FAQs

USA - Everything we sell ships for free. Simple as that. Transit time is typically 4-5 business days. UPS Next Day Air Saver ships Monday-Friday until 2:30pm ET, and not on holidays. Hawaii is only eligible for UPS Next Day Air, not Next Day Air Saver.

Canada - For our Canadian friends, we offer a discounted standard shipping rate of $10. Transit time is 5-7 business days.

International - We ship to most countries of the world. International shipping costs $15. Transit time is 6-12 business days. All duties, taxes and fees must be paid by the customer.

Try our insoles for 90 days. If you're not completely satisfied, send your insoles back for an exchange or refund. Sandals can be returned within 30 days in new condition. Please allow 4-6 business days for your refund to appear on your bank statement.

Internationally, insoles can be returned after 90 days and sandals can be returned after 30 days.

All returns are subject to a handling fee.

Absolutely. Trim your new insoles to fit your shoes and try them for 90 days. If you're not completely satisfied, send your insoles back for an exchange or refund.

Easy! If your insoles or sandals need to be returned or exchanged, start a return request online.

We ship to most countries of the world. Shipping costs $15 ($10 for Canada). Any duties, taxes or fees must be paid by the customer.

If you bought your Tread Labs products from another retailer, please contact them first for exchanges or returns. If they’re not able to help, just call, email, or chat with us, and we’ll work with you to find a solution.

We're here from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. We are in the US Eastern time zone.

Absolutely.

Yes — both Dover and Dover RS fit true to size for most people. If you typically wear a half size, we recommend ordering your usual size. If you're between sizes or wear thick socks, sizing up may offer a better fit.

Both models come with a removable Pace Insole (in Medium arch height). Simply lift the insole from the heel and pull forward to remove. To insert a new insole, align the heel cup and press down from heel to toe. All Tread Labs insoles are compatible.

The Dover Collection is currently offered in standard width (D for men, B for women). The unlined suede in the Dover and flexible mesh in the Dover RS will break in over time to better mold to your foot. If you typically need a wide or narrow fit, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help troubleshoot sizing.

Dover and Dover RS use our modular insole system: a firm, supportive arch (recyclable polypropylene) + open-cell polyurethane foam top layer for cushioning. The shoes are designed for structured comfort, not plush softness — ideal for all-day wear on and off the trail.

Dover is different from most trail shoes. While other brands rely on flat foam liners, we build every pair around a clinical-grade arch support system. It's like getting the structure of a custom orthotic, built directly into your footwear — no prescription required.

Yes! Every pair of Dover shoes comes with our Pace Insole in Medium arch height, but the insole is removable and replaceable.

At checkout, you can add an additional Pace Insole for 50% off — great if you want to try a different arch height in another pair of shoes or compare support levels.

If you’re not sure which arch height is right for you, reach out anytime at hello@treadlabs.com — we’re here to help.

Yes — every Dover model includes our Pace Insole with Medium arch height, identical to the version we sell separately. That means you get orthotic-level support built in — and can replace or upgrade as needed.

Yes. Dover was designed specifically to support your arches and improve alignment — two key factors in relieving foot pain. Many customers with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, or high arches find immediate relief with the structured support system in our shoes.

Dover is ideal for day hiking, walking, travel, work, and everyday use. The Dover RS is lighter and more breathable for higher-output activities like fast hikes or trail walking. These are not designed for trail running or ultralight racing — they’re supportive, versatile trail shoes made for people who are on their feet for hours.

Neither shoe is fully waterproof. The Dover features 2.5mm unlined suede, which is naturally water-resistant and dries reasonably fast. The Dover RS uses synthetic mesh and spacer lining, which dries quickly and offers great airflow, but is not water-repellent.

Yes. Both models use Vibram® Megagrip outsoles, known for high-traction performance on wet, dry, rocky, and uneven terrain. While not rated as 'slip-resistant work shoes,' they perform exceptionally well on the trail.

• Dover: 2.5mm unlined suede upper, PU foam top cover, recyclable polypropylene arch support, Vibram® Megagrip outsole.
• Dover RS: Synthetic polyester ripstop upper, spacer mesh lining, PU foam top cover, recyclable polypropylene arch support, Vibram® Megagrip outsole.

