Tread Labs Announces Partnership with Leading Ultra-Distance Cyclist Lael Wilcox

March 27, 2023

Custom Wilcox Insole On Sale Now; Percentage of sales go to her non-profit, Girls Riding into Tomorrow (GRIT), a bicycle mentorship program for girls

WOBURN, Mass. (March 27, 2023) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Tread Labs, a leading performance insole and footwear brand established by Chaco founder Mark Paigen, today announced its partnership with cyclist Lael Wilcox as brand ambassador. Wilcox is an ultra-endurance bicycle racer who won the Trans Am Bike Race in 2016 and set a Tour Divide’s women’s course record for an individual time trial in 2015. A personalized insole with her image was designed for Wilcox, with ten dollars of each sale being donated to her nonprofit, Girls Riding Into Tomorrow (GRIT) in Anchorage, encouraging middle school girls to become involved with cycling, increasing their confidence.

The Lael Wilcox Cycling insoles, providing arch support, are 100% carbon fiber and only 1.25mm thin with a 3mm ventilated top cover for breathability. The insoles enhance the biomechanics, provide energy return, and boost performance, helping to minimize injury risk.

“Lael’s focus on encouraging younger girls to become involved in cycling is incredibly impactful,” said Mark Paigen, founder and owner of Tread Labs. “Our motto is the science of support and it goes beyond our product; our beliefs align with Lael’s commitment and we are happy to support her positive mission.”

At the age of 20, Wilcox cycled around the globe through Europe, The Middle East and Africa logging over 100,000 miles. Wilcox began to enter pro-competitions, becoming the leading ultra-distance cyclist in the world, outperforming many, including men. Wilcox’s first official race was a 400-mile self-supported road race called The Fireweed 400. Her other notable accomplishments include:

1. Fastest time ever known, Baja Divide (2,735km) 2015

2. Fastest time ever known, Arizona Trail (1,189km) 2022

3. 1^st place, Trans AM (6,800km) 2016

4. Women’s record, Tour Divide (4,418km) 2015

“Tread Labs insoles make a big difference in my cycling performance,” said Wilcox. “In light of the rough, varying terrain, having the right support for my feet enables me to focus purely on the competition and winning. Cycling is my passion; it’s good for the heart and soul and this is why I work with GRIT – to impart the benefits of this sport to young girls trying to make their way in the world and who just need a little bit of encouragement.”

For more information, visit; https://treadlabs.com/products/lael-wilcox-cycling-insoles

About Tread Labs:

Tread Labs was founded in 2015 by Mark Paigen, who previously founded (and later sold) Chaco sandals. Tread Labs was created to improve people’s lives by giving feet the support they desperately need. Tread Labs’ proprietary two-part insole system is designed for the long haul. The molded arch supports are guaranteed forever, and the top covers are easily replaced to make insoles new again without having to buy a new pair. Better for the wallet, better for the planet. Sandals are debuting in 2023 and closed footwear is in development.