Not sure which insole, knee sleeve or recovery tool to choose? This page compares our own range side by side. After each table, a short “choose it if” list helps you decide; then check your size.
Which insole should I choose?
All three share a 2 mm anatomic TPU shell from heel to midfoot, with arch and metatarsal support molded in, and a carbon-fiber-look PU base. All come in whole EU sizes 36-45, sold in pairs. Thickness, top cover and cushioning differ, and that decides which shoes each one suits.
Quickest route: the insole finder suggests a model in about 30 seconds.
| Slim Fit | Sports Performance | Comfort Every Day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 3-3.5 mm | 4.5-5 mm | 5.5-6 mm |
| Top cover | Perforated real leather | Breathable microfiber | Perforated microfiber |
| Cushioning | Thin super-rebound foam, deep-absorption heel pad | Full-length high-rebound EVA, deep-absorption heel and forefoot pads | 3 mm deep-absorption core between super-rebound foams, extra heel pad |
| Shoes it suits | Dress shoes, soccer cleats, snug shoes | Running, padel, gym and training shoes | Roomy everyday shoes and sneakers |
| Fit note | Fits where room is tight | Replaces the factory insole | Adds about half a size; may not fit snug shoes |
- Choose Slim Fit insoles if your shoes are snug or formal: leather dress shoes, soccer cleats, shoes with a thin factory insole. See our guide to thin insoles.
- Choose Sports Performance insoles if you want a responsive feel for running, padel or the gym.
- Choose Comfort Every Day insoles if you spend long days on your feet in roomy shoes and want the softest feel. Take the factory insole out first.
For size, choose your usual EU shoe size. For a half size such as 42.5, choose the size below (42), never the one above. Lay ours on the factory insole; the outlines should match, or ours should be slightly shorter at the toes. More in our guides insole size and fit and how to choose the right insole.
Knee sleeve or gel knee sleeve?
Both are gray knit compression sleeves, knitted in the round as one seamless tube with four-way stretch. Both have latex-free TPU bands inside that help them stay in place, and neither has hinges or stays.
| Knee Support Sleeve | Gel Knee Support Sleeve | |
|---|---|---|
| Front of the knee | Smooth knit, low profile | Soft TPR gel ring around the kneecap, inside the knit (a lighter knitted oval from outside) |
| Sizes (around the center of the knee) | S 30-38 · M 38-47 · L 47-55 cm | S 30-40 · M 40-50 · L 50-55 cm |
| Typical sports | Running, padel, tennis, soccer, gym | Gym, volleyball, tennis, soccer, padel |
- Choose the Knee Support Sleeve if you want the lowest profile, for running, under long socks or for long sessions.
- Choose the Gel Knee Support Sleeve if you like a cushioned frame around the kneecap, for squats, volleyball or court sports.
Measure first, because the bands differ: a 39 cm knee is an M in the plain sleeve and an S in the gel sleeve. The size calculator needs one measurement, and our guide gel knee sleeve or plain knee sleeve compares them sport by sport.
Ankle, wrist or elbow sleeve: the other supports at a glance
These three are made the same way: seamless knit, four-way stretch, gray, S, M and L, sold singly, hand wash and air dry.
| How it is sized | S / M / L | Made for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle Support Sleeve | By EU shoe size | 36-38 / 39-41 / 42-45 | Padel, running, soccer |
| Wrist Support Sleeve | At the narrowest point of the wrist | 13-15 / 15-20 / 20-25 cm | Gym, padel, desk work |
| Elbow Support Sleeve | Around the elbow (see our measuring guide) | 18-23 / 23-27 / 27-34 cm | Padel, tennis, golf, strength training |
- Choose the Ankle Support Sleeve if you want a snug, sock-like feel for court and field sports, with no straps or stays. See our ankle support guide.
- Choose the Wrist Support Sleeve if you press in the gym, play racket sports or spend long days at a keyboard. See our wrist support guide.