We recommend brushing off dirt with a dry shoe brush. Spot-clean with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking the shoes or machine washing. Let shoes air dry naturally — never use direct heat. We also recommend, before first wear, to spray these shoes with a protectant. We recommend

You can return or exchange your shoes within 30 days — even if you've worn them. We stand behind our comfort guarantee. Visit treadlabs.com/returns to start a return or exchange. Please note that all footwear returns must be in new, unworn condition.

If your shoes don’t fit the way you hoped, we’re here to help. Our team can walk you through sizing, insole swaps, or exchanges. Reach out to us at hello@treadlabs.com and we’ll make it right.

1. Step onto a piece of heavy paper or cardboard with your wet foot. Left foot then right.
2. Review your footprints and compare them to the footprints on this helpful chart to determine your arch height.

To replace your top covers, separate the old covers from the arch support at the hook and loop connection points. Align your new top cover on the connection points and press together to attach. Watch this quick video for a visual demonstration.

The Pace Wide Insole is perfect if you have wide feet.

Tread Labs unique 2-part insole system features a molded arch support and interchangeable top cover. Insoles are available with 1 of 3 different top covers (regular, short or thin) to accommodate shoes with removable inserts, shoes without removable inserts, and low-volume footwear with thin, removable inserts. Top covers can be purchased separately to make 1 pair of arch supports fit perfectly in different types of shoes.

Yes. Tread Labs insoles should replace the factory insert in your footwear. If your shoes do not have removable inserts, you'll want our short insoles.

Our Insoles go up to a men's 14-14.5.

If you would like to buy Tread Labs insoles in bigger sizes, please let us know. The more demand we have, the faster we will increase our offering.

Many people with flat feet benefit from orthotic insoles. Usually, flat feet respond best to low or medium arch supports. This article about arch support insoles explains the details. Try Tread Labs insoles and see what they can do for your comfort. If you're not completely satisfied, send your insoles back within 90 days for an exchange or full refund. We'll cover domestic (US) shipping.

We do not sell mixed arch heights. For a set of mixed heights, you’ll need to purchase 2 separate pairs. Or, consider purchasing a pair of insoles with the lower of the two arch heights and see how they feel.

Supportive - Your foot should feel constant contact through all parts of your arch. There should be no uncomfortable pressure points.

Comfortable - Initially, a supportive orthotic may feel aggressive. After a few days, it should feel like it has always been there; not having it in will feel hollow and unsupportive.

Resilient - Your arch is designed like a spring to absorb the impact of walking. Orthotics should bolster your foot's natural shock-absorbing structure.

Watch this video to learn more.

Our regular, full length, top covers are 5mm thick. Thin and short top covers are 3mm thick.

In some cases yes. This is because shoe sizes vary by manufacturer.

If trimming is necessary, remove the stock insole and use it as a cutting guide for your new insoles. Be conservative. Trimmed insoles are still covered by our 90-day fit guarantee.

Watch this video for a demonstration.

Definitely. We accept both FSA and HSA cards at checkout. If you need a detailed receipt, just let us know. We're happy to provide one.

Yup. Tread Labs molded arch supports are covered by our Million Mile Guarantee. If they ever crack or lose shape, we'll send you a new pair. No questions asked.

We don't. Some patients and conditions require custom orthotic insoles, so you should consult a podiatric physician if you’re not noticing improvement in your foot pain, but most people find Tread Labs insoles perfect for their needs.

We use a 100% recycled polyester fabric specifically designed for footbeds. It has high abrasion resistance and low friction, to eliminate hot spots and blisters. In addition, it is infused with a permanent anti-microbial treatment for stink-free shoes.

Tread Labs insoles are available in 4 arch heights to provide you with a customized fit. Heating our insoles will damage their supportive structure. In addition, without a trained Pedorthist to help with the molding, foot problems can be worsened with DIY molded orthotics.

The molded arch supports are guaranteed. Forever. The interchangeable top covers should last a year or so, depending on usage. They can easily be replaced without breaking the bank.

If you remove your Interchangeable Top Covers from the molded arch supports, you can hand wash and air dry them. However, if they are in really rough shape, you can always order a new set of top covers.

If you encounter this problem, placing a dryer sheet beneath the molded arch support will completely eliminate the sound, and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Tread Labs insoles are primarily sold online, but we are in some retail locations.

