How SOL3’s Height Increasing Insoles Changed the Footwear Industry, Giving Birth to “Dad Shoes”

Don’t sell yourself short — the insoles designed to make you taller

SOL3® 3-Level Insole via SOL3.com

By now you’ve probably heard of SOL3, the premium height-increasing insoles optimized to deliver an extra vertical boost to sneakers and shoes. Introduced originally in late-2016; its sleek, modern design and made the advanced shoe inserts an instant hit amongst men between the ages of 18–34. From sneaker enthusiasts to investment bankers, the 3-Level Insole sold an estimated total of over 50,000 pairs worldwide last year.

Subsequently, chunky sneakers better known as ‘dad shoes’, became arguably the biggest trend in footwear this year. Exaggerated, cartoon-like midsoles became a viral staple in the industry with nearly every major brand releasing their own variation. Most notably, the 3-Level Insole sprouted the release of Balenciaga’s very similarly named Triple S (Triple Sole), which launched September 21st, 2017. Retailing between $795 to $1350, the model went on to become the brand’s best-selling model and among the most notable sneaker releases of the year. Consumers showed they were willing to pay a premium for an additional one or two inches of added height cloaked in dad shoe irony.

Justin Trudeau wearing ‘vertically inclined’ footwear via Associated Press / Andrew Harnik

It’s amazing to think that up to now, brands primary focus has been only to enhance athletic performance while completely neglecting opportunities for advancements off the court. When a consumer purchases the latest Yeezys or Jordans, this generally is a conscious investment of some kind to enhance one’s own overall appearance. Instead of walking around in impractical bulky sneakers, SOL3 ensured users wouldn’t lose an inch of height in any footwear, while comfortably standing their tallest at all times. If world leaders from Justin Trudeau to even Vladimir Putin value the significance of an inch or two then who knows — maybe they’re worth the hype. Be that as it may, take the necessary precautions so you don’t pull a Marco Rubio.