Footgel Padel gel insoles displayed on a padel court with Spin Blade branding — Footgel combines activity-specific design, three-layer construction and independently tested cushioning technology.

Why Footgel? The Science, Medical-Device Status and Technology Behind the Insoles

The insole inside a sports shoe may look like a minor component, but it forms the layer between the foot and the repeated impact generated by every step, stop, jump and change of direction.

At Spin Blade, we chose Footgel because the brand offers more than a soft replacement insert. Footgel designs and manufactures Class I medical-device gel insoles in Spain, uses its exclusive Termocrep-Gel® 3R technology and supports its product development with independent biomechanical testing.

This guide explains what those credentials mean, how the insoles are constructed and how to choose the appropriate Footgel model—without treating an insole as a cure-all or a replacement for professional medical care.

Who is Footgel?
Why Spin Blade chose Footgel
What does Class I medical device mean?
What CE marking does—and does not—mean
Footgel’s three-layer construction
How Termocrep-Gel® 3R works
What the biomechanical testing tells us
Why padel places particular demands on the feet
Which Footgel model should you choose?
How to fit and care for Footgel insoles
What insoles can and cannot do
Frequently asked questions

Who is Footgel?

Footgel is a Spanish insole manufacturer operating from Aspe in Alicante. The company states that it has manufactured gel insoles since 1980 and undertakes its design and production in-house in Spain.

According to Footgel, its products reach more than 35,000 points of sale, the business has completed over 150 original-equipment projects and its insoles are supported by more than 25 biomechanical certifications. These figures are supplied by the manufacturer and reflect the scale and experience behind the brand.

Footgel manufacturing facility in Aspe, Alicante, Spain — Footgel designs and manufactures its gel insoles at its facilities in Aspe, Alicante, Spain.

Why Spin Blade chose Footgel

Footgel complements the footwear and performance products available from Spin Blade because its range brings together several qualities we consider important:

Manufacture in Spain by an established specialist.
Class I medical-device status under the applicable European framework.
Independent biomechanical evaluation.
Exclusive medical-grade Termocrep-Gel® 3R technology.
Activity-specific models rather than one generic insert for every user.
Washable, breathable and antibacterial materials on most models.
A construction designed for cushioning, pressure distribution and durability.

Our decision was therefore based on the complete product system—materials, manufacturing, testing, regulatory status and practical comfort—not on a single marketing claim.

What does “Class I medical device” mean?

Footgel describes its insoles as Class I medical devices manufactured in accordance with the European Medical Devices Regulation.

Class I generally covers lower-risk medical devices. The designation requires the manufacturer to identify the product’s intended purpose, maintain technical documentation, manage foreseeable risks, meet applicable safety and performance requirements, provide traceability and complete the relevant conformity procedures.

The classification is meaningful because it places the product within a regulated medical-device framework. However, it should not be misunderstood as a promise that an insole will diagnose, cure or prevent every foot, knee or back condition.

Footgel Class I medical-device certification emblem — Footgel manufactures Class I medical-device insoles in accordance with the applicable European regulatory framework.

What CE marking does—and does not—mean

The CE marking indicates that the manufacturer declares conformity with the European requirements applicable to that product. For a medical device, this includes the relevant requirements concerning safety, performance, labelling, documentation and post-market responsibilities.

It does not mean that one European authority has personally tested every pair or guarantees a particular medical result for every wearer. Individual comfort and clinical outcomes vary according to footwear, fit, activity, gait and any underlying condition.

The most accurate description is therefore:

Footgel insoles are CE-marked Class I medical devices produced under the applicable European medical-device requirements.

Footgel’s three-layer construction

Footgel uses a three-layer system designed to address contact comfort, moisture management and impact cushioning.

1. Technical microfibre

This is the upper surface in contact with the foot or sock. Footgel describes it as soft, breathable, washable and antibacterial. Its role is to improve the immediate feel inside the shoe and help manage the warm, humid environment created during activity.

2. High-density foam

The middle layer provides additional structure and airflow. Footgel describes the foam as ultra-breathable, allowing moisture and warm air to move away from the foot more effectively.

