Insoles for Walking: 5J Impact Test Comparison
Comparing Reported 5J Impact-Test Results for Walking Insoles
This report compares published 5J impact-test results for selected walking insoles, including Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles, Z-Liner Insoles, and several FP Kingfoam / FluidX models. The test records the peak force transmitted through each insole under the stated laboratory conditions.
The reported readings range from 12,000 N for Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles to 1,700 N for FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX. Lower transmitted-force readings indicate that less peak force passed through the test setup during this specific impact test.
These findings apply only to the tested products and conditions shown in this report. They do not independently prove comfort, durability, pain relief, injury prevention, improved biomechanics, joint protection, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
Below is a detailed comparison of the reported Dr. Scholl’s, Z-Liner, and FP Insoles test results.
About This Report
Prepared by: InsoleWars Editorial Team
Last updated: July 21, 2026
This report summarizes published 5J transmitted-force results for selected walking insoles, including Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles, Z-Liner Insoles, and FP Kingfoam / FluidX models. The findings apply only to the tested samples and stated conditions and should be considered alongside footwear fit, walking volume, support needs, cushioning preference, and individual comfort.
Part of the InsoleWars Lab Reports Series
This report is one of several InsoleWars impact-test comparison pages covering reported 5J, 10J, and 25J transmitted-force results.
View all Insole Lab Reports →Test Methodology
This comparison uses reported 5-joule impact-test results. During the test, a controlled amount of impact energy was applied to each insole sample, and the measurement system recorded the peak force transmitted through the sample.
5 Joules (5J): The amount of impact energy applied during the test.
Newtons (N): The unit used to report the peak transmitted-force reading.
Kilonewtons (kN): Another force unit, where 1 kN equals 1,000 N.
For a fair comparison, products should be tested using the same equipment, impact level, sensor setup, sample preparation, and measurement procedure.
Lower transmitted-force readings indicate that less peak force passed through the tested insole and measurement setup under the stated conditions. However, this test does not directly measure walking comfort, fatigue, joint stress, injury risk, pressure distribution, durability, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
The results should be considered alongside footwear fit, walking volume, arch support, cushioning preference, material firmness, activity level, and individual comfort needs.
Complete Test Results
The table below summarizes the reported 5J transmitted-force readings for the walking insole samples included in this comparison. Lower readings indicate that less peak force passed through the test setup under the stated laboratory conditions.
| Insole Model | Peak Force (kN) | Peak Force (N) | Price | Result Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles | 12.0 kN | 12,000 N | $18.00 | Highest transmitted-force reading in this comparison |
| Z-Liner Insoles | 6.0 kN | 6,000 N | $39.00 | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s; higher than listed FP models |
| FP Kingfoam Insoles (5mm) | 3.4 kN | 3,400 N | $19.99 | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner |
| FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX | 2.7 kN | 2,700 N | $39.99 | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner |
These results compare peak transmitted-force readings only. They do not independently measure comfort, walking performance, pressure relief, durability, pain relief, injury prevention, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
Dr. Scholl's Gel Insoles
Reported peak force: 12,000 N
Listed price: $18.00
Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles recorded the highest transmitted-force reading among the products shown in this 5J comparison. Under the stated test conditions, more peak force passed through the Dr. Scholl’s sample than through the listed Z-Liner and FP Insoles samples.
This result may matter for users comparing walking insoles by measured impact attenuation. However, the test does not independently determine overall comfort, gel cushioning quality, shoe fit, pressure relief, durability, pain relief, or injury prevention.
Dr. Scholl’s may still suit users who:
- Prefer its cushioning feel or fit
- Want a widely available walking insole option
- Use footwear where the product fits comfortably
- Are not choosing mainly by transmitted-force readings
Z-Liner Insoles
Reported peak force: 6,000 N
Listed price: $39.00
Z-Liner Insoles recorded a lower transmitted-force reading than Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles in this 5J comparison, but a higher reading than the listed FP Kingfoam / FluidX models.
Under the stated test conditions, less peak force passed through the Z-Liner sample than through the Dr. Scholl’s sample, while more peak force passed through than the listed FP models.
