Reimagining Foot Health: A Conversation with Cecilie of ZOLES

From personal frustration to a biomechanical breakthrough, ZOLES is changing the way we think about insoles.

At FXPO, we’re constantly looking to spotlight the innovators who are pushing boundaries in design, technology, and wellness. Cecilie Lisberg, co-founder of ZOLES, joined us for a powerful interview where she shared the deeply personal and deeply technical story behind her brand's evolution.

From Pain to Purpose

For Cecilie, the inspiration for ZOLES started with her own feet. A former basketball player with high arches, she struggled for years with knee pain stemming from misalignment. At 20, she traded orthotics for style; by 30, she was facing the consequences.

“I started to feel something was off with my knees again,” she explains. “But finding the right insole was confusing, expensive, and honestly, embarrassing.”

That frustration turned into fuel. Teaming up with her father, who was advised he could’ve avoided knee surgery had he worn proper insoles, Cecilie set out to rethink the entire space.

ZOLES: Smart Insoles That Actually Understand You

What makes ZOLES stand out isn’t just the sleek design or personalized fit - it’s the tech behind it. Powered by a proprietary chatbot named Sola, users get a full biomechanical scan from their phone, feeding into an AI engine that blends inputs from orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and biomechanical engineers.

“It’s not just one person’s opinion,” Cecilie notes. “Our algorithm is built on collective expertise.”

With that data, ZOLES designs insoles customized to each user’s weight, gait, symptoms, and lifestyle. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent on your feet all day, or someone trying to avoid future injury, ZOLES shapes a product specifically for you- literally.

The Design Is in the Details

ZOLES uses 3D printing with TPU (a flexible plastic) to create personalized lattice structures that deliver support, bounce, and breathability. The magic lies in its adaptability.

“If you're a heavy guy, your insoles have thicker walls to support you properly. If you're a kid, it's entirely different,” Cecilie says. “Even the same person can have multiple versions depending on their shoes and use - sport versus casual.”

That same design logic extends to the shoes users wear. From running shoes to football boots, ZOLES tailors the insole dimensions to slide in perfectly. The result? A smart fit that’s seamless, supportive, and stylish.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the most refreshing parts of ZOLES’ mission is its intent to transform how people perceive insoles.

“We didn’t want it to feel like a medical device. We wanted it to feel like self-care. A lifestyle choice. Something empowering,” Cecilie explains.

That message is resonating. Since launching their mobile platform, ZOLES has seen a younger, more proactive audience emerge, not just those with foot pain, but people looking to invest in long-term joint health and energy.

What’s Next for ZOLES?

With European traction already underway, the ZOLES team is focused on scaling globally.

“Our platform doesn’t care where you live,” Cecilie says. “We're ready to bring ZOLES to more people around the world.”

As the conversation wrapped, one thing became clear: ZOLES is not just innovating footwear comfort - it’s rewriting the narrative around foot health, movement, and proactive wellness.

This article was produced from an official FXPO interview conducted by Nader Alkhabbaz with ZOLES co-founder and CEO, Cecilie Lisberg.