3. Termocrep-Gel® 3R

The lower layer uses Footgel’s exclusive, medical-grade gel technology. It is designed to deform under load, cushion impact and spread pressure across a broader area before returning to its original shape.

Footgel states that the 3R gel is 100% recyclable.

Official diagram showing the three layers inside Footgel Padel insoles — Footgel’s construction combines technical microfibre, high-density foam and Termocrep-Gel® 3R.

How Termocrep-Gel® 3R works

Termocrep-Gel® 3R is a viscoelastic material. In practical terms, this means its response changes according to the force applied and it returns towards its original form after deformation.

Footgel describes three core functions:

Reaction: the material adjusts its firmness according to the intensity of the movement. It feels softer during ordinary walking and responds more firmly when exposed to sharper loads from running or jumping.
Distribution: the gel spreads pressure over a broader area rather than allowing it to remain concentrated under common loading points such as the heel and forefoot.
Recovery: its viscoelastic behaviour allows the material to recover its form repeatedly instead of flattening as quickly as a basic disposable foam insert may.

This does not make the insole corrective orthotics. Its primary function is cushioning and pressure management inside compatible footwear.

What the biomechanical testing tells us

Footgel reports independent comparative analysis by the UMANA laboratory. According to the manufacturer’s published summary, the study compared Footgel with insoles made from materials including EVA, PORON and OrthoLite, as well as another commercial gel insole.

Footgel reports relative results of:

Up to two times more energy return.
Up to three times more cushioning.
Up to four times better pressure distribution.

These multipliers come from Footgel’s summary of the UMANA comparative biomechanical study and should be presented with that attribution. They are relative laboratory comparisons, not a guarantee that every user will experience an identical improvement or a particular medical outcome.

Biomechanics Institute of Valencia emblem used in Footgel technical material — Footgel has developed and evaluated its products with specialist biomechanical input and independent laboratory testing.

Why padel places particular demands on the feet

Padel repeatedly combines acceleration, braking, lateral movement, split steps, pivots and jumping. Unlike steady forward movement, these actions shift load quickly between the heel, forefoot and sides of the foot.

A padel-specific pressure-measurement study highlighted the important role of the forefoot during characteristic movements such as forward running and the split step. Separate cushioning research has found that targeted forefoot cushioning can reduce peak plantar pressure and improve perceived comfort in athletes.

These findings do not prove that an insole prevents all padel injuries. They do explain why cushioning, pressure distribution, secure footwear and an appropriate court-specific shoe matter for players who perform repeated high-impact movements.

Foot-pressure zones and biomechanical information for Footgel Padel insoles — Padel loads the foot through repeated starts, stops, turns and changes of direction.

Footgel Padel: designed for movement on court

The Footgel Padel model is designed for the movement patterns encountered during padel, including rapid starts, stops, jumps, turns and lateral changes of direction.

Its three-layer construction combines cushioning with breathability, while the perforated upper and airflow system help manage moisture during longer matches. The gel is also infused with a eucalyptus scent intended to assist with odour control.

The insole supports underfoot comfort, but it should be used inside properly fitting padel footwear. It cannot compensate for a shoe that is too narrow, too large, unstable or worn out.

Footgel Padel insoles showing the upper fabric and Termocrep-Gel base — Footgel Padel is designed around the repeated impact and multidirectional movement of the sport.

Airflow illustrated through the breathable Footgel Padel gel structure — Perforated materials and breathable layers help manage heat and moisture inside the shoe.

Which Footgel model should you choose?

Footgel produces different models because the pressure pattern, footwear and movement involved in each activity are not identical.

