Opinion Essay: Are 3D-Scanned Insoles Just Placebo Tech?

Hook: Practice the exact skills examiners want — with a tech controversy

Struggling to write powerful, test-ready opinion essays under time pressure? You’re not alone. Advanced learners preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, or university-level writing need practice forming clear theses, weighing evidence, and responding to counterarguments — all while using precise, persuasive language. In 2026 the debate around “placebo tech” — epitomised by The Verge’s Jan 16, 2026 piece on 3D‑scanned insoles — gives a compact, contemporary prompt that’s perfect for a timed opinion essay task.

What this guide does (inverted pyramid: most important first)

Quick takeaway: use The Verge’s critique of Groov-style 3D‑scanned insoles to practise writing an opinion essay from both sides. By the end of this article you’ll have: a test-ready essay structure, sample thesis lines, two opposing argument outlines, model paragraphs, advanced vocabulary, a timed practice task, and a scoring checklist tuned to 2026 exam expectations.

Why this topic matters in 2026

Since late 2024 and throughout 2025, personalised wellness gadgets — from AI-curated supplements to phone-scanned orthotics — exploded into direct-to-consumer markets. By 2026, consumers and reviewers demand more evidence. The Verge’s January 16, 2026 column by Victoria Song labelled one such product a piece of “placebo tech,” capturing a broader trend: scepticism about high-priced personalised wellness claims when clinical evidence is thin. That makes the story an ideal springboard for a critical, test-style opinion essay.

“This 3D‑scanned insole is another example of placebo tech.” — Victoria Song, The Verge, Jan 16, 2026

How examiners grade opinion essays in 2026 — brief overview

• Task Response: Do you answer the prompt clearly and fully?
• Coherence & Cohesion: Is your essay organized logically with clear paragraphs and linking words?
• Lexical Resource: Do you use a range of precise vocabulary appropriate to an academic/tech topic?
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Do you use complex structures accurately?

Opinion essay structure — a practical template

Follow this template during timed practice. It’s short, exam-friendly, and aligned to examiner criteria.

1. Intro (2–3 sentences): Paraphrase the prompt and give a clear thesis.
2. Body paragraph 1 (pro or con): Topic sentence + 2–3 supporting points + brief example/evidence.
3. Body paragraph 2 (the other side): Topic sentence + 2–3 supporting points + example/evidence.
4. Counterargument + rebuttal (1 paragraph): Acknowledge the strongest opposing point and rebut it.
5. Conclusion (2 sentences): Restate thesis and give a short implication or recommendation.

Timed task (exam-style)

Prompt: "Some people say 3D‑scanned insoles are placebo tech and offer no real benefits. Others argue they provide meaningful personalisation and measurable improvements. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Time plan (40 minutes):

• 5 minutes: plan (thesis + paragraph topics)
• 30 minutes: write (intro, two body paragraphs, counter/rebuttal, conclusion)
• 5 minutes: proofread for grammar and clarity

Argument A — Yes: 3D‑scanned insoles are often placebo tech

Use this line of reasoning if you take the sceptical position.

Core claims (with exam-style language)

• Marketing vs. evidence: Many companies emphasise customisation without publishing peer‑reviewed trials.
• Subjective improvement: Reported comfort gains may be driven by expectation or novelty.
• Inconsistent standards: Scanning quality, biomechanics expertise, and material science vary widely between firms.
• Cost-benefit: High price tags for marginal or unproven gains suggest consumer exploitation.

Example paragraph (model):

Topic sentence: Critics argue that 3D‑scanned insoles are a classic case of placebo tech because their marketing often outstrips scientific support. In many product descriptions companies stress bespoke geometry and AI‑tuned comfort, but fail to cite randomized controlled trials comparing their insoles to cheap orthotics or placebo inserts. When improvements are measured only by subjective scales, it is difficult to separate genuine biomechanical changes from expectation effects. Consequently, without rigorous, transparent evidence, consumers pay a premium for what may chiefly be a psychological boost rather than a reproducible physical benefit.

