The “footbed” is basically a shoe industry term that refers to the insole that cradles and supports the foot, creating a layer between your foot and the bottom of the shoe. It may have layers of construction and structural elements added for better fit and comfort. The term “footbed” was coined by Birkenstock in the 1930s to describe anatomically shaped inner soles with special support elements. Over the years, more shoes have been developed to include features like contoured footbeds that provide built-in arch support and heel cushioning to cradle the foot. Sandals, like our Robin silhouette, have a non-removable footbed, so the structural and cushioning elements must be built into the footbed itself.

Footbeds come in two basic construction types: molded or die-cut. Molded footbeds have contours to support the foot and hold it in place. Each element of a molded footbed is designed to cradle the foot in a natural, supportive way for optimal foot health. Molded footbeds can be made of different materials (compression-molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), poured polyurethane, latex & cork, sponge rubber, or polyethylene foam) and can have many layers, including foam, gel pods, and support frames. Molded footbeds can have different fabric coverings too (this is the external part of the footbed that you can see and that your foot touches). The best fabrics have enough grip to hold your feet in place. Our Robin sandals feature polyurethane molded footbeds (which make them so lightweight) and a variety of different coverings—from leather to vegan leather to microfiber. 

Since sandals require non-removable insoles, we’ve adapted our signature 7-layer cushion technology into a molded footbed that still delivers on all-day comfort. Here are the features that make our Robin sandals’ molded footbed unique. 

DUAL DENSITY: Double the comfort with a dual injected, two-density polyurethane footbed, including a soft compound under the heel and a firmer compound on the edges for support

ANATOMICALLY SHAPED: A raised surface runs along the inner sides of the footbed to cradle the foot’s natural arch and provide support & stability with each step

HEEL COOKIE: Provides extra heel support by cushioning the area right under the heel bone

SHOCK ABSORPTION: Reduces the impact of each step

RAISED TOE BAR: encourages the natural gripping motion of the foot and stimulates circulation

ROOMY TOE BOX: allows toes to move naturally and freely for better balance and optimal foot alignment

NO-SLIP RUBBER SOLES: Designed to handle both indoor & outdoor wear

DURABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT: Long-lasting construction with all-day comfort designed to take you everywhere