Activity or use	Footgel model	Designed around
Padel and similar court movement	Footgel Padel	Stops, turns, jumps and lateral movement
Running	Footgel Running	Repetitive stride impact and push-off
Functional training and gym	Footgel Cross Gym	Mixed movement, jumping and gym activity
Football and field sport	Footgel Football	Sprinting, pivots and use inside field-sport footwear
Hiking and outdoor activity	Footgel Outdoor	Long routes, uneven terrain and walking load
Golf	Footgel Golf	Extended walking and time on the feet
Work boots and prolonged standing	Footgel Works	Hard surfaces, safety footwear and long shifts
Tactical and duty footwear	Footgel Tactics	Boots, prolonged duty and demanding environments
Tennis	Footgel Tennis	Repetitive hard-court and lateral movement
Pickleball	Footgel Pickleball	Stop-start court movement

Availability changes, so use the live Footgel Insoles Collection at Spin Blade to view the models and sizes currently in stock.

How to fit Footgel insoles

Most Footgel models are supplied in trimmable size ranges.

Remove the existing removable insole from the shoe.
Place it on top of the Footgel insole as a template.
Trace its outline carefully.
Trim small amounts at a time rather than cutting directly inside the line.
Insert the Footgel insole with the gel side facing down and the fabric side facing the foot.
Check that it lies flat without curling at the heel or toes.
Test the shoe with your normal sports socks before playing.

Do not automatically place Footgel on top of a thick factory insole. Doubling the layers may reduce internal shoe volume, lift the heel and make the footwear unstable.

Care and expected lifespan

Most Footgel models can be machine washed on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 30 °C. Always check the particular model’s instructions first.

Air-dry the insoles completely.
Do not tumble-dry them.
Do not place them on a radiator or against another direct heat source.
Remove them periodically to allow the shoes and insoles to dry.
Replace them if the gel, upper fabric or overall shape becomes damaged.

Footgel advises that service life varies with activity, body loading, frequency of use and care. Under daily use, a typical range is approximately 6–12 months, although intensive sport may shorten this and lighter use may extend it.

What Footgel insoles can and cannot do

They may help with

Improving cushioning inside compatible footwear.
Distributing plantar pressure more evenly.
Reducing the sensation of repeated impact.
Improving comfort during sport, walking or prolonged standing.
Managing moisture and odour through their technical materials.

They are not a substitute for

A diagnosis by a doctor, physiotherapist or podiatrist.
Custom orthotics prescribed for a specific biomechanical or medical condition.
Properly fitting, activity-appropriate footwear.
Rehabilitation following an injury.
Replacing a worn-out or structurally damaged shoe.

Persistent pain, swelling, numbness, instability, recurring injury or diabetes-related foot concerns should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

Are Footgel insoles medically approved?

The clearest wording is that Footgel manufactures CE-marked Class I medical-device insoles in accordance with the applicable European medical-device requirements. This should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the product will cure every condition.

Are Footgel insoles orthotics?

Footgel products are cushioning insoles, not individually prescribed custom orthotics. Anyone needing biomechanical correction or treatment for a diagnosed condition should obtain professional advice.

Can Footgel insoles replace the original shoe insert?

Yes, in most compatible shoes. Remove the original removable insert and use it as the trimming template. Confirm that the replacement lies flat and leaves sufficient room for the foot.

Can I move one pair between different shoes?

It is possible when the shoes have a similar internal shape and size. However, repeated removal may be inconvenient, and an insole trimmed for one shoe may not fit another correctly.

Can Footgel insoles be washed?

Most models can be washed at up to 30 °C on a gentle cycle and must be air-dried. Always check the instructions for the specific model, as material combinations can differ.

Will Footgel prevent padel injuries?

No insole can guarantee injury prevention. Footgel may improve cushioning, pressure distribution and comfort, while suitable shoes, conditioning, workload management and correct technique remain important.

Final thoughts

Footgel stands out because it brings together specialist Spanish manufacturing, a regulated Class I medical-device framework, independent biomechanical evaluation and a considered three-layer construction.

For padel players, the value lies in matching the product to the demands of the sport: repeated impact, forefoot loading, abrupt stops and multidirectional movement. For runners, workers, hikers and other active users, Footgel offers models designed around their particular footwear and movement patterns.

The right insole is not a universal medical solution, but it can be a practical upgrade when greater cushioning, pressure distribution and underfoot comfort are needed.

Explore the Footgel Insoles Collection at Spin Blade