm) narrower than the Standard (regular) width per size. Best for those with thin feet.
Wide Width: On average, 0.35" (9mm) wider than the Standard (regular) width per size. Best for those with very wide feet.
Can I wear the Biopods sneakers throughout the 120 day Guarantee period?
Yes. The insoles within the sneakers may require a brief adjustment period for your body to settle over its new platform. We built ample time for that adjustment period into our guarantee though, for most wearers, the adjustment will be minor and almost immediate.
How do I ensure I get the best fit? MEASURING YOUR FEET IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
YA visual guide is available under Resources - Footwear - Foot Measurements.
Measure in inches or millimeters, weight-on if possible, and in socks if you intend to wear the sneakers with socks.
Length Measurement: Stand on a ruler with your heel and the ruler flush to a wall, marking your foot's longest point.
Width Measurement: Stand on a ruler, measuring the widest point of the forefoot (typically from the ball of the big toe to the outside of foot beneath the baby toe).
Volume Measurement: Use a flexible measuring tape to measure from where the widest point of your forefoot meets the floor at the ball of the foot over the top of the foot to the outside where your foot meets the floor. Do not measure the entire circumference.
Height of your arches: Indicate whether your arches are high, moderate, or flat.
Send the completed form (from the website) or email info@biopods.com with your name and gender and provide your measurements in inches or millimeters for each foot. We’ll be happy to determine your unique size code for you.
What is a Size Code and how is it determined?
The length, width, and volume measurements will dictate the volume of material that goes into the uppers on each of the three sneaker width platforms.
Example: The size code for ladies US 8 on the Standard (regular) width would be L8-R1. For the next half size up (ladies 9.5), the size code changes to L8-R1.5.
If you have any questions about this, you are welcome to contact us at info@biopods.com for further clarification.
What are the Stimulus Adjustment Discs that are affixed to a card that comes with the sneakers?
The thin, thicker, thickest discs each fasten to the Velcro® dot that lies under the Next Generation's insole Pod to increase density for more intense stimulus. The card they are affixed to contains full instructions for use.
The Velcro® glue has proven to be messy to work with, therefore, we will no longer use of the Adjustment Discs going forward.
If I have white undersoles beneath the Next Generation insoles in my sneakers, what are they for?
The thin white undersoles are Adjustment Inserts, included to slightly reduce sneaker volume if a wearer's measurements straddle the line between sizes and for greatest flexibility in the higher volumes.
Are Biopods sneakers zero drop?
The heel areas of the Biopods sneakers are a mere one millimeter higher than the forefoot area.
Where are Biopods Sneakers made?
Mexico
Are Biopods sneakers covered under Health Insurance?
If the insurance plan provides for therapeutic shoes and they are provided by a healthcare professional, the Biopods sneakers may qualify, however, the conditions of eligibility vary widely with each plan. This is something the individual must clarify with their particular insurance provider in advance.
Biopods® Original and Next Generation Stimsoles® Insoles
Original Biopods All Purpose and Performance Insoles?
The Original Biopods All Purpose and Performance Insoles were the first iteration of the Biopods line. Their Pods come in three intensities: VRT (variable reflex technology) in 100 (softest for standing long periods and for firmer, more restrictive shoes, such as dress shoes), 200 (moderate and most versatile), and 300 (firmest for softer, more flexible athletic shoes).
The All Purpose has a uniformly thin foam insole body while the Performance adds slightly denser foam to the high wear areas at the forefoot and heel.
The VRT300 most closely approximates the current Barefoot Science.
All of these insoles are full length with trim lines embedded on their undersides for trimming down to 3/4 length, if needed.
NOTE: The Pods are exposed so a sprinkling of powder will eliminate any stickiness.
They are hand washable - air dry only.
What are the original Biopods All Purpose and Performance Insoles made of?
Insole bodies: proprietary EVA foam (antifungal and antibacterial)
Pods: proprietary TPE (thermoplastic elastomer with antifungal and antibacterial properties)
Top sheets: premium synthetic antifungal and antibacterial fabrics
Next Generation Stimsoles Insoles
Next Generation Stimsoles Insoles are made separately in 3/4 and full length. As the Original insoles did before them, the Next Generation represents a new direction in the treatment of foot-related pathologies. Pods lie under thin layer of top sheet material for increased ease of use in the most versatile VRT intensity.
The Full length insoles contain VRT200 Pods and the 3/4 length contain VRT100 Pods. Due to the increased forefoot drop of the 3/4 length, this effectively makes the Pod intensity a VRT200.
The Next Generation insoles are the version embedded within the Biopods sneakers.
Physically, Biopods insoles are distinguished by their unique Variable Reflex Technology (VRT) Pods. Each Pod is positioned in the center of a flexible insole body to deliver direct stimulus to the arch apex of the foot. Biopods® are designed to be used like regular insoles within a wide range of footwear.
What are the Next Generation Stimsoles Insoles made of?
