The Technology Behind the Run Insole — How Nitrogen Foam Redefines Energy Return

By Mark Paigen

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Read time 3 min

The Basics

Recommended by podiatrists and other health care professionals, metatarsal pads (met pads for short), provide pain relieving support to your metatarsal bones.

Forefoot pain that can be addressed with met pads is primarily caused by, metatarsalgia, bursitis of the feet, rheumatoid arthritis, neuromas and plantar warts.

The best metatarsal pads are ones that attach to your insole, rather than your foot, and are easily adjustable. You may need to adjust the met pad a few times to figure out the right spot for it, so velcro is better than adhesive.

The performance secret hiding inside your shoes

Every major running breakthrough has started with foam. EVA. TPU. Pebax. Each promised lighter weight and better energy return. But until now, those materials lived only in midsoles. The Run Insole brings that same elite technology directly under your foot—where it matters most.


What “supercritical” really means

Traditional foams are made by mixing chemicals that create air bubbles as they expand. Supercritical foam goes a step further: gas—often nitrogen—is infused under heat and pressure, then rapidly released. The result is a micro-cellular structure that’s lighter, stronger, and far more responsive.


When compressed during a run, those micro-cells act like springs, snapping back instantly to return stored energy instead of absorbing it. That rebound translates into smoother transitions, reduced fatigue, and faster recovery.

Why nitrogen matters

Nitrogen is stable, clean, and consistent. It forms uniform cells that won’t collapse over time, keeping cushioning lively for hundreds of miles. It’s the same process used in high-end running shoes—but for the first time, it’s built into an insole you can swap into any shoe.


The benefits are immediate:

  • Higher energy return with every stride.

  • Less compression set, meaning the foam keeps its shape.

  • Lightweight feel without sacrificing durability.

The Run Insole advantage

The nitrogen foam is only one part of a three-layer system engineered for real-world performance.

  1. Recyclable polypropylene arch support provides the structure that shoes lack, offered in four arch heights for a precise fit.

  2. Nitrogen-infused supercritical foam cushions and propels, turning impact into forward motion.

  3. PURE antimicrobial top cover manages moisture and odor while adding smooth step-in comfort.

Each layer works together to absorb shock, stabilize alignment, and return energy—mile after mile.

How it compares to traditional insoles

Standard EVA insoles compress quickly, losing both shape and responsiveness. TPU inserts add stiffness but little rebound. The Run Insole’s nitrogen-infused platform combines the best of both: flexible support with high-energy propulsion.


That means longer-lasting comfort, reduced fatigue, and a noticeably livelier stride from the first step.

The science behind energy return

Independent studies on supercritical foams show rebound rates up to 80 % higher than conventional EVA. In practical terms, that’s less wasted effort on every push-off. When your insole returns energy instead of absorbing it, your muscles work less to maintain pace.


The result isn’t just speed—it’s efficiency. You run farther, recover faster, and feel fresher doing it.

Built to last

Because nitrogen cells resist collapse, the Run Insole maintains consistent cushioning long after standard insoles wear out. Combine that with our lifetime arch-support guarantee and replaceable top covers, and you have a system designed to perform for the long run.

The bottom line

Foam technology transformed running shoes. Now it transforms what’s inside them. The Run Insole delivers the rebound, support, and durability that make every mile feel easier—no new shoes required.

Experience supercritical performance

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Mark Paigen

Mark has always believed exceptional footwear can change lives. He's been in the footwear industry for over 30 years, working with podiatrists, pedorthists, foot care experts, and footwear makers. Mark started Chaco sandals in 1989 and developed a game-changing sport sandal that delivered comfort and durability. After Chaco sold in 2009, Mark ultimately started Tread Labs to continue transforming people's footwear so they can walk better, feel better, live better.