Argument B — No: 3D‑scanned insoles can be real tech with measurable benefits

If you defend the tech, build arguments around plausible mechanisms, incremental improvements, and emerging validation.

Core claims

• Better fit and pressure distribution: High-resolution scans combined with modern foam and lattice structures can alter load distribution under the foot.
• AI-driven customization: Algorithms can model gait and recommend targeted support, especially when trained on large datasets.
• Real-world user improvements: For some users with specific biomechanical issues, customised insoles reduce pain and improve function.
• Towards clinical rigor: Since late 2025 more startups began partnering with research labs and physical therapists to validate claims.

Example paragraph (model):

Topic sentence: Proponents maintain that 3D‑scanned insoles are a legitimate technological advance because they combine precise anthropometric data with materials engineered to redistribute plantar pressure. By capturing foot geometry and gait metrics, manufacturers can tailor arch support and cushioning to an individual’s mechanics, potentially reducing pain caused by overpronation or inadequate cushioning. Moreover, as companies increasingly collaborate with biomechanics researchers and physiotherapists, the field is moving toward objective validation rather than mere marketing slogans. For certain clinical populations, such as people with diabetic foot risk or chronic plantar fasciitis, personalised orthotic interventions can produce measurable benefits.

How to strengthen each side with evidence (practical advice)

Writers must know how to point to evidence without inventing specifics.

• For sceptics: cite the absence of randomized controlled trials, reference investigative reporting (e.g., technology columns like The Verge), and cite consumer complaints or refund data where available.
• For proponents: point to biomechanics principles (pressure redistribution), case studies, pilot studies cited by companies, partnerships with clinics, and engineering improvements (materials, lattice printing, improved scan resolution).
• Neutral stance: recommend further research and regulation: e.g., call for standardized testing protocols and independent trials.

Counterargument and rebuttal — model paragraph

Strong essays acknowledge the strongest opposing point then rebut it.

Model:

It is true that some vendors exploit wellness hype — a fact highlighted by recent reviews in outlets like The Verge — but that does not mean every personalised insole is ineffective. Rather than dismissing the whole category, regulators and clinicians should demand transparent trials and standardized outcome measures. Once companies provide open protocols and third‑party testing, consumers and practitioners can distinguish genuine engineering from marketing spin.

Advanced vocabulary and phrases for arguing in tests

• placebo effect, expectation bias, subjective improvement
• biomechanics, plantar pressure, gait analysis
• randomized controlled trial (RCT), peer‑reviewed, clinical validation
• cost‑benefit, marginal gains, direct‑to‑consumer
• to posit, to contend, to refute, to substantiate

Useful linking phrases: moreover, conversely, on the other hand, nonetheless, consequently, therefore, in light of.

Model thesis statements (choose according to your stance)

• Sceptical thesis: While 3D‑scanned insoles promise bespoke comfort, their widespread marketing outpaces rigorous proof; until independent trials demonstrate clear, reproducible benefits, they should be viewed with caution.
• Supportive thesis: 3D‑scanned insoles represent a meaningful advance in personalised biomechanics; early engineering and clinical partnerships suggest real potential for targeted relief when appropriately validated.
• Balanced thesis: Although 3D‑scanned insoles contain plausible technological benefits, consumers need transparent evidence and standard testing to separate genuine innovation from placebo effects.

Sample full paragraph (strong concluding sentence example)

After weighing the evidence, you can close a paragraph like this: "Ultimately, while the promise of customised comfort is compelling, the onus is on manufacturers to substantiate claims with transparent, peer‑reviewed research so that customers pay for proven benefits rather than optimism."

Peer‑review checklist for quick proofreading (5 minutes)

• Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence?
• Do I acknowledge the opposing view at least once?
• Are there transition words linking ideas?
• Have I avoided absolute claims without qualifiers (e.g., "always," "never")?
• Is my conclusion concise and does it restate my thesis?