Insole bodies: high density proprietary polyurethane foam with antifungal and antibacterial properties
Pods: proprietary TPE (thermoplastic elastomer with antifungal and antibacterial properties)
Top sheets: premium synthetic antifungal and antibacterial fabrics
When should I choose full length or 3/4 length?
For shoes that DO NOT have removable insoles (dress and some casual shoes and boots) choose 3/4 length.
For shoes that DO have removable insoles (athletic and some casual and work shoes that come with removable insoles) choose full length.
To provide maximum roominess in the toe box area of any shoe that has removable insoles, you can alternatively choose to use the 3/4 length insoles provided that the liners beneath the removable insoles are flat.
Where are Original and Next Generation Stimsoles insoles made?
Mexico.
What characteristics of footwear work best with Biopods insoles?
Seek footwear with the following characteristics:
Adjustability over the arch or some “give” (stretchiness) in the shoe's upper material.
Deep toe box that enables the toes to rise naturally with little or no resistance.
Low, rounded heel that allows the feet to roll gently from heel strike through toe-off in gait.
What to avoid:
Rigid, restrictive upper materials that inhibit natural foot flexion.
Hard edged heels and rigid soles that can accelerate forefoot impact with every step, which causes micro-tears in the forefoot's soft tissue, and exacerbating existing issues.
Heels over one inch in height that shift body weight to the forefoot area, causing the feet, legs, hips and back to compensate unnaturally.
Over tightened laces or straps.
Results You Can Expect
How long does it take for Biopods to work?
Many factors determine how quickly you realize the benefits from Biopods® sneakers and insoles. Your foot type, historical footwear worn, problem history, activities, and age all factor into how your body will respond.
The good news is that virtually everyone can regain healthy protective reflex function, often much more quickly than you’d expect.
As with any muscle training, you’ll experience a phase of soft tissue adjustment that may continue for 6-8 weeks as your protective reflexes retrain to work more efficiently and your musculoskeletal system realigns. During this period, it is normal to experience intermittent twinges or tightness in some areas as your body adjusts and, if there is any pre-existing scar tissue or fibrosis, you may experience some soreness in those areas. Biopods® does not treat already damaged tissue, such as scar tissue or fibrosis that has been caused by trauma or historical or degenerative stresses that arose from poor foot mechanics. If required, damaged tissues can be treated by a health care professional with complementary “mobilization” therapies such as, but not limited to, ultrsound, deep tissue massage, A.R.T. (Active Release Technique), and Graston Technique.
Visit our What to Expect Insole page, or What to Expect Footwear page to get more detailed information.
What are some of the conditions that can be improved by Biopods?
By retraining your protective reflexes, Biopods helps your body adapt to healthier function, relieving the painful symptoms of many conditions—from Achilles tendonitis to shin splints.
For details about the many conditions that can be improved by BioPods, visit Conditions.
Should I wear Biopods® every day?
To train and maintain healthy foot, leg, and back function, Biopods® footwear and insoles should be worn as consistently as possible.
It is widely recognized that long-term cushioning and support are not advised for any part of the body, yet these features are not only designed into contemporary footwear, but also continue to underpin conventional insole and orthotic product design. As you stand, walk, or run, the materials and design of enclosed footwear insulate the feet from sensory input that the brain requires for adequate anticipation of each new step. Until now there has been no alternative option.
Combining today’s cutting edge design and manufacturing capabilities, Biopods® has found a way to re-introduce stimulus to the shod foot in line with the principles and fundamental laws of human physiology.
What if I experience pain when using Biopods?
When you first start using the Biopods Footwear and Insoles, two things happen:
During initial use, your body will experience a four to six week period of soft tissue adjustment. This is a time when the muscles of the feet retrain to function in a healthier manner.
As muscle function improves, mobility at the joints increases and the bones realign to more efficiently manage increased loads. You may experience transient “new” aches or pain in muscles and joints that shift from location to location, which is normal. However, if discomfort persists in any one area longer than two weeks, it may be from underlying scar tissue or fibrosis that is related to footwear use or prior injury.
In this way, Biopods footwear and insoles function as disgnostic tools that help your healthcare professional identify and address the underlying cause of your foot-related problem.
Effective rehabilitative treatments include, but are not limited to, Active Release Technique, ultrasound, and therapeutic massage.
Generally, Biopods should not be uncomfortable. However, some footwear and some foot types may not be compatible with Stimsoles:
Pain may be caused by footwear incompatibility. Visit our Biopods Shoe Guide to get more detailed information about selecting the healthiest footwear and footwear features that can cause pain.
Pain may be caused by foot type incompatibility. Some foot types may need a little pre-Stimsoles use mobilization therapy to address pre-exsitng scar/fibrotic tissue. A small percentage of people may not find Biopods suitable for them due to certain pre-existing conditions, such as fused joints in the feet. Visit our What to Expect Insole page, or What to Expect Footwear page to get more detailed information.