Z-Liner may still suit users who:
- Prefer its fit, thickness, or cushioning feel
- Use footwear where the product fits comfortably
- Want an option between Dr. Scholl’s and the listed FP models in this transmitted-force comparison
- Are considering factors beyond the 5J force reading
This test does not independently determine overall comfort, durability, pressure relief, walking performance, pain relief, injury prevention, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
FP Kingfoam Insoles (5mm)
Reported peak force: 3,400 N
Listed price: $19.99
FP Kingfoam Insoles 5mm recorded a lower transmitted-force reading than both Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles and Z-Liner Insoles in this 5J comparison.
Under the stated test conditions, less peak force passed through the FP Kingfoam 5mm sample than through the Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner samples shown in the report.
FP Kingfoam 5mm may be considered by users who:
- Prioritize lower transmitted-force readings in this 5J comparison
- Want a lower-priced FP option shown in the walking test
- Consider impact attenuation as one factor alongside fit, support, footwear, and comfort
- Prefer a product that fits comfortably inside their walking shoes
This test does not independently determine walking comfort, arch-support effectiveness, pressure relief, durability, pain relief, injury prevention, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX Insoles
Reported peak force: 2,700 N
Listed price: $39.99
FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX recorded the lowest transmitted-force reading among the four products shown in the main 5J comparison table.
Under the stated test conditions, less peak force passed through the FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX sample than through the Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles, Z-Liner Insoles, and FP Kingfoam 5mm samples shown in the report.
FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX may be considered by users who:
- Prioritize the lowest transmitted-force reading shown in this 5J comparison
- Compare walking insoles partly by measured impact attenuation
- Want to evaluate FP’s FluidX option against Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner
- Consider cushioning, support, footwear fit, and comfort alongside the test result
This test does not independently determine walking comfort, durability, pressure relief, arch-support effectiveness, pain relief, injury prevention, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX
Reported peak force: 1,700 N
Listed price: $49.99
FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX recorded the lowest transmitted-force reading shown on this walking insole report.
Under the stated 5J test conditions, less peak force passed through the FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX sample than through the Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles, Z-Liner Insoles, FP Kingfoam 5mm, and FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX samples shown in the report.
FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX may be considered by users who:
- Prioritize the lowest transmitted-force reading shown in this 5J comparison
- Want to compare FP’s orthotic-style FluidX option against other listed walking insoles
- Consider impact attenuation as one factor alongside fit, support, footwear, and comfort
- Prefer to evaluate both transmitted-force results and insole structure before choosing
This test does not independently determine walking comfort, orthotic effectiveness, pressure relief, durability, pain relief, injury prevention, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX Hi
Reported peak force: 2,000 N
Listed price: $60.00
FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX Hi recorded a lower transmitted-force reading than Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles, Z-Liner Insoles, FP Kingfoam 5mm, and FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX in this 5J comparison.
Under the stated test conditions, less peak force passed through the FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX Hi sample than through most of the other listed walking insole samples.
FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX Hi may be considered by users who:
- Prioritize a low transmitted-force reading in this 5J comparison
- Want to compare FP’s higher-profile orthotic-style option
- Consider both impact attenuation and support structure when choosing an insole
- Need to evaluate shoe fit carefully because higher-profile insoles may not fit every walking shoe
This test does not independently determine arch-support effectiveness, walking comfort, pressure relief, durability, pain relief, injury prevention, action-sports performance, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
Ranking by Reported 5J Transmitted-Force Reading
The ranking below is based only on the reported 5J peak transmitted-force readings shown in this report. Lower readings indicate that less peak force passed through the test setup under the stated laboratory conditions.
| Rank | Insole Model | Reported Peak Force | Result Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX | 1,700 N | Lowest transmitted-force reading in this report |
| 2 | FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX Hi | 2,000 N | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s, Z-Liner, FP Kingfoam 5mm, and FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX |
| 3 | FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX | 2,700 N | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner |
| 4 | FP Kingfoam Insoles 5mm | 3,400 N | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner |
| 5 | Z-Liner Insoles | 6,000 N | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s; higher than listed FP models |
| 6 | Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles | 12,000 N | Highest transmitted-force reading in this report |
This ranking does not measure total product quality, comfort, arch support, durability, pressure relief, walking performance, pain relief, injury prevention, or long-term health outcomes.
