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The Groov Response Insole Review

Name: Other The Response, By Groov
Brand: Other
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

WeeViews

Posted Jun 18, 2025

The Groov Response Insole offers custom-fit support and a firm, responsive ride designed for performance-minded runners. Best for standard shoe shapes, it blends comfort and energy return, though may not suit wide toe boxes or minimal shoe fans.

Total

Form

Performance

Value

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The Response, By Groov

4.0/5

(1)

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Pros

Custom fit tailored to your feet
Easy-to-use scanning app
Firm support with noticeable arch contouring
Good energy return for most runs
Durable build with no early wear
Better value than medical orthotics
True-to-size and doesn’t slip in compatible shoes

Cons

May not be compatible with wide toe box shoes (e.g., Altra, Topo)
Stiff feel may be uncomfortable on longer runs
Scans can appear low-quality, causing initial skepticism
Cost may add up for multi-shoe users
Limited performance gains
No option to re-scan feet for reorder

When it comes to insoles, most runners fall into one of two camps: those who’ve never swapped the factory insert, and those constantly chasing the perfect fit. Enter Groov, a company aiming to bridge the gap between off-the-shelf comfort and podiatrist-level customization—no clinic visit required. Using a smartphone app and 3D scanning technology, Groov creates custom insoles tailored to your feet and your shoes.

To see how their Response Insole holds up, we tapped two testers with different feet, shoes, and approaches. Madi logged 35 miles across road and trail in both the Brooks Glycerin and Altra Lone Peak, testing the insoles at a range of paces and surfaces. Mike put down 18 miles on the treadmill and roads in Hylo Impacts.

With varied terrain, shoe shapes, and mileage behind them, our testers delivered honest feedback on fit, feel, and whether these insoles truly deliver performance without compromise. Here's what we found.

The Response at a Glance

Model Name: The Response
Category: Custom performance insole
Customization Method: 3D foot and shoe scan via Groov mobile app (LiDAR on iPhone, photogrammetry on Android)
Fit Profile: Custom fit for left and right foot; designed to match individual arch type and shoe volume
Construction: Firm, supportive arch, durable base for energy transfer, and sleek, semi-rigid design
Target Use: Performance running, general athletic use
Compatible Footwear: Best for standard-volume shoes
Price: ~$150 per pair (as of June 2025)

Scanning Process & App Experience

Both testers came into the Groov experience with curiosity—and a little skepticism. But overall, they found the scanning process intuitive, even if not entirely confidence-inspiring at first glance.

Mike described the app as “surprisingly easy,” walking through prompts to scan each foot from multiple angles. “The side angles are a little difficult as you have to scan while bearing weight,” he noted, adding that mobile users with limited flexibility or balance might struggle briefly. Still, he was satisfied with the final product and appreciated the ability to stay logged in, even if the app lagged occasionally.

Mike Murphy

“I was very intrigued by this process—and admittedly somewhat skeptical—but was impressed with what arrived.”

Madi had a bumpier start. But thanks to built-in audio and haptic cues—beeps and vibrations that guide you through each step—she was able to complete the scans and place her order. While she initially lacked confidence in the scan quality, the final product fit surprisingly well.

Madi Smith

“Technology isn’t perfect, but the insoles fit well! The user experience was deceiving but the product does meet expectations.”

Takeaway: The scanning process is user-friendly and designed to be done from home, but the visual feedback during scanning may leave some users questioning accuracy. Despite that, both testers were impressed with the final fit. Just don’t expect to re-scan with each new pair—currently, Groov doesn’t support updated scans unless you start the process from scratch.

Fit & Comfort

When it comes to fit, both testers found the Groov Response Insole delivered a secure and tailored feel—but only in shoes with a standard or moderate profile.

Mike reported a flawless match in his Hylo Impacts. The insole stayed locked in, felt stable underfoot, and delivered all-day comfort. Madi also praised the arch-specific contouring, but experienced slippage and discomfort when using the insoles in wider shoes like Altra Lone Peaks.

Mike Murphy

“You really can tell a difference in an insole that was designed specifically for your feet—especially if you only use stock insoles.”

