Choosing Your Foot Strength Level for Prevolve Footwear Custom Cleats

When it comes to crafting the perfect pair of cleats, one size—or one design—doesn't fit all. At Prevolve Footwear, we believe your shoes should complement your unique foot strength and mobility, helping you achieve peak performance while strengthening your body. That’s why we ask you to select your foot strength level during the our order process.

But what does "foot strength level" mean, and why does it matter? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Foot Strength Levels

Your foot strength level reflects how accustomed your feet are to minimalist footwear or barefoot movement. Stronger, more robust feet require less support and cushion than feet conditioned to traditional footwear.

Here’s how we define the levels:

• Level 6: Give me the thinnest sole you got! I can run a mountain barefoot :)

  • Your feet are exceptionally strong and resilient. You've likely spent years running, training, or living barefoot or in minimalist footwear.
  • Design impact: Our thinnest insole and thinnest cleat plate for maximum ground feel and responsiveness. Widest Toe box optimized for wide, natural splay.

• Level 5: I spend all my time barefoot or in minimalist shoes.

  • You’re fully committed to minimalist living and your feet have adapted well to natural movement.
  • Design impact: Thin insole with a moderately flexible plate. Generous toe box width for natural splay.

• Level 4: I primarily wear minimalist shoes.

  • You’re accustomed to minimalist shoes but may occasionally switch to conventional footwear.
  • Design impact: Balanced support with a slightly thicker insole and a cleat plate that still provides more flexibility than a conventional cleat plate (especially in the arch)

• Level 3: I sometimes wear minimalist shoes, but still wear some conventionally designed footwear.

  • You’re experimenting with minimalist footwear but aren’t fully transitioned.
  • Design impact: Moderate cushioning and stiffness, with a toe box width slightly wider than the average cleat on the market.

• Level 2: I've never worn minimalist shoes.

  • You’re new to the world of natural footwear and need support as your feet adapt.
  • Design impact: Conventional level of cushioning, stiff cleat plate similar to those found on the market (still a bit more flex in the arch), and a toe box that is close the average shape on the market.

• Level 1: I wear orthotics in all my shoes and look for the most cushioned shoe I can get.

  • You prioritize maximum cushioning and support due to existing foot conditions or a history of wearing orthotics.
  • Design impact: The thickest insole, and cleat plate, and a supportive toe box without added width.

How Your Foot Strength Level Affects Design

Selecting your foot strength level isn't just about comfort—it's about ensuring your cleats work with your body, not against it. Here’s how your choice influences the design:

1. Insole Thickness: Stronger feet benefit from thinner insoles, allowing for more ground feedback and natural movement. Less conditioned feet need extra cushioning to reduce the requirements on the foot and lower leg for force absorption.

2. Plate Stiffness: The insole and cleat plate stiffness adjust to your feet. Stronger feet require less stiffness of the plates because the foot can create rigidity on it's own through flexing the muscles... less experienced feet need more support and rigidity simply because they are used to it.

3. Toe Box Width: As foot strength increases, your toe box widens to accommodate natural toe splay, encouraging better balance, stability, and power transfer.

Why It Matters

Footwear that matches your foot strength promotes natural biomechanics, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing your athletic performance. Whether you're an elite athlete or just beginning your minimalist journey, selecting the right foot strength level ensures your cleats feel like an extension of your body.

Ready to Customize Your Perfect Cleats?

Choosing your foot strength level is a key step in creating cleats designed specifically for you. If you’re unsure of your level, our team is here to help guide you. Together, we’ll make sure your cleats empower your feet and your game. Order below by clicking on the image

Let’s evolve the way you move—one custom cleat at a time.

As you progress on your foot strengthening journey we hope you will be able to progress of our foot strength ladder!