Shock Absorption vs. Energy Return: What's More Important?

If you’re here, I have to assume you’re at least a little interested in learning about insoles. I bet you've seen plenty of brands throw around terms like "shock absorption," "energy return," and "maximum cushioning" from time to time, and hey, we’re certainly one of them. And while they sound impressive, it's fair to wonder what they actually mean?

Let’s take that question a step further real quick—which one matters more? Anyone? The answer might surprise you.

It isn't shock absorption. It isn't energy return. It's BOTH! 

As far as we’re concerned, the best insoles shouldn’t force you to choose between protecting your feet and keeping you moving. They should work together to create an insole that's comfortable, supportive, and built for whatever your day throws at you. And that’s exactly why we’re here. Let's break it down.

What Is Shock Absorption?

Think of shock absorption as your body's first line of defense. Every time your foot hits the ground, your body absorbs impact. It ain’t rocket science, I know, but it is a simple fact that often gets neglected. Whether you're running, hiking, skateboarding, snowboarding, working on concrete, or simply walking around town, that force travels from your feet upward through your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Now multiply that by thousands of steps every day, and that's a lot of potential suffering. Ha! 

Shock-absorbing insoles are designed to reduce how much of that impact reaches your body. Instead of your joints taking the full hit, the insole helps disperse and absorb much of that force before it travels any farther. It's one of the biggest reasons people searching for the best insoles for foot pain, best insoles for standing all day, or best insoles for skateboarding often notice such a dramatic difference after upgrading from stock insoles. Your feet simply aren't doing all the work anymore. 

What Is Energy Return?

Okay, now let's talk about the other side of the equation. Energy return isn't about absorbing impact. It's more about giving some of that energy back. Raise your hand if you’ve ever jumped on a trampoline. You land. It compresses. Then it helps propel you back upward. Fun stuff! Obviously, that's an exaggerated example, but the idea is still similar.

Proper energy-return foam is supposed to compress under your foot, then rebound as you push off into your next step. The result? Well, every movement should feel more responsive, more efficient, and less draining over time. And that's exactly why runners, hikers, walkers, and anyone constantly on the move tend to appreciate insoles like Remind—whether it’s the Cush, Destin, Medic, REDE or Remedy—with good energy return.

Instead of feeling like every step sinks into some mushy soft foam, your feet actually stay supported while maintaining a natural, responsive feel. I mean, that’s all you really want at the end of the day, right? Correct. 

Why You Need Both

Okay, so we’ve talked shock absorption. We’ve talked energy return. But here's where a lot of people get confused. Some—if not most—folks assume that softer automatically means better. Others think firmer always performs better. Both are fair to assume, but the truth is that both assumptions sort of miss the bigger picture.

Imagine an insole with incredible shock absorption but zero responsiveness. It may feel soft at first, but after hours on your feet, that overly cushioned feeling can actually make your feet work harder than they should. 

Now imagine an insole that's extremely responsive but doesn't absorb impact. Every landing, every stride, and every hard stop sends force right back into your feet. Neither option is ideal. The sweet spot is finding the balance between the two, and that's exactly what we've chased here at Remind from day one.

Why Remind Combines Both

Every Remind Insole is built around the idea that comfort and performance should work together—not compete with one another. Our insoles are engineered to absorb up to one million pounds of impact force daily and are ASTM F1976 Lab Verified, giving your feet serious protection whether you're skating handrails, running trails, hiking mountains, or spending long days on concrete.

Real Life Examples

Let’s talk skateboarding for a second. Every trick you land (or bail) sends repeated impact straight into your heels and feet. So obviously, that's where shock absorption becomes incredibly important. But if you skate, you know it also requires quick movements, balance, and constant foot adjustments. A responsive insole helps keep everything feeling natural beneath your feet so you can keep stacking in the streets! 

Let’s shine a little light on running now. Each stride generates multiple times your body weight in force. That’s pretty gnarly, if you think about it. The good news is, shock absorption helps reduce repeated impact while energy return helps keep your stride feeling smooth mile after mile. The same goes for hiking. Work boots. Snowboard boots. Even just basic, normal, everyday kicks. No matter how you move, your feet benefit from having both protection and responsiveness working together. 

Not Just for Professionals and Athletes

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that performance insoles are only for heavy-hitting athletes. Not even close. We’re looking at the teachers of the world. Nurses. Doctors. Warehouse workers. Construction crews. Retail employees. Parents chasing kids around all day. Literally anyone spending hours on their feet experiences repeated impact. And everyone benefits from proper support.

That's why you'll find Remind Insoles supporting everyone from professional skateboarders and snowboarders to tradespeople, healthcare workers, and countless everyday people who simply want their feet to feel better at the end of the day. Our insoles are designed for ALL walks of life, because comfort shouldn't stop when the activity does.

Long Story Short?

Now, I don’t know why they would (ha), but if someone happens to ask you whether shock absorption or energy return is more important, just keep our answer in mind—you shouldn't have to choose.

Shock absorption protects your body from repeated impact. Energy return helps you keep moving efficiently and comfortably. Together, they help create an insole that's capable of handling everything from marathon training and mountain hikes to skate sessions, long workdays, and everyday life. And that's exactly why every pair of Remind Insoles is designed with the complete picture in mind.

Real impact protection. Real support. Real responsiveness. Because the best insoles aren't just soft.

They're built to protect every landing, support every step, and help you keep doing what you love—whether that's chasing a personal best, exploring a new trail, ripping into the night, or simply making it through another busy day on your feet.

**Not sure which Remind Insole is right for your lifestyle? Take our Insole Finder Quiz and find the perfect fit for the way you move.