Wiivv is a company that offers 3D printed insoles. Find out everything you need to know about these unique insoles today in our Wiivv review.
What is Wiivv?
Wiivv is a startup company that makes 3D printed insoles custom-designed to your feet. The Canadian company has been in headlines in recent weeks after it raised $4 million and acquired its competitor, eSoles.
With Wiivv (pronounced “weave”), customers can order 3D printed insoles using a foot-scanning smartphone app. You scan your feet, then the company delivers insoles that mold precisely to your feet. The app measures over 200 different points on your feet to ensure a perfect custom fit every time.
Why do you need 3D printed insoles? Many of us suffer from incorrectly-fitted shoes whether we know it or not. Using a custom 3D printed insole, you can reduce plantar fasciitis pain, joint discomfort, and general foot fatigue.
You don’t have to be a marathon runner to enjoy the benefits of Wiivv. Anyone who walks or stands during the day can enjoy the benefits of Wiivv.
How Does Wiivv Work?
Wiivv works in a straightforward way. You download the app, take a bunch of pictures of your feet, and then order 3D custom printed insoles made precisely to your unique feet.
The Wiivv app maps over 200 points on the arch and heel of each of your feet. The app is available for a free download, so you can try the app out long before you order the 3D insoles.
The insole you receive is specially designed with a shock-absorbing heel pad that helps to stabilize and cushion your foot strike. The insole also comes with fully-customized arch support that enhances every step you take while improving your alignment.
Some of the specific benefits of the insoles include a significantly reduced joint load on your knees and hips, a reduced risk of injuries, and increased physical performance. To measure these benefits, Wiivv used key biomechanical metrics – specifically related to “pronation control” while a runner fatigues, then looked at the effects the insoles had on the performance:
“Wearing Wiiv insoles reduce the risks associated with running injuries, a significant decrease in the forces associated with pronation, and there was less work required from the muscles and ligaments in the ankle to propel the foot forward while running with Wiivv insoles.”
Some of the other stated benefits of Wiivv include:
- Reduce Foot Pain: Custom made arch and heel cups improve comfort and provide relief from problems like flat feet, high arches, pronation, and supination.
- Reduced Pressure in the Ball of the Feet: Pressure in the ball of the foot can be caused by flat feet or high arches. Custom insoles with arch support can reduce this pressure to relieve pain in the ball of your foot.
- Reduced Arch Pain: Your arches bear less load while using the Wiivv custom insoles.
- Reduced Heel Pain: Your heel and arch are intricately connected. Wiivv insoles promise to provide pain relief in your heel by targeting your arch. Instead of your heel taking the majority of your weight load, it will be evenly distributed throughout your foot – which is why your foot is built that way in the first place.
- Reduced Plantar Fasciitis Pain: Custom insoles reduce the pressure and loading on the plantar fasciitis (the muscle stretching down the bottom of your foot).
- Reduced Ankle Pain and Injury: Custom insoles help to realign your ankles with your leg and foot to reduce the risk of injury.
- Reduced Hip, Knee, Shin, and Back Pain: Good insoles stabilize your feet and align your body, which can have an enormous impact beyond just your feet and ankles. Wiivv claims their custom insoles can reduce pain and reduce the risk of injury in your hips, knees, shins, and back.
Wiivv Products
Wiivv currently offers two core products: Full Length and 3/4 Length.
Full Length
The Wiivv full length insoles are designed for active and everyday pursuits and are recommended for use in running shoes, boots, and casual shoes. They will reduce foot pain, joint discomfort, muscle fatigue, and other issues.
3/4 Length
The Wiivv 3/4 Length insoles are recommended for use in dress shoes, flats, and narrow toed boots “for active and everyday pursuits”. They’re not as versatile as the full length insoles, but use the same Wiivv custom design with over 200 mapped points.
Wiivv Pricing
Wiivv’s app is free to download. When you’re ready to order the insoles, this is how pricing breaks down:
- Full Length: $89 USD
- 3/4 Length: $69
You get two insoles (one for each feet) with each purchase. Wiivv is also partnering with retailers around the world, so you may be able to order Wiivv in-store in the near future.
Who Makes Wiivv?
Wiivv is a startup company that creates 3D printed gear. The company was founded in the summer of 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, although the manufacturing center is located in San Diego.
Today, Wiivv employs 30 people, including leaders from HP, EA, Google, Apple, Nike, and 3D Systems.
The company’s About page describes its goal as to build “a better foundation for every step you take with made-to-fit-you insoles and footwear”.
Wiivv initially launched online through Kickstarter with its BASE custom insole, which surpassed its funding goal within 72 hours. By the time the fundraising campaign was over, the company had raised over $250,000 from 4200 backers, officially becoming the most successful 3D printed product in Kickstarter’s history.
Should You Buy Wiivv Custom Insoles?
Wiivv (pronounced “weave”) is a startup company that specializes in creating 3D printed custom insoles for your feet. Priced between $70 and $90 USD, the insoles promise to support your feet, reduce your risk of injury, and reduce pain throughout your entire body – not just your lower body and your feet.
So far, Wiivv’s 3D printed insoles are well-reviewed by most tech blogs and runners we could find online. Customers appreciate the fact that Wiivv uses 200 points on your arch to create an insole catered specifically to your feet. The insoles, according to most reviews, fit as advertised and will mold to your feet to improve your alignment, balance, and gait.
To learn more about Wiivv, visit the company online at Wiivv.com. Or, download the app for free for iOS or Android.
