Why I Like Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed Insoles [Pros & Cons]


One reason Thorogood Boots are so popular is due to the insoles. I like the Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed Insoles because they have gel pads under both the toe pad and heel to help absorb shock.

In this article I want to explain why I like them and how they compare to other insoles. You can also watch my Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed Insole video below for more information:

Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed Insoles Review

Evaluating the Insole

These Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbeds provide noticeable cushioning underneath both my toe pad and my heel.

To achieve this comfort, these insoles have a sort of gel-like material underneath the toe pad and heel. I took one of my new insoles and cut it in half so you can better see the layer of foam sitting on top of the yellow gel-like material that is beneath the heel and toe pad:

thorogood-1957-boots-insole

The gel material is extremely comfort and helps absorb shock. Here is how normal foam-based insoles look in comparison:

chippewa-edge-walker-review-insole

These Thorogood shock-absorbing insoles (in combination with the wedge outsole) really help take stress off the bottom of my foot due to that extra gel padding that normal boot insoles don’t have. That’s why I recommend these insoles to those of you who spend long work days on your feet on hard surfaces like concrete.

In the photo below, I tried to capture how forgiving these insoles are by compressing the gel material between my fingers (to see video of this, watch my Thorogood 1957 Boots Review video at the top of the page):

thorogood-1957-boots-insole-compression

Overall, because of the shock-absorbing gel pads, these insoles are very good and much better than the insoles in most work boots.

Are these Thorogood Shock Absorbing Insoles long-lasting?

I find that these Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed Insoles are just as long-lasting as other insoles I have used.

However, I should note, (even though this is obvious) these insoles eventually will wear down over time. This is the case with all insoles, but as you can see below, on my heavily used insole the top lining has come loose and a hole is beginning to wear through the big toe area:

thorogood-1957-boots-insole-used

Thorogood offers replacement insoles and my advice would be to buy an extra pair so you can swap them occasionally to clean them and let them dry.

Made in the USA

Another thing I like about these Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed Insoles is that they are made in the USA.

thorogood-shock-absorbing-insoles

Thorogood Shock Absorbing Insoles Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Noticeable cushioningAdditional cost for purchasing extra pairs for swapping
Provides shock absorptionTop lining may come loose or develop holes with heavy long-term use
Extra gel padding for comfort and support
Suitable for long work days on hard surfaces like concrete
Made in the USA
Long-lasting compared to other insoles
Replacement insoles available
Can be swapped and cleaned periodically

Thorogood Ultimate Shock Absorption Footbed Insole Conclusion

These Thorogood shock-absorbing insoles (in combination with the wedge outsole) really help take stress off the bottom of my foot due to that extra gel padding that normal boot insoles don’t have. I recommend these insoles to those of you who spend long work days on your feet on hard surfaces like concrete.

Overall, because of the shock-absorbing gel pads, these insoles are very good and much better than the insoles in most work boots.

Paul Johnson

Paul is a lead content creator for Workwear Command. He has had several blue-collar jobs which have provided him a wide range of experience with tools and gear. He also has a business degree and has spent time in business casual office settings.

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