New Biopods Catalyst and Dynamis Insoles (spring 2026)
Biopods Catalyst Insoles
- Dynamic, multi-zone stimulus in the heel, forefoot, and arches
- No interchangeable inserts — simplified, consistent feedback
- Premium build for wear resistance
- Available in full and ¾-length
Biopods Resonance Insoles
- Dynamic multi-zone stimulus, including a resonance-tunable matrix
- Integrates an oscillating neodymium magnet and quartz crystal spheres
- Premium materials and enhanced durability
- Full-length only
Original Barefoot Science Insoles
Original (Legacy) Barefoot Science Insoles
In late February 2026, we reacquired control of Barefoot Science after a long litigation. To simplify the existing inventory, we have re-categorized the insole Models into 4 Step, 5 Step, 6 Step (3/4 only), and 7 Step Systems in full and 3/4 length.
The concept behind the design and function of the Barefoot Science System involved a series of 5 insert Levels. Levels 6 & 7 were added to the Therapeutic Model. Since first developing the Barefoot Science insoles back in 1996, we’ve learned that not only is it not necessary to progress to Level 7 but that, at the highest insert Levels, the insoles function more like static supports.
Today, we strongly advocate progressing to whatever insert Level provides each wearer with the most comfort for their specific foot type, shoe type, and activity. For instance, in firmer footwear environments such as ski boots or skates, a low(er) insert Level will “feel” higher so it is not necessary to wear a higher insert Level. Save the old insert Levels to provide this flexibility in a wide range of footwear. Conversely, those with pes planus will very likely prefer the highest insert Levels 6 and 7.
Since we are using the existing packaging for this initial quantity of Barefoot Science insoles, there may be some statements in the packaging and instructions that are no longer applicable.
Always refer to the BIOPODS.COM web site for the most up-to-date information.
New Barefoot Science Insoles (spring 2026)
New Barefoot Science insoles
- Designed with legacy users in mind
- Dynamic, multi-zone stimulus in the heel, forefoot, and arches
- Adjustable stimulus in the arches
- Premium materials for greater durability
- Available in full and ¾-length formats
General Questions
Why does Biopods offer a 120 day money-back guarantee?
Biopods footwear and insole designs incorporate the latest developments in modern rehabilitative science to provide a Proper Technique environment for consistent and healthy mobility right from the ground up. We're so sure you'll benefit from this groundbreaking approach, we fully guarantee it.
Some individuals require more time as their body adjusts to this new platform while others feel the benefits right away. Our 120 day money-back guarantee gives everyone enough time to experience the difference Biopods makes in their comfort and performance, in their own time and at their own pace, RISK FREE.
What rehabilitative approaches complement use of the Biopods products?
The Biopods products alone are very effective for comfort and performance but, for those with specific foot-related problems, a practitioner who specializes in restoring soft tissue mobility can bring significant relief.
To locate a complementary rehabilitation healthcare practitioner near you, click here Find a Provider, and enter your postal or zip code.
Should I wear Biopods every day?
To train and maintain healthy foot, leg, and back function, Biopods® footwear and insoles should be worn as consistently as possible.
It is widely recognized that long-term cushioning and support are not advised for any part of the body, yet these features are not only designed into contemporary footwear, but also continue to underpin conventional insole and orthotic product design.
As you stand, walk, or run, the materials and design of enclosed footwear insulate the feet from sensory input that the brain requires for adequate anticipation of each new step. Until now there has been no alternative option.
Combining today’s cutting edge design and manufacturing capabilities, Biopods® has found a way to re-introduce stimulus to the shod foot in line with the principles and fundamental laws of human physiology.
What if I experience pain when using Biopods?
When you first start using the Biopods Footwear and Insoles, two things happen:
During initial use, your body will experience a four to six week period of soft tissue adjustment. This is a time when the muscles of the feet retrain to function in a healthier manner.
As muscle function improves, mobility at the joints increases and the bones realign to more efficiently manage increased loads. You may experience transient “new” aches or pain in muscles and joints that shift from location to location, which is normal.
However, if discomfort persists in any one area longer than two weeks, it may be from underlying scar tissue or fibrosis that is related to footwear use or prior injury.
In this way, Biopods footwear and insoles function as disgnostic tools that help your healthcare professional identify and address the underlying cause of your foot-related problem.
Effective rehabilitative treatments include, but are not limited to, Active Release Technique, ultrasound, and therapeutic massage.
Generally, Biopods should not be uncomfortable. However, some footwear and some foot types may not be compatible with Stimsoles:
Pain may be caused by footwear incompatibility. Visit our Biopods Shoe Guide to get more detailed information about selecting the healthiest footwear and footwear features that can cause pain.
Pain may be caused by foot type incompatibility. Some foot types may need a little pre-Stimsoles use mobilization therapy to address pre-exsitng scar/fibrotic tissue. A small percentage of people may not find Biopods suitable for them due to certain pre-existing conditions, such as fused joints in the feet. Visit our What to Expect Insole page, or What to Expect Footwear page to get more detailed information.
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