Runners who stick to more structured daily trainers are likely to experience the best results. Those who favor zero-drop or wide toe box shoes may want to double-check compatibility before committing.

Takeaway: Expect a comfortable, dialed-in feel—especially in standard trainers. Fit may falter in wide or low-structure shoes.

Insole Performance

Performance is where the Groov Response aims to shine—offering runners a mix of stability and energy return without sacrificing comfort. Our testers had slightly different experiences, but both recognized its standout quality: combining structure with responsiveness.

Mike felt a modest boost in energy return on the run. He didn’t see it as a game-changer in speed or recovery but appreciated how the insole supported his stride without feeling overly rigid. He found it especially helpful for flat feet and general comfort enhancement.

Madi, a fan of low-drop and minimalist shoes, didn’t feel a major shift in performance. While she valued the added structure for recovery days or long efforts, she wouldn’t reach for them during every run, particularly when seeking ground feel or flexibility.

Madi Smith

“I don’t feel a major performance benefit in terms of running pace or recovery time."

Takeaway: Expect subtle gains in stability and comfort rather than a dramatic performance leap. Ideal for runners needing extra support, but not a must-have for speed-seekers or naturalists.

Durability & Value for Money

For a custom insole, the Groov Response delivers solid value—especially when compared to orthotics from a medical provider. Both testers were impressed by the durability of the materials and the ability to get a personalized fit without the hassle of clinic visits.

Madi Smith

“For a custom insole, it is a good value. It will be less money than custom insoles from a doctor’s office—and without having to deal with insurance.”

That said, the price (~$150) could add up for runners with a large shoe rotation or who split time between road and trail. Groov does offer shoe-specific customization, but purchasing multiple pairs to fit different styles could get expensive quickly.

Comparison to Other Insoles

When it comes to how Groov stacks up against stock insoles or popular over-the-counter options, both testers agreed: customization makes a noticeable difference.

Mike, who has experience with several insole brands and orthotics, found Groov’s personalized fit to be its biggest strength. Unlike generic inserts that simply add cushion, the Response model felt designed for his feet. That difference translated into better support and subtle performance gains—particularly for someone with flat feet.

Madi doesn’t typically run with insoles and noted the Response didn’t significantly alter her running experience. However, she acknowledged that runners who rely on added arch support or use stock insoles could see a clear benefit. For her, the biggest perk was the flexibility to turn a neutral shoe into something more supportive on days she needed it.

Madi Smith

“When I’m looking for more stability or to give my arches a break, this is what I’ll turn to.”

Takeaway: Groov stands out for runners seeking a true custom fit and support. While it may not dramatically change the game for everyone, especially minimalists or neutral runners, it offers a step up from standard inserts in terms of structure, precision, and value.

Who Should Buy the Groov Response Insole?

Best for:

Runners seeking arch support and structure without switching to stability shoes
Athletes with flat feet or asymmetrical arches
Those who want a custom fit without visiting a specialist
Road runners or treadmill users with standard-width shoes
Runners who mostly train in one or two shoe models
People dealing with mild discomfort from stock insoles

Skip it if you’re:

A minimalist or barefoot-style runner who prefers ground feel
Rotating through a wide range of shoe models and shapes
Wearing wide toe box shoes (e.g., Altra, Topo)
Hoping for a major performance boost or faster recovery
Unwilling to spend ~$150 per pair—or buy multiple pairs for multiple shoes

Final Verdict

The Groov Response Insole delivers exactly what it promises: a personalized, supportive ride built for performance-minded runners who want more than just cushion. The standout feature is the custom fit, which impressed both testers despite early skepticism with the scanning process.

While it may not offer a dramatic boost in speed or recovery, it excels at blending comfort, durability, and structure—especially for runners with flat feet or those looking to convert a neutral shoe into something more supportive. Just keep in mind: it works best in standard shoe shapes, and the cost can add up if you rotate through different models.

Mike Murphy

“With Groov, you get both comfort and performance. Just be sure to consider shoe shape when ordering.”

Bottom line: Groov isn’t for every runner—but for those who need support and want a custom fit without the orthotics price tag, it’s a compelling upgrade.