Bronze Winner In The Category Hiking
With Custom Live Hike, Sidas combines personalized fitting technology with a retail-focused service concept. The system enables hiking insoles to be customized directly inside the shoe within minutes, aiming to improve comfort, stability, and support during both short hikes and multi-day trekking use.
The concept is based on a thermoformable multi-material construction. The insoles are first heated inside the Heat Cube machine for two and a half minutes before being inserted into the customer’s shoes. Under body weight, the EVA shell becomes soft and adapts naturally to the shape of the foot and footbed, while the heat-resistant TPU reinforcement remains stable to maintain reliable arch support. PU cushioning pads under the heel and metatarsals further improve shock absorption and vertical comfort, while the breathable AMF top cover supports moisture management throughout the hike.
Beyond the product itself, the concept also focuses strongly on the in-store experience. Sidas provides retailers with a complete ready-to-use setup including oven, furniture modules, and POS materials, enabling stores to create a dedicated customization area. For combining personalized fitting, hiking performance, and retail experience within one integrated system, Sidas received a European Outdoor Award 2026.
What convinced the jury:
★ Direct in-shoe customization
Automatically adapts to weight differences – reducing hard catches and belayer lift-off.
★ Multi-material construction
EVA, TPU, and PU components combine cushioning, comfort, and stable support.
★ Retail-focused service concept
The complete setup creates a distinctive in-store customization experience.
Jury Statement:
A smart step in bringing customization into everyday retail: the system simplifies in-store insole fitting without compromising performance. Fast, intuitive, and scalable, it delivers personalized comfort while giving physical stores a clear, service-driven advantage over standard retail and online alternatives.
Product Scoring:
Personalized hiking insoles customized directly in-store
Custom Live Hike combines thermoformable materials with a clearly structured in-store customization process. While the EVA shell becomes flexible under heat and adapts to the foot and shoe, the TPU reinforcement remains stable to ensure consistent support.
This creates a personalized fit directly inside the shoe without requiring additional manual shaping processes. At the same time, Sidas expands the concept into a complete retail solution that combines product, customization, and presentation within one integrated system.
Product Specifications:
- Category: Thermoformable hiking insole
- Technology: Custom Live Thermoforming
- Materials:
- EVA shell
- TPU reinforcement
- PU cushioning pads
- AMF top cover
- Customization Process:
- 2:30 minutes heating
- 60 seconds standing
- 1 minute walking
- Color: Brown top cover
- Retail Price: €59.95
SidasSidasSidasDesign & Materials
The Custom Live Hike insole uses a multi-material construction designed to balance comfort, stability, and personalized support. The thermoformable EVA shell adapts to the shape of the foot under heat, while the heat-resistant TPU reinforcement maintains consistent arch support throughout the customization process.
PU cushioning pads positioned under the heel and metatarsals improve shock absorption and vertical comfort during long hiking use. The breathable AMF top cover further supports moisture management and helps keep the foot dry during extended activity.
Intended Usage
The Sidas Custom Live Hike insole was developed for a wide range of hiking applications, from casual walks to demanding multi-day trekking use with or without a backpack. The system targets both beginners and experienced hikers looking for greater comfort and personalized support inside the shoe.
At the same time, the concept addresses sporting goods retailers and outdoor stores seeking to offer a differentiated, service-oriented in-store experience through personalized fitting technology.
