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Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Review

Well-cushioned yet thin and flexible, and sold at a budget price
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Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer Review
Credit: Travis Reddinger
Price:  $30 List
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Manufacturer:   Spenco
Travis Reddinger
By Travis Reddinger ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  November 9, 2026
56
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#12 of 13
  • Comfort and Fit - 30% 4.0
  • Cushion - 20% 8.0
  • Arch Support - 20% 6.0
  • Footbed Support - 20% 5.0
  • Construction and Durability - 10% 6.0
List Price: $30

Our Verdict

The Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer has some nice features, but it also has drawbacks that give us pause. The full-foot, thick cushioning provides relief for high-impact sports and helps reduce jarring on the joints. The downside is the cushioning placement, which felt awkward underfoot. The arch foam is thick but doesn't provide much arch support. The cushioning also bulges between the heel and midfoot, which is more pronounced when weighted; a few of our testers found it uncomfortable and felt it didn't match their foot anatomy. Some users might find this insole a good fit, but given the foam structure and lack of arch and footbed support, we feel there are better options in the lineup.
REASONS TO BUY
Well-priced
Highly cushioned
REASONS TO AVOID
No rigid heel cup for support
Not the most durable

Compare to Similar Products

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Price $30 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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72
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56
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Cushy comfort at a great price if you are okay with a little less stability and support in the structureThese semi-rigid insoles help maintain anatomical alignment while reducing foot pain and fatigueA wallet-friendly insert that delivers stabilizing basics but lacks significant supportThese inexpensive insoles provide a layer of comfortable cushioning but no real supportAn inexpensive insole for those needing additional cushion but without requiring too much additional support
Rating Categories  Spenco Polysorb Cros... Walk Hero All-Purpos... Dr. Scholl's Run Act... Dr. Scholl's Work wi... Dr. Scholl's Plantar...
Comfort and Fit (30%)
4.0
8.0
6.5
7.0
6.0
Cushion (20%)
8.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Arch Support (20%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
3.5
5.5
Footbed Support (20%)
5.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
Construction and Durability (10%)
6.0
8.0
4.5
6.0
4.5
Specifications Spenco Polysorb Cros... Walk Hero All-Purpos... Dr. Scholl's Run Act... Dr. Scholl's Work wi... Dr. Scholl's Plantar...
Rigidity/Flex Flexible Semi-rigid Semi-rigid Flexible Semi-rigid
Arch Support Options Medium Flat or high arch Medium Medium Medium
Arch Height (Measured) 1.4 cm 3.2 cm 1.7 cm 2 cm 1.0 cm
Heel Cup No Yes Yes No Yes
Weight Per Pair 3.56 oz 4.76 oz 4.05 oz 4.62 oz 2.39 oz
Cushioning at Toe (Measured) 0.60 cm 0.40 cm 0.50 cm 0.40 cm 0.40 cm
Cushioning at Heel (Measured) 2.25 cm 0.70 cm 0.75 cm 0.80 cm 1.30 cm
Heel Cup Height (Measured) 0.00 cm 2.3 cm 1.75 cm 2 cm 0.30 cm
Heel Features Spencore heel cushion plug Deep heel cup Deep heel cup Shock absorbing, contoured gel. Shock absorbing heel cup
Additional Forefoot Support SBR forefoot cushion NA Metatarsal
support pad		 Cushioning N/A
Moisture & Odor Prevention Treatment Silvadur technology Antimicrobial top layer Polygiene StayFresh technology top layer Polygiene StayFresh None listed
Materials Polysorb polyurethane foam Dual-layer memory foam Foam Foam and gel Foam
Design Style Sports/athletic Orthotic/arch support Sports/athletic Sports/athletic Orthotic/plantar fasciitis
Available Sizes (Size Tested) 6 sizes from 4-15.5
(test size unknown)		 13 sizes 4-16.5
(test size unknown)		 2 options: men's 8-14, women's 6-10 (women's 6-10) 2 sizes 8-14
women's 6-10
(mens)		 2 options: men's 8-14, women's 6-10 (women's 6-10)
Full Length Tested (Measured) 28.3 cm 29 cm 26.0 cm 29.5 cm 25.6 cm
Trim-to-Fit Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

spenco polysorb cross trainer - well-cushioned insoles for maximum impact absorption.
Well-cushioned insoles for maximum impact absorption.   Credit: Travis Reddinger

Likes


The Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer is a fully cushioned insole that reduces the shock of repetitive impact on your joints. Dense polyurethane foam cushions from heel to toe, which is 2.25 cm at the heel and 0.60cm at the toe, with an arch height of 1.4cm. The insoles also contain an additional heel plug that adds another level of protection for heavy heel strikes. These insoles cushion the foot well, reducing pain and fatigue many people experience.


We appreciated that the insoles came sized to fit and didn't require any cutting or modification for our footwear. Once inserted, the insoles fit snugly in place and didn't shift or slide, even on steep inclines or sidehilling. Despite being flexible without any backing, they were easy to insert into the shoes compared to other soft insoles, which can be a struggle to get to lie flat.

Dense foam with a thicker heel for added comfort.   Credit: Travis Reddinger

Dislikes


One issue we found with the Spenco was the feeling of the dense foam between the heel and midfoot. When walking with these insoles, a few testers noticed a bulge or rise in the cushioning that didn't quite match the foot's structure. When using the insoles in athletic shoes, it felt like there was a rock or debris under the insole, which was very uncomfortable and distracting. The insole also adds significant volume inside the shoe, and even with the laces loosened, the instep still felt too tight. Because of the insole's thickness, these may work better in footwear with extra space inside, like work boots or wide-sized shoes.


spenco polysorb cross trainer - the flat design provides minimal arch or footbed support.
The flat design provides minimal arch or footbed support.   Credit: Travis Reddinger

We also found the Polysorb Cross Trainer to be lacking in arch and footbed support, which is unfortunate. The insole is flexible and lacks rigid backing to support the foot's structure and doesn't prevent overpronation. The arch foam is thicker, but it compresses with use, and we didn't find it to have any supportive benefit, especially with prolonged use or on unstable ground. The cushioning absorbs impact well but doesn't reduce foot stress or support proper alignment.


spenco polysorb cross trainer - a thick heel protects from impact but adds more height to the insole.
A thick heel protects from impact but adds more height to the insole.   Credit: Travis Reddinger

Should You Buy the Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer?


Above all else, our testers found this insole uncomfortable. It provides thick cushioning and absorbs impact well, but the insole didn't match our foot anatomy, and we felt a noticeable bulge between the heel and midfoot that kept us from wanting to wear it for very long. They also don't offer much supportive structure, and overall, we find these hard to recommend.

Replacing the insert is simple.   Credit: Travis Reddinger

What Other Insoles Should You Consider?


There are other flexible insoles that provide cushioning without rigid support, like the Dr. Scholl's Run Active Comfort, which is more budget-friendly compared to the Spenco (and more comfortable). The pricier Currex Runpro is a comfortable insole that absorbs impact well (the runners on our team loved it), and the Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch performed well for those with high arches.
—Travis Reddinger


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