Archmolds Maximum Orthotic Insoles vs Pulse Performance Insoles: which is safer?
PowerStep Pulse Performance Insoles is our pick: better on PFAS and on the overall hazard picture.
Powerstep
Archmolds Maximum Orthotic Insoles
PFAS grade
Good 65/100
Overall grade
Poor 47/100
Verdict
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Hazard flags
⚑ 3
Material
EVA foam, neoprene, fabric backing
Confidence
72%
PossibleNeoprene manufacturing residue
ReportedAdhesive degradation under moisture
PossibleAzo dyes in colored fabric backing
Our pick
Powerstep
Pulse Performance Insoles
PFAS grade
Good 65/100
Overall grade
Good 57/100
Verdict
Skip
Hazard flags
⚑ 2
Material
EVA foam, gel, fabric blend
Confidence
72%
PossibleAzo dyes in fabric blend
PossibleFormaldehyde resins in fabric finishing
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Neoprene manufacturing residue, Adhesive degradation under moisture and Azo dyes in colored fabric backing on the Powerstep and not on the Powerstep.
- We flag Azo dyes in fabric blend and Formaldehyde resins in fabric finishing on the Powerstep and not on the Powerstep.
- The Powerstep is EVA foam, neoprene, fabric backing where the Powerstep is EVA foam, gel, fabric blend, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- These two are level, close enough that price and fit should decide it rather than our grade.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More synthetic athletic insoles & orthotics: see the full ranking