Scoring rubric tuned to test goals (how to improve band/score)

To maximise your score, focus on:

• Task response: make sure you answer the prompt directly and include both views if asked.
• Coherence: use paragraphing and signposting. Readers should never guess your viewpoint.
• Lexis: use precise topic vocabulary (biomechanics, placebo, validation) and vary collocations.
• Grammar: include at least some complex sentences and conditionals accurately (e.g., "If independent trials show benefit, the product will be justified").

Real‑world critical thinking: how to evaluate wellness tech (actionable checklist)

When you read a tech review or an ad, run this checklist. These are practical skills to mention in your essay as evidence of thorough reasoning.

• Does the company link to peer‑reviewed studies or only to in‑house testing?
• Are trials randomized and controlled, or are they user surveys only?
• Is the sample size large and representative?
• What are the outcome measures — objective (pressure maps, gait metrics) or subjective (comfort ratings)?
• Are engineering details transparent (scan resolution, materials used, manufacturing tolerances)?
• Has the product been evaluated by clinicians or independent labs?

Teaching tip: classroom activity for advanced ESL

1. Split students into two teams: "Placebo" vs "Pro‑tech."
2. Give them 30 minutes to prepare a 5‑minute persuasive speech with one slide of evidence.
3. Students must cite at least one credible source (news review, academic abstract, or clinical guideline).
4. Peer feedback: each speech is evaluated against the rubric above.

2026 trends and the future — why this topic will keep appearing in tests

As of 2026, the landscape is shaped by three converging trends: (1) rapid growth of AI‑driven personalisation; (2) an influx of direct‑to‑consumer health claims; and (3) stronger public demand for independent validation. These forces make critiques like The Verge’s more common and more relevant for essay prompts because they demand both technical literacy and critical thinking — precisely the skills advanced tests evaluate.

Final practice: full sample outline (balanced stance)

Intro: Paraphrase prompt; thesis — 3D‑scanned insoles show promise but require independent validation.

Body 1 (Pro): Explain technology and plausible mechanisms (fit, pressure redistribution). Give an example of a clinical scenario (e.g., better cushioning for runners).

Body 2 (Con): Highlight lack of RCTs, marketing hype, cost concerns, and possible placebo influence. Reference The Verge review as a high-profile critique.

Counter + Rebuttal: Acknowledge hype but call for standards; recommend small RCTs and open data.

Conclusion: Restate balanced thesis and recommend that consumers seek products with transparent evidence.

Example concluding sentence for exams

"In short, 3D‑scanned insoles inhabit a grey area between promising engineering and marketing-driven hype; until their claims are backed by transparent research, consumers should be cautious but open to evidence‑based advances."

Takeaways — actionable steps for your next practice session

• Complete the timed task above (40 minutes) and score yourself with the rubric.
• Swap essays with a peer and use the peer‑review checklist.
• Practice incorporating one explicit piece of evidence in each essay (cite The Verge or a biomechanics source).
• Develop 10 strong topic vocab words and use at least 5 of them naturally in the essay.

Closing: turn tech criticism into test prep gold

Turning a current tech critique — like The Verge’s 2026 take on 3D‑scanned insoles — into a guided opinion essay task is an efficient, exam‑oriented way to build critical thinking, discipline‑specific vocabulary, and argument structure. These are the exact skills that separate a competent writer from a high‑scoring one. Use the templates, model paragraphs, and checklists above in your next timed session to see real improvement.

Call to action

If you’d like a downloadable worksheet with the timed prompt, model essay, and rubric, or one‑to‑one feedback on your practice essay tailored to IELTS/TOEFL criteria, sign up for our free lesson pack or book a short tutoring session. Practice with contemporary tech prompts like this one and turn current events into higher scores and sharper thinking.

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