Why don't you just promise 44 watts for everyone?

Because that would be dishonest. 44 W is a real measurement – but from a pro with significant pronation. As a hobby rider with a good shoe and neutral foot position, you'll realistically gain 5–10 watts – still worth a whole month of training. We communicate the honest range because disappointed expectations are worse than honest numbers.

How was the watt gain measured?

The data comes from biomechanical measurements by Jens Machacek (Fahrradbiometrie Machacek) with a calibrated pedal power meter and pedal force analysis, at identical cadence and HR zone, with and without the Winsole carbon insole in the same road shoe. Compared against the manufacturer's standard shoe insole.

Which Winsole gives me the biggest watt gain?

Winsole Performance (€139) and Winsole Customized (€199) deliver the full effect through the ultra-thin carbon shell. Comfort (€109) primarily optimizes pressure distribution & comfort – pure watt gain is smaller. With significant pronation/supination, the Customized is clearly superior – with prescription, out-of-pocket is often at Performance level.

Real-world analysis

How many watts do insoles really deliver?

Q: How many watts do insoles really deliver?

Realistically, ambitious hobby riders gain 5–15 watts of sustained power at the same heart rate. The often-cited 44 W peak comes from sprint/peak measurements with pros (Jens Machacek, Fahrradbiometrie) and describes maximum efficiency gain – not FTP increase. Honest range: 5–15 W for hobby riders, 15–25 W for trained athletes, up to 44 W peak for pros with significant foot misalignment.

The honest range – by rider type, with methodology. 5–15 W for hobby riders, 15–25 W for trained athletes, up to 44 W peak for pros. No marketing promises.

TL;DR

Realistic watt gain: 5–15 W (hobby), 15–25 W (trained), up to 44 W (peak for pros with misalignment). Measured with pedal power meter at the same heart rate and cadence, with and without Winsole carbon shell. Riders with a perfectly fitting shoe will land at the low end – those with pronation at the high end.

Watt gain by rider type

Hobby / beginner

5–15 W

Sustained 1-hour power at the same heart rate. Equivalent to about a month of structured training.

Neutral foot, good shoe, 150–200 W FTP

Most common case

Ambitious / trained

15–25 W

Noticeable efficiency improvement from stabilized pronation and reduced forefoot rotation.

Light pronation, 220–280 W FTP

Pro / peak (sprint, short)

up to 44 W

Sprint and peak measurements from Fahrradbiometrie Machacek with pros who have significant misalignment. Not to be read as an FTP promise.

Significant pronation/supination, > 350 W FTP

How it was measured

Measurement setup

Calibrated pedal power meter (both sides)
Pedal force analysis (L/R balance, force vector)
Same shoe, once with stock insole, once with Winsole
Identical cadence and HR zone

What the numbers mean

More power at same heart rate – not an extra FTP jump
Effect is immediately measurable (no break-in needed)
Biggest lever: correcting pronation and forefoot rotation
Source: Fahrradbiometrie Machacek – to the partner

Important: Watt gain ≠ FTP increase. A better insole raises your efficiency – your training plan raises your FTP. Combined, they are the fastest path up.

Which Winsole for which watt gain?

Entry

Winsole Comfort

109 €

Pressure distribution & comfort. Smaller watt effect, but noticeably less fatigue on long rides.

View Comfort

Max watt gain without prescription

Winsole Performance

139 €

Ultra-thin carbon shell, approx. 80 % of the Customized's pronation stabilization. Ships immediately.

Buy Performance

Maximum + prescription

Winsole Customized

199 €

True custom build via foam impression. The biggest lever with significant pronation/supination. With prescription, often at Performance price level.

View Customized

Frequently asked questions

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