Spenco insoles: how the main lines differ and which one fits your need
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- Spenco Total Support Original. Best for: All-day wear with a medium arch and mild overpronation. See options on Amazon
- Spenco Total Support Max. Best for: High arches or feet that roll inward and want firm support. See options on Amazon
- Spenco RX Cushion. Best for: Replacing a worn liner for comfort and less friction. See options on Amazon
- Non-brand alternative: semi-rigid orthotic insole. Best for: People who want a firmer shell than a cushioned support insole. See options on Amazon
- Non-brand alternative: gel heel cups. Best for: Heel-only pain or shoes with no removable liner. See options on Amazon
How Spenco organises its insoles
Spenco describes itself as "Footcare Experts Since 1967" and sorts its insoles into four series, each with a short stated purpose:
- Align: to reduce strain on lower limbs.
- Therapeutic: to prevent and relieve pain.
- Cushion: to prevent and minimize fatigue.
- Perform: to improve athletic performance.
Those are the maker's labels. In practice the useful question is simpler: do you want arch support, or just cushioning? Spenco makes both, and they feel very different.
Total Support Original vs Total Support Max
| Total Support Original | Total Support Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Arch | Medium, mid-level support | High, firm high-level support |
| Cushioning | Multi-density system: a firmer pod to help control overpronation, softer pods to absorb shock | Mostly EVA, with a deep heel cup and metatarsal arch support |
| Heel | Deep heel cup for stability | Deep heel cup |
| Who Spenco aims it at | Anyone wanting supported, stable feet through a full day | People with high arches or feet that roll inward |
Spenco lists the Original's materials as fabric, EVA, TPU and PU, and the Max's as fabric, EVA, nylon and neoprene. Both are sized to reduce trimming. If you are unsure, the Original is the more moderate of the two. If your arch is high, read high arch insoles to judge whether you need the taller Max.
RX Cushion: cushioning without an arch
The RX Cushion insole is a different kind of product. Spenco lists it as 85% neoprene and 15% fabric, with a low-friction top cover, and says it absorbs shock from heel to toe and reduces friction between the foot and the insole to help minimize irritation. It is sold as a low-profile insole, and its listed dimensions are 9.37 by 3.31 by 0.16 inches, so it is thin.
That makes it a replacement liner for comfort rather than a support insole. It suits shoes with a worn-out factory liner, or feet that are sensitive to rubbing. It will not hold up a falling arch. For that, look at the Total Support line or our guide to insoles for flat feet.
Sizing, trimming and warranty
- Size bands. Spenco sells most insoles in size bands that cover a women's and a men's range together. The Total Support Original comes in six bands, from women's 5 to 6.5 and men's 4 to 5.5 up to men's 14 to 15.5. The Total Support Max runs up to men's 16 to 17.5.
- Trimming. The Total Support models are sized for a closer fit with less trimming. The RX Cushion needs minimal trimming. Trim from the toe end, using your old liner as a guide.
- Replace the liner. Take out the factory insole first rather than stacking.
- Warranty. Spenco offers a one-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects, which does not cover accidents, misuse, abuse or lost merchandise.
When a different insole might suit you better
Spenco's support models use a contoured arch with cushioning pods. If you want a firmer, more orthotic-like shell, a semi-rigid polypropylene insole is the alternative; our PowerStep insoles page explains one such range. If you mainly want a thin insole for running, see Currex insoles. And if your pain sits under the heel only, a simple gel heel cup may be all you need.
What to look for when you buy
Spenco Total Support Original
Best for: All-day wear with a medium arch and mild overpronation
Spenco lists a medium arch, a deep heel cup and multi-density cushioning with a firmer pod for overpronation and softer pods for shock.
Watch out: Not the right height for very high or very flat arches.
See options on AmazonSpenco Total Support Max
Best for: High arches or feet that roll inward and want firm support
Spenco describes firm, high-level arch support with a deep heel cup and metatarsal arch support.
Watch out: A high arch can press uncomfortably on flat feet; try it standing before trimming.
See options on AmazonSpenco RX Cushion
Best for: Replacing a worn liner for comfort and less friction
Spenco says it absorbs shock heel to toe and reduces friction to help minimize irritation, in a thin neoprene insole.
Watch out: No arch support.
See options on AmazonNon-brand alternative: semi-rigid orthotic insole
Best for: People who want a firmer shell than a cushioned support insole
A semi-rigid plastic shell gives more structure for heel pain and overpronation.
Watch out: Needs a short break-in and a shoe with room.
See options on AmazonNon-brand alternative: gel heel cups
Best for: Heel-only pain or shoes with no removable liner
A small heel cup cushions the heel in almost any closed shoe.
Watch out: No arch support.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is the difference between Spenco Total Support Original and Max?
- Spenco lists the Original with a medium arch and mid-level support, and the Max with a high arch and firm, high-level support. Both have a deep heel cup.
- Do Spenco insoles need trimming?
- Spenco sizes the Total Support models for a closer fit with less trimming, and says the RX Cushion needs minimal trimming. Trim from the toe end if needed.
- Are Spenco RX insoles arch supports?
- The RX Cushion is a cushioning insole without an arch shell. For arch support, look at the Total Support models instead.
- Does Spenco have a warranty?
- Spenco offers a one-year limited warranty against manufacturer defects.
Sources
- Spenco home page (spenco.com), Spenco (maker)
- Spenco Total Support Original Insole (spenco.com), Spenco (maker)
- Total Support Max Insole (spenco.com), Spenco (maker)
- RX Cushion Insole (spenco.com), Spenco (maker)
- Diabetes - taking care of your feet (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus (NIH)