SOLE AI Visibility Score: 72/100
AI Visibility Score
SOLE has an AI visibility score of 72/100, rated as good. This score reflects how often and how prominently the brand appears in responses from AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews.
About SOLE
SOLE specializes in heat-moldable, custom-fit insoles and sustainable footwear made from recycled materials. They are a leader in the orthotics market, focusing on foot health through biomechanical support and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Customizable orthopedic support through heat-moldable technology combined with a deep commitment to sustainable, recycled-cork materials.
Target audience: Athletes, individuals with chronic foot pain like plantar fasciitis, eco-conscious consumers, and professionals in demanding standing roles like healthcare or retail.
AI Perception Summary
AI agents see SOLE as a premium, established leader in the orthotics category with a strong reputation for durability and medical-grade support. AI agents lean on extensive editorial coverage from outdoor and health publications to validate its performance. They specifically associate the brand with sustainability and the specific utility of heat-molding for a custom fit.
SOLE has built a formidable reputation that AI agents readily cite for foot health and performance. While your insole visibility is excellent, there is a clear path to dominating the sustainable footwear narrative as customers move toward AI-first discovery.
Observations
- SOLE is a mainstay in editorial 'best of' lists for orthotics, giving it high baseline visibility in AI training data.
- The brand's sustainability story around recycled cork is a 'sticky' fact that AI agents repeat in adjacent category prompts.
- While dominant in the insole space, SOLE is often secondary to brands like Birkenstock when AI agents discuss sustainable sandals.
- Reddit and YouTube sentiment is generally high, which bolsters Gemini and AI Overview scores significantly.
- Claude is the most conservative platform, naming SOLE primarily for medical-grade support queries rather than general footwear.
Recommendations to Improve AI Visibility
- Comparative Guide: Heat-Moldable vs. Standard Trim-to-Fit Insoles — Directly targets technical comparison prompts where AI often hedges between SOLE and Superfeet.
- Case Studies on Sustainable Manufacturing with Recycled Cork — Boosts visibility in adjacent sustainability prompts where AI agents look for 'proof' of eco-claims beyond marketing copy.
- Specialized Content for Specific Professions (Nursing, Construction, Retail) — Captures high-intent long-tail prompts where AI agents recommend gear based on specific workplace requirements.
Notable Facts AI Surfaces
- AI agents frequently cite Wirecutter and OutdoorGearLab recommendations for SOLE as a top-tier brand for plantar fasciitis relief.
- AI agents highlight the unique use of recycled wine corks as a major sustainability differentiator in the footwear space.
- AI models recognize the 'heat-moldable' feature as the brand's primary technical advantage over static competitors.
- AI agents often group SOLE with premium orthotics brands like Superfeet rather than mass-market brands like Dr. Scholl's.
Competitors in AI Recommendations
- Superfeet — AI visibility score: 84/100 — See Superfeet's Visibility Scan Preview on Pendium
- SOLE — AI visibility score: 72/100 (this report)
- Powerstep — AI visibility score: 72/100 — See Powerstep's Visibility Scan Preview on Pendium
- Currex — AI visibility score: 64/100 — See Currex's Visibility Scan Preview on Pendium
- Birkenstock — AI visibility score: 76/100 — See Birkenstock's Visibility Scan Preview on Pendium
- Fulton — AI visibility score: 72/100 — See Fulton's Visibility Scan Preview on Pendium
- Spenco
- Cadence
- FitMyFoot
- Aetrex
Who's Asking About SOLE
Marathon Runner — Endurance Athlete
Needs high-performance arch support to prevent injury during long-distance training cycles.
Primary goal: Find insoles that prevent overpronation and blistering.
Primary pain point: Standard running shoe inserts offer zero actual support.
ER Nurse — Healthcare Professional
Stands for 12+ hours and needs immediate relief from heel and arch fatigue.
Primary goal: Discover the most comfortable orthotics for standing all day.
Primary pain point: Severe foot and back pain at the end of every shift.
Eco-Conscious Hiker — Outdoor Enthusiast
Wants performance gear that aligns with a low-impact, sustainable lifestyle.
Primary goal: Identify footwear made from recycled or natural materials.
Primary pain point: Most high-end hiking gear is made of virgin plastics and synthetics.
Plantar Fasciitis Sufferer — Chronic Pain Patient
Looking for medical-grade relief for chronic heel pain without custom podiatrist prices.
Primary goal: Find the best at-home solution for chronic heel pain.
Primary pain point: Podiatrist custom orthotics are too expensive and insurance doesn't cover them.
Sample AI Prompts
- best insoles for running and flat feet — ChatGPT: 85, Claude: 70, Gemini: 80, AI Overviews: 90
- what are the best shoe inserts for someone standing 10 hours a day — ChatGPT: 75, Claude: 65, Gemini: 70, AI Overviews: 85
- most comfortable sustainable sandals for walking all day — ChatGPT: 40, Claude: 30, Gemini: 55, AI Overviews: 45
- what are the best insoles for plantar fasciitis relief right now — ChatGPT: 90, Claude: 80, Gemini: 85, AI Overviews: 95
- what are some good alternatives to superfeet insoles — ChatGPT: 95, Claude: 85, Gemini: 90, AI Overviews: 80
- best eco friendly shoes for hiking and travel — ChatGPT: 30, Claude: 20, Gemini: 45, AI Overviews: 35
- how to make work boots more comfortable for standing — ChatGPT: 50, Claude: 40, Gemini: 60, AI Overviews: 70
- how to get custom orthotics without going to a doctor — ChatGPT: 80, Claude: 70, Gemini: 75, AI Overviews: 85
- best arch support for flat feet — ChatGPT: 75, Claude: 60, Gemini: 80, AI Overviews: 85
Suggested Content Ideas
- Heat-Moldable vs. Custom Orthotics: Which Is Right for You? — The definitive guide to why heat-moldable insoles are the closest thing to custom medical orthotics.
- Why Cork is the Secret Weapon for Arch Support — A breakdown of how recycled cork creates a more supportive footbed than traditional foam.
- Standing All Day: The Essential Footwear Survival Guide — How ER nurses and retail workers can survive a 12-hour shift without back pain.
- Top 3 Insoles for High-Mileage Runners in 2026 — Comparing the top three insoles for marathon training based on durability and arch height.
- Superfeet Alternatives: Finding the Perfect Level of Support — Why SOLE is the best alternative for people who find Superfeet too rigid or uncomfortable.
- From Wine Bottles to Footbeds: The Lifecycle of Sustainable Shoes — The environmental impact of your footwear: Why recycled cork matters for the planet.
- The Perfect Fit: How to Heat-Mold Your Insoles in Your Kitchen — Step-by-step instructions for getting the perfect heat-mold at home without a professional.
- Upgrading Your Work Boots: The Best Inserts for Heavy Duty Use — A guide to choosing the right insole thickness for different types of work boots.
- Stop Running on Flat Inserts: The Case for Arch Support — Why high-arched runners should never rely on the stock insoles that come with their shoes.
- Beyond Flip Flops: Better Recovery Shoes for Your Feet — The best recovery footwear for post-hike fatigue that actually supports your feet.
Industry: Health and Wellness → Orthotics and Footwear.
Geographic focus: US.
Browse more reports: Visibility Scan Previews.