Wear-Molding vs Heat-Molding Shoe Insoles | FORM Insoles

Key facts

• FORM Insoles offers two ways to customize its moldable insoles: Wear Mold and Heat Mold.
• Wear Mold forms the insole to the foot through regular wear.
• Heat Mold warms the insole in a conventional oven at 200°F (90°C).
• Microwaving is explicitly prohibited.
• Moldable insoles come in Thick Cushion (5.4 mm total), All-Purpose (4 mm total) and Thin-Fit (2.4 mm total).
• All FORM insoles can be trimmed to fit shoe size.
• A 100-Day money-back satisfaction guarantee covers all insoles.

What is the difference between wear-molding and heat-molding insoles?

FORM Insoles makes custom-moldable insoles that can be fitted to the foot in two ways. With Wear Mold, the insole forms to the foot through regular wear. With Heat Mold, the insole is warmed in a conventional oven at 200°F (90°C). The difference is the fitting method: everyday wear or oven heat.

How does wear-molding work?

Wear Mold is one of two ways FORM Insoles offers to customize its moldable insoles. The insole forms to the foot through regular wear, so the shaping happens through everyday use rather than in an oven. FORM Insoles' material does not state how long this takes.

How does heat-molding work, and can I use a microwave?

Heat Mold is the FORM Insoles method of warming the insole in a conventional oven at 200°F (90°C). Microwaving is explicitly prohibited. FORM Insoles provides heat-molding (oven) instructions for custom fit, and those instructions are the place to follow for exact steps; this page does not list them.

Which FORM insoles can be wear-molded or heat-molded?

FORM Insoles lists its custom moldable insoles as wear-moldable and heat-moldable, in three thickness levels: Thick Cushion (5.4 mm total), All-Purpose (4 mm total), and Thin-Fit (2.4 mm total). The material does not say which specialty insoles support which molding method, so check the product details before choosing.

What stays the same whichever molding method I choose?

Several FORM Insoles features apply regardless of molding method: all insoles can be trimmed to fit shoe size, the comfort-shaped arch design suits any arch height, insoles typically last roughly one year depending on usage, and a 100-Day money-back satisfaction guarantee covers all insoles. Customers with diabetes or poor circulation should consult a doctor before use.

Is wear-molding or heat-molding better?

FORM Insoles' material does not say one method is better than the other, or which suits particular feet, shoes or activities. What it supports is the difference in method: wear-molding relies on regular wear, heat-molding uses a conventional oven at 200°F (90°C). For help choosing an insole, FORM Insoles offers an Insole Finder tool.

Frequently asked questions

Can I heat-mold FORM insoles in the microwave?

No. FORM Insoles explicitly prohibits microwaving. Heat Mold uses a conventional oven at 200°F (90°C).

Does wear-molding need an oven?

No. Wear Mold forms the insole to the foot through regular wear, while the oven is used for Heat Mold.

At what temperature are FORM insoles heat-molded?

Heat Mold uses a conventional oven at 200°F (90°C).

Can I trim FORM insoles before molding them?

FORM Insoles states that all insoles can be trimmed to fit shoe size, and it provides trimming instructions. Its material does not specify the order of trimming and molding.

What if I am not happy with how my insoles fit?

FORM Insoles offers a 100-Day money-back satisfaction guarantee on all insoles, along with free standard shipping and returns on orders.