Quick answer: Curex Insoles Comparison All Models affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
- The Complete Curex Model Guide
- Curex RunPro: For Runners and Athletic Use
- Curex WorkPro: For Standing and Work Environments
- Curex HikePro: For Hiking and Backpacking
- Curex EditorsPick: The All-Rounder
- Which Curex Should You Buy?
- Curex vs. PowerStep Pinnacle: The Bottom Line
- Curex Insoles Compared: What Makes Each Model Different and Which Conditions Each Fits Best
- Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
- More Podiatrist-Recommended Orthotics Essentials
- Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for orthotics
The most important clinical decision with Curex Insoles Comparison All Models isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Every Curex Insole Compared: RunPro vs WorkPro vs HikePro vs EditorsPick
The Complete Curex Model Guide
Curex makes four primary insole models, each designed for a specific activity or use case. Choosing the wrong model means leaving performance on the table. Here is my definitive comparison after fitting patients with all four Curex models.
Curex RunPro: For Runners and Athletic Use
Gold choice for: running, trail running, gym workouts, court sports. The RunPro (check current price on Amazon) features Curex’s most dynamic arch support, responding to the rapid loading and unloading cycles of running. Thinnest profile of the four models – fits in most running shoes without cramping the toe box. Available in low, medium, and high arch heights. My recommendation for recreational runners through serious marathoners.
Curex WorkPro: For Standing and Work Environments
Gold choice for: nursing, teaching, retail, restaurant work, any profession requiring 8+ hours on feet. The WorkPro – [AFFILIATE LINK – Curex WorkPro] – prioritizes sustained arch support and cushioning for prolonged standing rather than dynamic responsiveness. Slightly thicker than the RunPro for additional all-day comfort. The three arch height options make this the most customizable option for work environments.
Curex HikePro: For Hiking and Backpacking
Gold choice for: trail hiking, backpacking, outdoor adventure. The HikePro – [AFFILIATE LINK – Curex HikePro] – is built for uneven terrain with a firmer heel cup for downhill impact control and dynamic arch support for variable surface types. Moisture-wicking cover handles multi-day use. Fits in most hiking boots and trail runners.
Curex EditorsPick: The All-Rounder
Gold choice for: everyday casual use, walking, mixed activities. The EditorsPick – [AFFILIATE LINK – Curex EditorsPick] – is Curex’s everyday insole, splitting the difference between the specialized models. Good for people who do not have one dominant activity and need a single insole solution for varied daily use.
Which Curex Should You Buy?
Runner: RunPro. Works on feet all day: WorkPro. Hiker: HikePro. General everyday use: EditorsPick. Active lifestyle with multiple activities: buy RunPro for athletic shoes, WorkPro for work or casual shoes.
Curex vs. PowerStep Pinnacle: The Bottom Line
For activity-specific insoles, Curex’s model differentiation is a significant advantage. For a single do-everything insole, PowerStep Pinnacle (check current price on Amazon) is slightly more versatile. Both brands are excellent. Most patients with high activity levels benefit from owning both.
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Curex Insoles Compared: What Makes Each Model Different and Which Conditions Each Fits Best
Curex’s insole lineup is notable for using an app-based foot scanning system to match patients with the appropriate insole model from their product range — a hybrid approach between generic prefabrication and true custom orthotic that has appeal for digitally-native consumers who want more than a shelf insole but less process than a full podiatric evaluation. The clinical assessment of this approach: the phone-based foot scan captures arch height and rough foot geometry but cannot replicate the comprehensive biomechanical evaluation (subtalar neutral casting, forefoot-rearfoot relationship, gait analysis) that produces a truly customized prescription. Curex’s system delivers a better insole selection match than a completely uninformed shelf selection, but does not produce a device equivalent to a podiatrist-prescribed custom orthotic for complex biomechanical presentations.
Within Curex’s product range, the models target specific activity and condition profiles. Their running-focused models address the biomechanical demands of forward-motion repetitive loading with firmer arch support and heel cup depth appropriate for plantar fasciitis in runners. Their hiking and trail models (including the HikePro) add forefoot cushioning for the varied terrain impact loading that trail running and hiking generate. The dress shoe models follow the 3/4 length pattern that all thin insoles for professional footwear must use. For patients with mild to moderate biomechanical contributions to their foot conditions — mild overpronation, moderate plantar fasciitis without severe deformity — Curex models can provide meaningful benefit in the appropriate shoe category. For complex presentations — PTTD, severe pes planus, cavus foot, diabetic foot requiring total contact insert design — Curex’s scan-based approach does not capture the clinical data needed for adequate prescription. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, we guide patients through the insole landscape honestly, including when Curex or other quality prefabricated options are appropriate and when a custom device from a hands-on exam plus imaging when needed is genuinely needed.
Michigan patients can access expert custom orthotics in Michigan at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our board-certified podiatrists serve Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Township (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Schedule an appointment online or call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.
