Gel Insoles Versus Foam Insoles For Travel

Gel and foam both promise comfort, but they do different jobs. Knowing which you need keeps you from buying the wrong relief.

Gel absorbs shock and spreads pressure under the heel. Foam rebounds and returns energy, but it can bottom out under a heavy load over time.

• Gel wins for heel strikes and hard surfaces.
• Foam wins for all day walking and lighter weight.
• Gel runs cooler but adds weight and can feel squishy.
• Foam packs thinner and fits more shoes.

I use gel under my heels when I know the day is all concrete. For long mixed days, I go with a denser foam that does not collapse by evening.