Superfeet Carbon Vs. Tread Labs Dash

When you’re choosing a pair of insoles, it’s important to find ones that best address your individual needs. Different insoles are designed for different types of use. Many insole manufacturers have models made specifically for running or for foot pain relief. There are also insoles designed to help athletes perform at their highest level.

The Basics---

• Superfeet Carbon insoles and Tread Labs Dash insoles are performance insoles made for the specific needs of athletes.
• Both insoles are designed to limit pronation and optimize biomechanics. They are both lightweight and thin to fit comfortably into low-volume athletic footwear.
• One of the biggest differences between these two insoles is durability. While the base of Superfeet Carbon is a proprietary blend of carbon fiber and polymer, Tread Labs Dash insoles' base is 100% carbon fiber.
• For the better long term value, we recommend Tread Labs Dash insoles. They're ideal for athletes looking for rigid, lightweight, super-durable support for their sport shoes.

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What You Need To Know---

Our option for an insole for athletes is the Tread Labs Dash. We're comparing it to Superfeet's performance insole option - Superfeet Carbon. These two insoles have some features in common, but there are some key differences you’ll want to consider as you decide which one is best for you.

What's The Difference Between Superfeet Carbon and Tread Labs Dash?

Let’s start with what these two insoles have in common. They both:

• Have contoured heel cups to concentrate the body’s natural cushioning under the heel.
• Are constructed with molded arch supports and a foam top cover.
• Provide firm arch support designed to limit pronation and optimize biomechanics.
• Are lightweight and thin to fit comfortably into low-volume athletic footwear.

But there are many differences between Superfeet Carbon insoles and Tread Labs Dash insoles. Let’s start by summarizing the details, which were compiled from a physical examination of each pair of insoles and through information provide on each company’s website, in the comparison chart below.

Should I Buy Superfeet Carbon or Tread Labs Dash Insoles?

Both Superfeet Carbon and Tread Labs Dash are quality insoles, designed to be thinner, lighter and firmer than other models in each company’s lineup. Both insoles are perfect for athletes who want to optimize their performance and decrease risk of injury with firm arch support that corrects the biomechanical issues. They are also ideal for people with flat feet.

Shape and Arch Support

Like many insole manufacturers, Superfeet’s arch support is concentrated toward the back of the heel. Tread Labs elongates its support across the entire arch. As Superfeet explains in their FAQs, pronation control is effectively executed at the rear of the arch.

“Some Superfeet insoles may feel different than you expected. This design is intentional — the contours of each insole are positioned to have maximum impact on the way your foot functions as you move. However, your comfort is key — if the insole feels uncomfortable to you, try a different Superfeet style.”

While Tread Labs provides support at the rear of the arch as well, they also extend the support to the front of the arch. This is more comfortable for some people.

Like all Superfeet’s insoles, the Carbon is available in only one arch height. Tread Labs’ Dash insole is available in four arch heights – low, medium, high and extra high – for a semi-custom fit.

The Tread Labs Dash insoles are more than twice as firm as Superfeet Carbon insoles. Perhaps it is the difference between infused carbon fiber cloth (Tread Labs) and EVOLyte®, a plastic with carbon fibers in it (Superfeet). If you believe that maximum support is best for your performance, Dash insoles would be your choice. If you are looking for more of a general level of support, Superfeet Carbon might be best.

Fit & Sizing

Superfeet Carbon is available in fewer sizes than Tread Labs Dash, however those sizes cover a wider range, offering an option for people with feet sized at either end of the spectrum. Tread Labs Dash has smaller increments between sizes. The combination of smaller sizing increments and four arch heights gives a precise fit for just about every foot.

Cushioning

While the arch supports on the Dash insoles are firmer than the Superfeet Carbon, the foam on the Dash insoles is much softer. The Superfeet Carbon will slide into your shoes easier, and may not compress as fast as the Dash, but the Dash will provide more cushioning, especially at the ball of the foot.

Both insoles have a ventilated top cover for breathability and an anti-odor coating to help reduce bacteria.

Durability

One of the biggest differences between these two insoles is in the durability. The base of the Superfeet Carbon insole is a proprietary blend of carbon fiber and polymer called EVOLyte®. The arch support used in Tread Labs Dash insoles is 100% carbon fiber, making it extremely strong and stable while also being lightweight and thin.  Both insoles appear to use the same fabric atop the foam layer.

Superfeet advises their insoles keep their shape for up to 12 months or 500 miles. Additionally, the top cover fabric and foam will wear over time and the entire insole will need to be replaced.

Tread Labs offers a different approach. Their arch supports are guaranteed for life. And because their insoles are made with a unique 2-part system, the top covers are easily replaceable ($19.50) when they eventually wear out.

Value

Multiple factors are in play when it comes to value – durability, construction, performance, and price. Superfeet is significantly less expensive to purchase initially than Tread Labs Dash, however the materials used in the insole are less expensive to manufacture than the 100% carbon fiber used by Tread Labs. When you consider long-term ownership and the option to replace the top covers on Tread Labs when they wear out, the value is in Tread Labs favor.

This chart is based on an active user who puts 500 miles on their insoles every 6 months. With Superfeet, when your insoles wear out, they must be replaced. With Tread Labs, only the top cover is replaced, the arch support is guaranteed forever. If your usage pattern is more modest or you’re lighter on your feet, your savings will be different.

Product Selection

Both Superfeet and Tread Labs make product selection as easy as possible with insole finder tools that match you with the best insole for your needs. Tread Labs offers multiple arch heights in each of their insole models, rather than creating more styles of insoles, each available in one arch height, like Superfeet does.

The Bottom Line

Both products are marketed to athletes looking for insoles that are unparalleled when it comes to being lightweight, incredibly thin, and super strong. Superfeet Carbon are quality insoles offering a modest level of support at a great entry price point. They are available with a low arch height and thin foam top cover. Tread Labs Dash insoles are almost twice the price, but offer substantially more support, a lifetime arch support guarantee and replaceable foam top covers. While there are similarities in the target consumers, the products are quite different. As both offer a money-back guarantee, you can be the judge!

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Questions? Drop us a line at hello@treadlabs.com. We're here to help.