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ALINE Systems Insoles - REVIEW


Matt Saternus

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ALINE System Insoles Review

 

 

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Introduction

 

By: Matt Saternus

 

For the last 3 years, I have been Mr. Barefoot: I've run barefoot, I've hit balls barefoot, I've worn barefoot shoes, and I've preached the gospel of barefootedness to anyone who would listen. And yet today, when I went for a walk, I wore not only shoes but specialty insoles. And not just any insoles: ALINE insoles. Why? Well that's what I'm going to tell you about. Duh.

 

Disclaimer: I am not, nor have I ever been, a doctor, physical therapist, physical trainer, biomechanics expert, kinesiologist, or any other kind of certified expert on how the body works. As such, I am making no expert endorsement, only sharing my experience with a product that I have found really beneficial.

 

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My ALINE Fitting

 

I first heard about ALINE from a very excellent younger golfer with whom I played over the summer. I thought about looking into them immediately, but ended up putting the thought in my hip pocket (work, kid, busy busy).

 

Fast forward to the PGA Show this past January when I saw ALINE on the list of presenters. I decided this would be my chance to check them out. I walked up to the booth, introduced myself, and asked bluntly, “I'm a big believer in barefoot. Why should I wear your insoles?” The gentleman explained to me that the barefoot philosophy is great…on natural (soft) surfaces. The problem is that most of us spend our days on unnatural (hard) surfaces. Our foot is not designed to be on hard surfaces all day, so, as a result, the foot flattens out and throws the rest of our lower body out of alignment.

 

To prove his point, he put me up on his fitting platform. The platform is basically a mirror that you stand on with some lasers and foot measuring devices. I stood on the platform in my bare feet, and the lasers and mirror showed me how my ankles were pitched in towards each other which knocked my shins and knees out of alignment. I was appalled, but my fitter said that my alignment wasn't even that bad. Then he asked me to perform a squat. As I did, I could see how my knees bowed out to compensate for my ankles' instability.

 

Shocked, I asked my fitter what ALINE could do for me. He pulled out a pair of insoles and had me stand on them. The first thing I noticed was that my foot got half in inch narrower because the arch in my foot had been restored. Next, I saw that my ankle and shins now followed the laser lines straight up to my knee. Finally, when I squatted, my knees tracked straight forward instead of bowing out.

 

If you're guessing that I went home with those insoles, you're right.

 

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My ALINE Experience

 

I wore the ALINEs right out of the booth, and, true to the fitter's word, my feet hurt after a couple of hours. He told me that would happen because my foot was now using muscles that had long been ignored. For the remainder of the show, I swapped insoles every couple of hours. The pain from wearing them lasted only a couple days, and now it only feels odd when I don't wear my ALINEs.

 

The benefits of wearing ALINEs have been numerous. My balance is better. and I feel less wear and tear when I exercise. One of the most noticeable changes that I've found was when I was rowing (I have a rowing machine in my basement, and it's one of the few forms of cardio I enjoy). When rowing in my ALINEs for the first time, I noticed that my speed was better than normal, despite what seemed like a lack of exertion. On reflection, it seemed obvious: I was creating more power more efficiently because of the improved alignment of my ankles and knees.

 

So far I've only hit balls on mats in my ALINEs, but I'm pleased with the results. I'm really eager to see how they impact my game on the course, particularly when I'm walking. I expect that, if nothing else, the reduced wear on my lower body will be a strong positive.

 

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Golf Endorsements

 

ALINE has over 20 professional golfers who use and endorse their product. At the 2012 US Open, Olin Brown, Bo Van Pelt, Kevin Na, and Scott Smith wore their insoles.

 

Also, in his most recent video (Ground Reaction Forces), Michael Jacobs trumpets the benefits of ALINE insoles (if you're not familiar with Michael Jacobs, you need to get familiar. He's one of the most cutting-edge golf instructors out there).

 

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Conclusion

 

Clearly, I'm a big fan of ALINE insoles. The concept behind them makes sense, and the benefit was proven to me in dramatic fashion.

 

If you head over to the ALINE website (www.aline.com), you can find a fitter near you. ALINE insoles range from $80-90 through the ALINE website. The cost through a fitter, and the cost of the fitting, can vary.

 

Unfortunately, I don't think the website does the product any justice (I think they need videos of fittings on the site), so please don't let that dissuade you. If you can, check out one of their fitters and see what ALINE can do for you.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattSaternus

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Interesting product, Matt. I'm a barefoot guy for golf only. Would be interested in giving these a look.

 

You will be amazed. I wish I had video of my fitting. I NEVER thought I had any biomechanical issues, but I was way wrong.

 

What I'm doing now is wearing the ALINE Insoles inside my barefoot shoes. Best of both worlds.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattSaternus

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...

I went to the Golf Expo in Boston, as I saw on line that Aline was there and like Golf Spy Matt, I made a bee line for them, they had some very helpful staff, and like Matt I got fitted, it was a great insight , during my life I played semi Pro Rugby in the UK and my body has taken a lot of bangs especially my knees and feet, I did know that I need something, so she gave me what I needed and Paid, I did not put them in right away , wanted to do that at home, yes they are more $$ that you get at the drug store, but I have now used for two weeks and all I can say is im going to buy a pair just for me golf shoes

 

And as a side note, I get upset by the golf shoe manufactures selling $200 + shoes with insoles worth at most $5 its a blatant rip off

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Hi all,

 

actually went through this a while ago with Fit golf training. never pulled the trigger as I was already dropping serious cash for the training but now i must look into it again. I had the same issues as Matt.

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I'm always skeptical when someone performs a test to show you what's wrong and then fix it with their "fantastic products". I would trust that laser test if it was set up and performed by someone who's independent.

 

Endorsed by pros mean nothing.

 

Can an insole make your body behave naturally? And can it do it better than the body itself?

 

ALINE's suspension and support zones help guide your foot through its natural path of motion, aligning your body and reducing harmful slippage of the foot during forceful activities. Instead of being misdirected, your leg energy now translates into greater power and control.

 

So - it basically makes your body move naturally by doing using an artifical support. Like I've said - does your body really need help to move naturally?

 

I wouldn't be surprised if they've got magnets and ions and can cure polio.

 

skeptical-dog.jpg

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1363395705[/url]' post='95573']

I'm always skeptical when someone performs a test to show you what's wrong and then fix it with their "fantastic products". I would trust that laser test if it was set up and performed by someone who's independent.

 

Endorsed by pros mean nothing.

 

Can an insole make your body behave naturally? And can it do it better than the body itself?

 

 

 

So - it basically makes your body move naturally by doing using an artifical support. Like I've said - does your body really need help to move naturally?

 

I wouldn't be surprised if they've got magnets and ions and can cure polio.

 

skeptical-dog.jpg

 

The issue is that our environment is no longer natural.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattSaternus

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  • 7 months later...

Hi guys,

 

I bought these and have them a try. They felt good, but nothing better then other inserts I have worn that cost $25-$30. I didn't notice any benefit to my game. I continued to wear them until they wore out. I will not be reordering them.

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