Insoles or anti-fatigue mats? Both provide helpful ergonomic support, but which provides the best long-term return on investment? Three factors can help you make informed buying decisions – cost, quality, and value. We explore each below.
Cost – Insoles vs. 100-1 Series Anti-Fatigue Mat
The average pair of generic and non-customized orthotic insoles costs $40. Custom insoles are often over $100. For this example, we will use the generic $40 insoles. consider a distribution center with 100 employees.
100 x $40 per pair of insoles: $4,000
Insoles are designed to last 3-6 months. Higher-quality insoles can last up to 2 years depending on use. For workers who stand on hard surfaces for ~6 hours a day, podiatrists recommend replacing insoles every 4 months or roughly 650-700 working hours.
If the $40 insoles were replaced every 4 months:
Yearly cost for insoles: $12,000
Conversely, industrial grade anti-fatigue mats like the AcroMat 100-1 Series, designed for industrial, retail and food processing environments, costs $15 per square foot.
For this example, the distribution needs 10 4 ft. by 20 ft. anti-fatigue mats (800 total square feet) to accommodate all 100 employees. One 4 ft. by 20 ft. mat costs about $1200.
The mat comes with a 2-year full replacement warranty protecting against curling, sinking, flattening and delamination; if any of these issues were to happen, the mat would be replaced free of charge.
The 100-1 Series has a life expectancy of 3-8 years (5 years on average) in heavy industrial settings and, unlike insoles, the 100% nitrile cushion never compresses. The mat is impervious to liquids and chemicals, and can be cleaned regularly to extend its useful life without fear of the material breaking down.
The AcroMat 100-1 Series is guaranteed not to curl, sink or flatten, and can be customized to any shape and size to cover complex layouts.
10 100-1 Series mats for 100 people: $12,000
If the mat lasts 3 years: Total cost $4,000/year
If the mat lasts 5 years: Total cost $2,400/year
If the mat lasts 8 years: Total cost $1,500/year
Cost Winner: 100-1 Series Anti-Fatigue Mat
Based purely on cost and life expectancy, in this instance the edge goes to the AcroMat 100-1 Series anti-fatigue mat.
Insoles are easy to order, durable, and can be cost-effective for workforces that aren’t required to stand for long periods. They also make sense for highly mobile teams that go back and forth across their facilities.
But given how quickly the ergonomic benefits of insoles fade from prolonged standing, and the fact that the 100-1 Series will never lose its cushion, the anti-fatigue mat offers better return on investment.
Pro Tip:
Anti-fatigue mats are turnover-proof. In an industry where workers leave often, mats stay with you and don't need to be replaced with departures.
Related: How Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Work?
2. Quality and Value – Insoles vs. 100-1 Series Anti-Fatigue Mat
Both insoles and anti-fatigue mats are designed to reduce pressure on the feet, legs, back, and neck. This includes promoting healthy blood flow which reduces risks of cardiovascular issues, and preventing overexertion by helping your body "share the load."
However, research shows the results between insoles and mats are very different.
According to a webinar titled Anti-Fatigue Mats and Their Relationship to MSD Prevention, hosted by the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of MSDs, there is "moderate" evidence that anti-fatigue mats help reduce pain and discomfort.
Comparatively, there is “very limited” evidence insoles do the same. Further, “impacting the geometry of the shoe” – e.g., raising the foot too far from the shoe base with an insole – can increase the risk of slips, trips and falls because there's less balance control.
A key reason for the difference in results is the fact that insoles go flat over time, while AcroMat anti-fatigue mats never sink, flatten, or lose their ergonomic cushion. Insoles have to be replaced every 4 months to 2 years, while AcroMat anti-fatigue mats can perform upwards of 8 years without interruption.
This custom 100-1 Series anti-fatigue mat for Nokian Tyres remains in place and unaffected after 2 years of use in a 24/7 manufacturing facility (16,000+ hours). The 100% nitrile material is guaranteed to never flatten or lose its cushion.
Quality and Value Winner: 100-1 Series Anti-Fatigue Mat
Depending on the size of your workforce, work being done, and layout of the work environment, insoles offer a valuable solution. Yet, AcroMat anti-fatigue mats last years longer than insoles. They can be designed and customized to cover an entire workspace, eliminating work on hard flooring and trip hazards. They reduce risks of bacteria build up and exposure to potentially harmful particles.
As touched on above, they are turnover proof unlike insoles. Insoles need specific sizes, and new pairs for every new hire. Conversely, you can set and essentially forget the 100-1 Series for up to 8 years. Based purely on quality and value, the edge again goes to the 100-1 Series anti-fatigue mat.
Regardless of Approach, Focus on Your People
MSD or ergonomic injuries are the No. 1 cause of workplace injuries, and high on the list in terms of most preventable workplace injuries. Each year, MSD injuries lead to 364 million missed days of work globally.
In an industry that relies on workers being available and productive, the risk of not having an anti-fatigue solution in place is far greater than the cost. Both insoles and anti-fatigue mats provide valuable benefits. The key is uncovering which solution answers the most pressing needs of your workforce.
Pro Tip:
You're not limited to insoles if you have a large, complex layouts. Consider this custom anti-fatigue mat for a leading manufacturer:
