Innersole Instructions
The new Bont Rowing innersoles are designed to replace your currently fitted innersoles. Simply remove your existing innersoles and replace with your new Bont rowing innersoles.
If your innersoles came with metatarsal domes, these can be fitted to the innersoles in the location guides in the middle of the forefoot or as per your particular needs. In addition, you should have received a set of forefoot shims which can be fitted to the underside of your innersole. Be advised installation of the metatarsal dome/pad and forefoot shim is optional and should be considered depending on your specific foot requirements.
Read more about metatarsal domes below via the Cobra9 website.
To Met Dome or Not to Met Dome. That is the question.
Met Dome Tips
We encourage all rowers to use their Cobra9 insoles without the provided metatarsal dome initially. The innersoles are designed with structural arch support thanks to the carbon core, and we find that rowers moving across to our innersoles do not always need them, even if they have used them in the past with other innersoles.
If after 2-3 weeks, you need additional pre-metatarsal support, peel away a third or half (maximum) of the dome backing, starting at the closest edge. Fold the backing under the dome and leave the remainder unstuck for the trial period. The adhesive chosen for the met domes has been designed to outlast water, heat, sand and socks so they really are intended to stay put! That said, moving the domes on the EVA covers can be tricky and so getting the position correct prior to complete commitment is highly advised. The adhesive is strong enough that just a small amount of backing removal should allow you to test them for a row or two and reposition if required.
If you need to move the metatarsal dome, gently peel it off the top cover and reposition to where you feel you need more support. You will be able to do this 2-3 times and may need to peel a little more backing off each time. The adhesive is very sticky and once fully peeled off, will stick very firmly.
The location of the metatarsal dome is very specific to each rower so it may take some trial and error before you find your magic spot.
Once you are happy with the final location, draw around the dome with a felt pen, take the dome off the insole and remove all the adhesive backing and stick it back down firmly to where you have marked.
Forefoot Shim Tips
We encourage all rowers to use their Cobra9 insoles without the provided forefoot shim initially.
If after 2-3 weeks, you feel like you need additional volume for a snug fit across the front of your foot, take your Bont innersoles out and trim the forefoot shim to the shape of your innersole. Peel away a third or half (maximum) of the shim backing, starting at the closest edge to the toe. Fold the backing under the shim and leave the remainder unstuck for the trial period. The adhesive chosen has been designed to outlast water, heat, sand and socks so they really are intended to stay put! The adhesive is strong enough that just a small amount of backing removal should allow you to test them for a row or two and reposition if required.
If you are happy with the fit and feel of the forefoot shim, remove all the adhesive backing and stick it back down firmly.