Find a store near you with our store locator. If you have a local shop where you would like to be able to try Tread Labs, please contact us or ask the shop to feature our brand.

The arch height on our sandals compares most closely to the medium arch height on Tread Labs Insoles.

If you wear a half size or are in between sizes, please size up to the next larger size.

Tread Labs sandals have an accommodating fit. We encourage customers with wide feet to give them a try. They can be returned in new condition for a full refund.

They have incredible arch support for all day comfort.

They feature a luxurious microfiber footbed that keeps feet feeling cool and dry.

They offer a unique combination of light weight and durability.

Absolutely! All Tread Labs sandals are made with water-friendly materials.

The easiest way to clean your Tread Labs sandals is to put them in the washing machine with your dark clothes. Do not put them in the dryer.

Please see our sandal size chart here.

Tread Labs sandals are not designed specifically for running and hiking. Experiment with your new sandals to see what they can do.

Your foot will rest on a microfiber footbed that is made of polyester with an anti-microbial treatment. The straps are made from 100% recycled polyester.

Hammertoes and bunions are easily accommodated with Tread Labs sandals. People with plantar fasciitis may find Tread Labs sandals especially comfortable because of the high level of arch support in the contoured footbed.

Women's Redway is the more secure of the two styles because of its center arch strap

Salinas is still perfect for light hiking, around town use, and travel.

Both offer the same amazing level of arch support.

Women's size 8 Albion single sandal weighs 200 gms./7 oz.

Men's size 10 Albion single sandal weighs 250 gms./8.8 oz.

Easy, Just throw them in the wash with your dark clothes and air dry them from time to time to keep them fresh.

The sandal straps will feel snug initially and will loosen up about 10%. The straps are soft and accomodating from the start. If you are new to wearing sandals that have a strap between your toes, starting with a few hours a day will help your feet get used to the new feeling.

Your Plantar Fascia is the connective tissue that connects your heel to your toes. If you look at the bottom of your foot and pull back your big toe, you will see a band under the skin that goes from the heel to the ball. This is the Plantar Fascia. When it gets stressed from over pronation, inflammation and pain develops, usually where the plantar fasciia attaches to the heel. This is Plantar Fasciitis.

Pronation is the inward rolling of the foot as a step is taken. Over pronation occurs when the foot rolls too far inward before you push off to move forward. When this inward rolling motion goes too far, the alignment of the foot is compromised and there is a loss of efficiency in every step you take. Negative effects of overpronation include arch collapse, plantar fasciitis, inefficiency and pain in your feet, knees, hips and back.

Supination is also known as underpronation. It occurs when the foot doesn’t properly roll inward upon landing. Underpronation is less common than overpronation, with less than 10% of people in the U.S. supinating. The lack of pronation means that less shock is absorbed with each step. Those with severe supination are prone to inversion ankle sprains, heel spurs and stress fractures.

A heel spur is a type of bone spur, or calcium deposit, that develops toward the back of the calcaneus, or heel bone, where the plantar fascia inserts. These small, jagged bumps of bone usually develop in response to lots of trauma—or damage—to the heel. This means that in most cases, heel spurs actually form as a result of plantar fasciitis. If the plantar fascia continues to be damaged for a long period of time, the body will eventually create a heel spur to provide additional support for the heel.

Your foot is equipped with its own cushioning system that helps reduce the impact of walking and running on hard surfaces. Your bursa is a fluid-filled sac that shields the bones and tendons in your foot from damage. If the bursa becomes inflamed from overuse or injury, you may experience pain, swelling, or bruising in your heel, arch, or metatarsal area (ball of foot). This is known as bursitis.

While pain is more often felt elsewhere due to the condition, studies have indicated that a significant number of fibromyalgia sufferers do report pain in their feet. In fact, an Arthritis Research & Therapy study found that 50 percent of fibromyalgia patients surveyed experience pain in their feet.

If you are experiencing foot pain and have decided to see a medical professional, you’ll need to figure out if you should see a podiatrist, orthopedist, pedorthist, physical therapist or chiropractor. Each of these foot care providers has their own particular perspective on foot care and, depending on your condition, you may be better suited by one over another. Find out the differences here. And remember, because there is a range of quality care within any profession, choose carefully and ask around for personal recommendations.

