Custom insole design
questions answered.

Ergono3D is a browser-based custom insole design platform that generates 3D-printable insoles and exports print-ready STL files — no CAD software, no foot scanner, and no manual modeling required.

The platform is built for makers, clinicians, orthotic labs, and studios. Describe your foot needs through a short guided survey, review an interactive 3D preview, fine-tune the parameters, and download a print-ready STL compatible with Bambu Lab, Prusa, Creality, and similar FDM printers.

No. Ergono3D is specifically built to remove those barriers. The guided input flow uses smart defaults so you can reach a working 3D insole preview without any CAD experience, scanner hardware, or biomechanics background.

You only need to engage with parameter controls when you want to go further than the defaults.

The workflow has four stages:

Step 1 — Smart Input: Complete a short activity-based survey describing foot needs and use case.
Step 2 — Parameters Control: Accept smart defaults or fine-tune arch height, heel cup, posting, skives, flange, and forefoot geometry.
Step 3 — STL Scale & Fit: The platform automatically scales and validates the model for printability.
Step 4 — Dashboard: Download the STL, manage design history, and track compute credit usage.

Yes. Ergono3D includes an interactive 3D insole preview with real-time model updates. You can review and iterate on the geometry before committing to a download.

The Free Preview Trial gives you 5 preview compute credits at no cost so you can fully evaluate the design before paying. STL download is then A$9.90 one-time, or included in the Lite and Pro credit plans.

Yes — on paid plans. The Dashboard lets you re-download STL files from previous designs, track compute credit usage and remaining balance, and view design history and export records.

Design saving and the history dashboard are included in the Lite Starter Plan (A$69.90) and Pro Standard Plan (A$199.90). The Free Preview Trial does not include design saving.

Ergono3D generates geometry that responds to individual foot needs — it is a parametric insole design workflow, not a simple size scale of a generic template. The design can be adjusted for arch profile, heel cup depth, posting angles, skives, and other orthotic features that generic insoles do not offer.

The output is a custom 3D-printed orthotic insole, not a foam insert.

Core adjustable parameters available on the Lite plan include:

• Arch — height and profile shape
• Heel Cup — depth and lateral/medial wall geometry
• Forefoot — forefoot plate and metatarsal support
• Skives — medial and lateral skive corrections
• Flange — flange width and coverage
• Posting — rearfoot and forefoot posting angles

The Pro and Studio plans also unlock advanced parameter adjustments beyond the core set.

• Arch height — how high the medial arch rises to support the foot's longitudinal arch.
• Heel cup — the raised wall around the heel that stabilises the calcaneal fat pad.
• Posting — a wedge built into the heel or forefoot section to correct pronation or supination angles.
• Skive — a localised bevel or reduction in the insole surface, commonly used for pressure relief or biomechanical correction.
• Flange — the sidewall extension that wraps up along the medial or lateral border of the foot.

Yes. The guided input flow and smart defaults are designed so beginners can produce a functional insole design without specialist knowledge. Parameters are labelled in plain language, and you only need to engage with advanced controls when you want more precise customisation.

See the Understanding Insole Design Parameters guide for accessible explanations of every control.

The dedicated resource is the Understanding Insole Design Parameters guide on the Ergono3D blog. It is the most complete reference for arch support, heel cup, posting, skives, flange, and forefoot geometry in the context of how Ergono3D generates each shape.

For the broader workflow context, also read the Step-by-Step Guide.

Ergono3D exports a standard STL file compatible with all major slicer software — Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, Cura, and OrcaSlicer. The platform specifically names Bambu Lab, Prusa, and Creality as target printers, but any FDM printer that has sufficient build volume for the insole footprint and can handle flexible TPU filament will work. The STL format is machine-agnostic.

Ergono3D recommends TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for printing custom insoles. TPU is a flexible, durable filament that provides the cushioning and load-bearing properties needed for a functional orthotic insole.

