Protalus insoles make a huge claim of having over 100,000 reviews with an overall 5-star rating on their website. Naturally, like a curious cat, I decided to try the Protalus insoles just to see if they were actually as good as the company and those 100,000 reviews claimed.
My first stop was at Amazon where I saw that the product had decent 500+ reviews which although were mostly positive, is still a long way from the 100,000+ 5-star reviews mentioned on their website.
So what’s the deal?
Protalus M-100 insoles are expensive and there’s just no subtle way to put it. They retail for about $59 and are more expensive than all my other recommendations in this buying guide, including Top models from Timberland and Dr. Scholls.
They justify this price tag by making a few nifty claims like “The Protalus M-100 has a tri-planar system backed by science to reduce unsafe ranges of motion” and the aforementioned “over 100,000 5-str reviews”
According to Protalus’ website, the TPS or triplanar system “utilizes force and counterforce to align your ankle with your heel in an optimal position.” 
Make out of this information what you will, and as to what it means, your guess is as good as mine.
Other product information provided by Protalus is along the lines of marketing jargon and including a fun claim that “other insole companies seem to think it (the foot) is a pancake.”
Protalus M-100 Insoles features
The protalus M100 insoles are made for bulkier shoes like work boots, running shoes, and hiking boots.
The construction features a thick foam core with a thin layer of fabric for moisture wicking and a rubberized underbelly that adds extra support and rigidity.
You can get these protalus insoles in all standard shoe sizes from 5.5 – 15 for men, women, and ‘youth’.
Other mention features from the protalus website include;
- 3mm forefoot and 4mm heel cushioning
- Ideal for larger / wider shoes
- Combination of ‘highest quality materials’
- Improved ankle alignment
- Subtalar joint support
- Prevention of pronation or over supination
- Superior anti-shock cushioning system
- Anti-slip ridges
How does it compare with my favorite insoles?
Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles
I straight out preferred Dr. Scholl’s Work Gel massage insoles for having a lot less bulk than the Protalus M100 insoles. I also found that Dr. Scholl’s are also a bit more comfortable for me to walk and stand with. They are more suited to low arch and flat feet folks like me which could be one reason why I found them more comfortable. Finally, they cost a lot less than Protalus insoles.
Winner: Dr. Scholl’s work gel insoles. Check them on Amazon
Superfeet Orthotic Shoe Inserts for Arch support
Superfeet insoles feel like what the protalus insoles wanted to build. They are wide, well made and have very good arch support for those with high foot arch. They have a very comfortable heel cup that seems to just grasp your heels and hold them in place while you move and the orange color is a fun extra.
They retail for about $30 and can be occasionally found on discount.
Winner: Superfeet Insoles. Check them on Amazon
Walkhero Feet Insoles for Arch Supports and plantar fasciitis
Walkhero insoles are really comfortable. In fact, they are my favorite. They have a deep heel cup, 7mm arch support, and ample cushioning that combine to give enough comfort. At their sub-$20 price tag, these have been my favorite for a while and the protalus insoles don’t come close.
Winner: Walkhero Feet Insoles Check them on Amazon
Should you buy or pass on these protalus insoles?
They are not bad insoles by any means, but they are also not worth the asking price. For a fraction of the price, you can get a few other insoles that work just as well and better, without having to deal with all the bogus marketing claims.
Verdict: These protalus insoles are hard to recommend and it has a lot do with the serious tag for an ‘ok’ product. That said, if you find them selling for $30 or less then it would make more sense to take a chance with them. Otherwise, pass.
Some insoles I prefer to the protalus insoles
If you’re in the market for insoles for work boots, then check out these alternative picks.
- Timberland PRO Men’s Anti-Fatigue Technology Replacement Insole
- Walkhero Feet Insoles for Arch Supports and plantar fasciitis
- Dr. Scholl’s Work Massaging Gel Advanced Insoles
- Superfeet Orthotic Shoe Inserts for Arch support
- Powerstep Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles
To read more about them, check out my complete buying guide on the best insoles for boots and large shoes.