Proper foot biomechanics require muscle, fascia (connective tissue), and tendon elasticity. Stiffness or other irregularities in the feet limit their ability to move smoothly. This may cause gait and balance issues that can contribute to misalignment (and resulting pain) in the ankles, legs, knees, hips, and lower back. Common foot problems that can contribute to back, hip and leg pain include fallen arches and flat feet, high arches, plantar fasciitis, and overpronation.

Also known as “Stiff Big Toe,” Hallux Rigidus, is a form of degenerative arthritis. Because this is a progressive condition that can eventually immobilize the big toe joint, addressing the problem early through the use of quality hallux rigidus insoles can help to delay or forestall freezing of the joint.

Shin splints (tibial stress syndrome) occur when the muscles and tendons surrounding the tibia (long bone between knee and heel) become inflamed due to repetitive stress. The painful condition is common in athletes, runners, dancers, and anyone who spends a lot of time walking or running on hard surfaces.

Runner’s knee (Pattellofemoral Pain Syndrome, PFPS) is one of the most common running injuries. Symptoms include a dull aching pain at and behind the kneecap, which often becomes more intense after a period of rest. Pain experienced by this common overuse injury can be magnified by walking up and down steps and hills or on uneven surfaces.

A tendon is a strong, cord-like band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. These structures can withstand a great deal of force, but they have limits. When a tendon works too hard, for too long, or in the wrong way, tiny tears will start to develop. To cure these tendon injuries, the body’s healing response creates inflammation. The result is tendinitis, or an inflamed tendon in the foot.

Our bones are constantly forming new cells (bone formation) at the same time they are resorbing old ones (bone resorption). This constant state of turnover (called remodeling) allows newer bone to develop and replace old bone. Problems arise when your bones experience a repetitive application of force that is more than your lower extremities usually bear. Increased levels of force can cause an imbalance between the breakdown of older bone and the growth of new bone. When breakdown outpaces growth, you develop “bone fatigue.” Eventually, these problem areas can develop into stress reactions and stress fractures in the feet and legs.

Unlike many foot-related maladies, Morton’s Toe is not caused by ill-fitting footwear, injuries, or overuse. Instead, it is a factor of genetics. Those with this condition are born with it. If your second toe is longer than your big toe, you may have Morton’s Toe, also called Morton’s Foot Syndrome or Greek Toe. Though the condition is not uncommon (roughly 20 percent of the population has Morton’s Toe—including the Statue of Liberty!) in some individuals, it can cause biomechanical adaptations that lead to foot, knee, and back pain. 

Morton’s Neuroma – also called traumatic neuroma – is an inflamed and/or enlarged nerve in the metatarsals (toes). It most commonly occurs between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal heads. This is where the intermetatarsal nerve is the thickest. Neuromas can also occur between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal heads. Symptoms include pain between the toes while walking or running, swelling in the toe area, a clicking sensation between the toes as you walk, and tingling, numbness or pain in the ball of the foot.

Posterior tibial tendonitis (also known as post tib tendonitis) is a progressive condition that occurs when the posterior tendon that links the calf muscles to the bones inside the foot becomes inflamed or injured. 

Hammer toe occurs when the toe bends abnormally at the first joint (interphalangeal) and ends up looking like an upside-down V. Caused by an imbalance in the muscles surrounding the toes, the condition most often occurs on the lesser digits – the second through fifth toes. There are two different types of hammer toes – flexible and rigid.

During pregnancy, your body – including your feet – changes to accommodate your baby. Both overall weight gain and shifts in how you carry your weight put added stress on your feet. Moreover, hormones released during pregnancy loosen foot ligaments, causing feet to expand. These changes can cause swollen feet and ankles, flattened arches, and increased shoe size.

While there is no evidence that barefoot running is better than “shod” running (a fancy way of saying wearing shoes), or vice versa, there are definitely pros and cons. Barefoot running can modify how your feet strike the ground and reduce impact, make your feet stronger, and cause you to expend less energy. But it can also strain other areas of the feet, cause bad running gait, and promote injury from ground debris. If you’re thinking about trying it, start slow and consider trying minimalist shoes before going completely barefoot.