The pricing page includes TPU hardness guidance to help you choose between softer and firmer variants for different applications. For the finished insole, a top cover layer — such as EVA foam, Poron, or fabric — is also recommended for comfort, sweat management, and grip.

The STL file from Ergono3D is pre-scaled and validated for printability — load it into your slicer and apply your standard TPU profile. Key considerations:

• Use your printer's recommended TPU profile (slower speeds, lower retraction)
• Check that the insole fits within your build volume
• Infill and wall settings affect stiffness — review the parameter guide for guidance

The Free Preview Trial is A$0 — no credit card required. It includes:

• Advanced survey & activity-based setup
• 5 preview compute credits for 3D generation & updates
• Interactive 3D insole preview

STL downloads, design saving, and the history dashboard are not included. STL download is available as a one-time A$9.90 add-on after previewing.

The Lite Starter Plan costs A$69.90 and is the most popular entry point for makers and clinics. It includes:

• 10 compute credits · valid for 3 months
• STL downloads unlocked
• Design saving & history dashboard
• Adjustable core parameters: arch, heel cup, forefoot, skives, flange, posting
• Per credit: 1 STL export · 5 design updates

The Pro Standard Plan costs A$199.90. It includes:

• 50 compute credits · valid for 3 months
• STL downloads unlocked
• Design saving & history dashboard
• Core parameters control & advanced adjustments

Pro is suited for clinics and studios with steady case volume who need both core and advanced parameter control.

Yes. The Studio Pack is designed for professional labs and studios needing flexible, high-volume insole production. It includes:

• Credits valid for 6+ months
• STL downloads unlocked
• Design saving & history dashboard
• Full parameter control & advanced adjustments

Pricing is contact-based — reach out at team@ergono3d.com for details.

Credits are the unit of usage for generating and updating custom insole designs:

• 1 credit generates a new insole and unlocks 5 free design updates
• After those 5 updates, 1 more credit = 5 additional updates
• On the Lite plan: per credit = 1 STL export + 5 updates

Credits are valid within your plan's window — 3 months for Lite and Pro; 6+ months for Studio.

Ergono3D is not a recurring subscription. The model is:

• Free preview — no payment needed to evaluate the design
• A$9.90 one-time download — pay only when you need the STL
• Credit packs (Lite / Pro) — buy credits for ongoing design capacity
• Studio Pack — contact pricing for high-volume workflows

Always use the Pricing page as the source of truth for plan names, credit counts, validity windows, and download rules. Use this FAQ for workflow and feature help, the Features page for workflow detail, and the Blog for step-by-step guides.

Ergono3D is suited for a wide range of custom insole and foot orthotic use cases:

• Sports orthotics — performance insoles for running, cycling, hiking, and field sports
• Clinical foot orthotics — podiatry and physiotherapy clinic workflows for patient-specific orthotics
• Comfort insoles — everyday footwear comfort and pressure relief
• Orthotic lab production — digital workflow for labs replacing plaster casting with parametric design
• Makers & hobbyists — individuals wanting a custom 3D-printed insole without commissioning a lab
• Studios & creators — high-volume design studios producing custom insoles at scale

Yes. Ergono3D is positioned for clinic workflows as well as individual use. Clinicians can use the guided input to represent each patient's foot needs, apply parameter controls like posting, skives, and heel cup for biomechanical correction, and export an STL for in-house or third-party 3D printing.

The Pro Standard Plan (50 credits) and Studio Pack (contact pricing) are designed for the higher case volumes typical of a clinical setting.

Yes. The platform's activity-based survey setup is designed to tailor insole geometry to different sports and activity demands. Parameters like forefoot stiffness, arch profile, posting angle, and heel cup depth can all be adjusted to suit the biomechanical needs of different sports.

The most complete internal resource is the DIY Custom Insoles with 3D Printing: A Step-by-Step Guide. It covers the full journey from survey input to a finished printed insole.

The Understanding Insole Design Parameters guide explains each parameter control in detail. Both are the most referenced internal guides for new and returning users.