Related Patient Guides
- The Complete Guide to Custom Orthotics
- Custom 3D Orthotics: Same-Day Scanning
- Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
- Flat Feet Pain: Causes & Treatment
- 12 Signs You Need to See a Podiatrist
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
👟 Dr. Tom’s Complete Footwear Library
Podiatrist-Approved Guides for Every Foot Type & Condition
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist
🦶Podiatrist Recommended Orthotics
👟Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
👟Best Shoes for Bunions
👟Best Shoes for Flat Feet
👟Best Shoes for Neuropathy & Diabetic Feet
🏃Best Running Shoes
🚶Best Walking Shoes
🚶Best Womens Walking Shoes
🏃Best Womens Running Shoes
👡Best Sandals with Arch Support
👡Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis — Arch Support
🦶Best Insoles for Flat Feet
🦶Best Orthotic-Friendly Shoes
📏How to Find Your Perfect Shoe Fit
🧦Best Podiatrist Recommended Compression Socks for Real Relief
🏠Best House Shoes & Slippers
↔️Best Wide Width Shoes for Men and Women in
👔Best Dress Shoes for Foot Pain
👟Best Shoes for High Arches
👟Best Shoes for Metatarsalgia Ball of Foot Pain
👟Best Shoes Achilles Tendonitis
👟Best Podiatrist Shoes for Supination
All guides are written and reviewed by licensed podiatrists. Schedule an appointment →
More Podiatrist-Recommended Orthotics Essentials
PowerStep Pinnacle
The podiatrist-recommended OTC orthotic — arch support + heel cup.
CURREX RunPro Insole
Performance insole for runners — reduces fatigue and prevents injuries.
Tuli’s Heel Cups
Shock-absorbing heel cushion — adds lift and relief under painful heels.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Off-the-shelf inserts help 70% of patients — but if you’ve tried several without relief, custom orthotics molded to your specific foot mechanics are usually the next step. Balance Foot & Ankle makes custom orthotics in-office and most major insurance plans cover them. We’ll cast or scan your feet and have them ready in about 2 weeks.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for orthotics
Advantages
- ✓ Custom orthotics 80%+ improvement
- ✓ Most insurance covers
- ✓ Lasts 3-5 years
Considerations
- ✗ 2-week break-in
- ✗ Custom can be $400-700
- ✗ OTC limits effectiveness
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for orthotics
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: High-arch + severe plantar fasciitis
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.5
(28,341+ reviews)
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
This single insole eliminates plantar fasciitis pain in 60% of patients within 2 weeks. The lateral wedge is the active ingredient — it stops the overpronation that causes the fascia to overstretch with every step. Pair with a max-cushion shoe for compound effect.
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.4
(4,000+ reviews)
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Choose your arch height from a wet-foot test (low/med/high). Wrong arch = re-injury. For runners, athletes, or anyone who failed standard insoles — this is the closest you can get to custom orthotics without paying $500. The carbon heel is what professional athletes use.
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
4.6
(5,500+ reviews)
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Apply to plantar fascia + calves before bed. Combined with stretching, eliminates morning fascia pain. The clean formula means you can use it daily long-term — Voltaren has 30-day limits, Dr. Hoy’s doesn’t.
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot pain, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Clinical foot and ankle services at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
Ready for Expert Care?
Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
4.9★ | 1,123 Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.
More questions patients ask
What Curex insole models are available and which is best?
Curex offers sport-specific insoles: RunPro (running), HikePro (hiking), WorkPro (work boots), SportPro (multi-sport), FlatFix (flat feet), and ImpactPro (high impact). Each is available in low/medium/high arch profiles. The best model depends on your activity and arch type — ideally assessed clinically by Balance Foot & Ankle.
Are Curex insoles better than Powerstep or PowerStep Pinnacle?
Curex offers a useful middle ground between Powerstep's general support and PowerStep Pinnacle's firmness, with activity-specific designs and multiple arch heights. For clinical conditions requiring precise biomechanical correction, custom orthotics from Balance Foot & Ankle remain the most effective option regardless of OTC brand.
Are Curex insoles worth the subscription model cost?
Curex offers insoles via subscription, which provides regular replacements — addressing the common problem of users delaying replacement of worn insoles. The convenience factor has value. However, the subscription cost over 3–5 years may exceed the cost of a single pair of insurance-covered custom orthotics from Balance Foot & Ankle.
Do Curex insoles work for plantar fasciitis?
Curex RunPro or SportPro with a high arch profile may provide some plantar fasciitis relief. However, for moderate to severe plantar fasciitis, the root cause requires clinical evaluation and custom orthotics. Balance Foot & Ankle treats plantar fasciitis comprehensively — call (810) 206-1402.
Can I use Curex insoles as a first step before seeing a podiatrist?
Yes. Trying a quality OTC insole for 4–6 weeks is a reasonable first step for mild symptoms. If Curex or any other OTC insole doesn't provide adequate relief within that timeframe, schedule with Balance Foot & Ankle for a definitive evaluation and custom orthotic prescription.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.