Price and Result Context
Price can help users compare options, but the 5J impact test only measures reported peak transmitted-force readings. A lower force reading does not automatically mean a product is better for every user, shoe, walking style, or comfort need.
| Product | Listed Price | Reported Peak Force | Result Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles | $18.00 | 12,000 N | Lowest listed price, highest transmitted-force reading in this report |
| FP Kingfoam Insoles 5mm | $19.99 | 3,400 N | Lower transmitted-force reading than Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner |
| Z-Liner Insoles | $39.00 | 6,000 N | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s; higher than listed FP models |
| FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX | $39.99 | 2,700 N | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner |
| FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX | $49.99 | 1,700 N | Lowest transmitted-force reading in this report |
| FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX Hi | $60.00 | 2,000 N | Lower reading than Dr. Scholl’s, Z-Liner, FP Kingfoam 5mm, and FP Kingfoam Elite FluidX |
Price and Reported Force Comparison
Product value should also consider fit, comfort, durability, support structure, shoe compatibility, walking volume, and personal preference. This table does not measure long-term value or medical benefit.
Conclusion: What the 5J Test Results Show
In the reported 5J walking insole comparison, Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles recorded 12,000 N, Z-Liner Insoles recorded 6,000 N, and the listed FP Kingfoam / FluidX models recorded between 1,700 N and 3,400 N.
Under the stated laboratory conditions, the listed FP models allowed less peak force to pass through the measurement setup than Dr. Scholl’s and Z-Liner. Based on this measurement, FP Insoles may be the stronger option for users who prioritize transmitted-force reduction as part of their walking insole selection.
Dr. Scholl’s or Z-Liner may still suit users who prefer their fit, cushioning feel, price point, thickness, availability, or shoe compatibility. A higher transmitted-force reading does not automatically mean a product is unsuitable for every walker.
The most suitable walking insole depends on footwear, walking volume, support needs, cushioning preference, foot structure, fit, and individual comfort.
| Comparison Area | Finding |
|---|---|
| Lowest transmitted-force reading in this report | FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX |
| Dr. Scholl’s reported reading | 12,000 N |
| Z-Liner reported reading | 6,000 N |
| FP Insoles reported range | 1,700–3,400 N |
| Where Dr. Scholl’s or Z-Liner may still fit | Users who prefer their fit, feel, price, availability, or shoe compatibility |
| Main limitation | The comparison measures peak transmitted force only |
These findings apply only to the tested samples, equipment, and procedure. They do not prove walking comfort, pain relief, injury prevention, reduced fatigue, improved biomechanics, joint protection, or long-term foot-health outcomes.
Choosing a Walking Insole Based on Your Needs
The reported 5J test results show that the listed FP Kingfoam / FluidX models recorded lower transmitted-force readings than Dr. Scholl’s Gel Insoles and Z-Liner Insoles in this comparison.
For users who prioritize measured transmitted-force reduction, FP Kingfoam Orthotics FluidX recorded the lowest reported reading in this report. However, the best walking insole should also match the user’s shoes, walking volume, foot structure, support needs, cushioning preference, and comfort.
Dr. Scholl’s or Z-Liner may still be suitable for users who prefer their fit, feel, price, availability, or compatibility with specific shoes.
Simple Selection Guide
- Choose based on fit first, because an insole that does not fit the shoe properly may feel uncomfortable.
- Consider support needs, including arch height, heel stability, and foot structure.
- Use the test data as one factor for comparing measured impact attenuation.
- Consider price, comfort, thickness, and walking volume before making a final decision.
- Seek professional guidance for persistent pain, diabetes-related symptoms, numbness, wounds, or serious foot concerns.
This page is educational and summarizes reported laboratory measurements under controlled conditions. Individual comfort and real-world results may vary.