- Choose the Elbow Support Sleeve if you play padel, tennis or golf, or pull and press in the gym. See our elbow support guide.
For every support: between two sizes, choose the larger; one finger should slide under the fabric; if you feel tingling or numbness, take it off and try the next size up. Our measuring guide shows each step. A sleeve is a sports accessory, not a treatment: for pain that does not settle, see a healthcare professional.
MuscleGlide or ReflexRoll?
Both are made of Schima wood and need no batteries or charging. Wood or foam? Read our guide to wooden and foam rollers.
| MuscleGlide wooden massage stick | ReflexRoll wooden foot roller | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Legs and body: calves, thighs and other muscles you can reach | The soles of your feet |
| How you use it | In your hands, standing or seated | Seated, with one foot or both |
| Build | 38.4 cm, 240 g, nine gear-cut rings on a steel axle, turned handles | 29 cm frame, 50 rollers in two channels (25 smooth wood, 25 with textured TPR spikes), rubber base |
| Where it lives | In your kit bag | At home or under your desk |
- Choose the MuscleGlide wooden massage stick if you want to roll calves and thighs before or after training and take it with you. See our routine for runners and our comparison of massage sticks, massage guns and foam rollers.
- Choose the ReflexRoll wooden foot roller if you want to roll the soles of your feet while you sit, at home or at work. See our tired-feet routine and how to choose a foot massager.
AcuNomad or AcuEarth?
Both are acupressure mats you lie or stand on to relax.
| AcuNomad foldable acupressure mat | AcuEarth acupressure set | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | One mat with a raised neck section | Mat, pillow and tote bag |
| Size | 73 × 46 cm, folds in three or unzips into 3 sections, 702 g | Mat 75 × 44 cm, pillow 40 × 30 cm |
| Spikes | 5,400 ABS spikes in a swirl pattern | 6,725 in total: 5,250 on the mat, 1,475 on the pillow |
| Cover and filling | Cotton cover over high-density foam | Linen and cotton cover; coconut-fiber filling in the mat, buckwheat hulls in the pillow |
- Choose the AcuNomad foldable acupressure mat if you want a light mat that folds into a suitcase or gym bag, with a neck rest built in and three zip-on sections you can also use separately.
- Choose the AcuEarth acupressure set if you want a home set with a separate pillow and natural fillings.
Do not use either mat on broken or irritated skin, and check with a healthcare professional first if you are pregnant or have a circulatory or skin condition. For your first sessions, read how to use an acupressure mat; for the research, acupressure mats: what the research says.
Still unsure?
Start with your size: the size guides hold every chart, the size calculator covers supports and the insole finder covers insoles. If you still have a question, contact us: our team replies within two business days, in five languages. Where to buy lists our official Step Balance stores on Amazon by country.
Frequently asked questions
Which insole should I choose?
Slim Fit for dress shoes, soccer cleats and snug shoes. Sports Performance for running, padel and gym shoes. Comfort Every Day for roomy everyday shoes and long days on your feet.
What insole size should I get if I wear a half size?
Choose the whole size below, for example 42 for a 42.5. The smaller size fits inside the shoe, while the larger one can press into the toe box.
What is the difference between the knee sleeve and the gel knee sleeve?
Both are seamless knit compression sleeves with TPU bands inside and no hinges or stays. The gel sleeve adds a soft ring around the kneecap and has its own size bands.
MuscleGlide or ReflexRoll: which one do I need?
The MuscleGlide is a hand-held stick for calves, thighs and other muscles. The ReflexRoll is a seated roller for the soles of your feet.
Which acupressure mat is right for me?
AcuNomad if you want a light mat that folds and travels. AcuEarth if you want a home set with a pillow. Do not use either on broken or irritated skin, and check with a healthcare professional first if you are pregnant or have a circulatory or skin condition.
About this page. Prepared by the Step Balance Research Team. Product details come from our own specifications. This page is for information only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.