🧶 Beautiful ✨ Detailed 💝 Adorable

Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern

Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern
4.8★ Rating
12-15 Hours Time Needed
3.2K Made This
✂️

Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Multi-Day Project

A rewarding 12+ hour journey—perfect for dedicated crafters who love detailed work.

🧸

Cute Companion

An adorable friend to cherish, handcrafted with love to bring comfort and joy for years to come.

About This Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern

This beautifully detailed amigurumi doll pattern features an incredibly lifelike design complete with synthetic curly hair and a fully posable wire armature body. The pattern doesn't just stop at the doll; it includes comprehensive instructions for a complete mix-and-match wardrobe. You'll learn how to combine crochet techniques with some light knitting to create a stunning ruffled skirt, a tailored jacket, and an elegant dress top.

Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

From her perfectly shaped lace-up shoes to her tiny detailed handbag, every accessory adds a layer of charm and sophistication. The intricate details make this doll a stunning display piece or a deeply treasured handmade gift.

Why You'll Love This Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it truly feels like a masterclass in doll making, taking you from a simple ball of yarn to a fully dressed, posable character. The combination of crocheting the doll's body and crafting her detailed, multi-piece wardrobe keeps the process fresh and exciting from start to finish. I find the method for attaching the synthetic curly hair especially satisfying, as it instantly gives her so much life and personality. You'll also really appreciate the inclusion of the wire armature, which allows for dynamic posing and adds a wonderful professional touch to the final piece. Building her little accessories, like the lace-up shoes and the tiny handbag, is incredibly rewarding and lets your creativity shine in every stitch.

Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern step 1 - construction progress Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how versatile this doll pattern is for total customization! You can easily change her entire vibe just by swapping out the yarn colors for her wardrobe—try soft pastels for a springtime look or dark, moody tones for an autumn aesthetic.

If you aren't a fan of synthetic hair, you can absolutely substitute it with bulky yarn brushed out for a fluffy, natural look, or even crochet a traditional amigurumi wig cap to fit her head.

Want to personalize her further? I highly recommend adding delicately embroidered details to her face, like a sprinkling of freckles across her cheeks or softly blushed cheeks using real makeup or fabric pastels.

Her wardrobe is also a fantastic starting point for your own fashion designs. Since she has a standard doll body, you can easily design new dresses, cozy sweaters, and unique accessories tailored perfectly to her measurements.

Don't be afraid to experiment with the wire armature too! You can add extra wire into her legs to make her fully posable from head to toe, ensuring she can hold any dynamic, playful pose you dream up.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Under-stuffing the neck area can lead to a wobbly head; insert a folded piece of wire and stuff firmly around it for proper support. ✗ Losing count during the leg increases can cause asymmetrical knees; use stitch markers and count carefully on every single round. ✗ Pulling the synthetic hair too tightly when attaching it can create bald spots; gently pull and adjust the strands to maintain a full, voluminous look. ✗ Crocheting the clothing too tightly will make dressing the doll difficult; maintain a relaxed tension or go up a hook size for the garments if necessary.

Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern

Create your very own beautifully detailed curly-haired doll with this comprehensive pattern! You'll love bringing her personality to life, from her full head of stunning synthetic curls to her completely customizable wardrobe. This extensive project guides you through creating a posable body using wire armatures, ensuring she can sit and stand with character. You'll also craft an entire outfit collection including a ruffled skirt, stylish knitted jacket, matching bag, and adorable lace-up shoes. It's the perfect fulfilling project to stretch your skills and make an heirloom-quality companion you can truly be proud of.

Intermediate 12-15 Hours

Materials Needed for Curly-Haired Doll Amigurumi Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Medium weight yarn #73 (Body yarn) - 2 skeins
  • 02
    Medium weight cotton #3428 (Dress top)
  • 03
    Medium weight cotton #3432 (White) for jacket and shoes
  • 04
    Medium weight cotton #3443 (Red) for jacket and shoes
  • 05
    Medium weight cotton #3433 (Black) for shoes
  • 06
    Medium weight cotton #3452 (Hair bow)
  • 07
    Catania color #404 (Bag) and Catania #106 (White)
  • 08
    Medium weight yarn #61 (White) and #26 (Red) for jacket materials
  • 09
    Medium weight yarn #16 (Skirt materials)
  • 10
    Cotton yarn #015 (Hair bow materials)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 2.0mm
  • 02
    Knitting needles/hook size 3 (for knitted garments)
  • 03
    Safety eyes 10mm
  • 04
    Polyester fiberfill stuffing
  • 05
    Yarn needle
  • 06
    Embroidery thread (for eyelashes and eyebrows)
  • 07
    1.5mm wire (for neck and arms support)
  • 08
    Small amount of cardboard or plastic pieces (for shoe soles)
  • 09
    Synthetic curly hair
  • 10
    Polyester embroidery thread (to match hair color)
  • 11
    4 small elastic bands
  • 12
    2 small buttons (for jacket)
  • 13
    5cm doll shoes (optional alternative)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Head :

Info :

(Use body yarn / hook size 2)

Row 1 :

6 SC in magic ring (6)

Row 2 :

6 increases (12)

Row 3 :

[1 SC, 1 INC]*6 (18)

Row 4 :

1 SC, 1 INC, [2 SC, 1 INC]*5, 1 SC (24)

Row 5 :

[3 SC, 1 INC]*6 (30)

Row 6 :

2 SC, 1 INC, [4 SC, 1 INC]*5, 2 SC (36)

Row 7 :

[5 SC, 1 INC]*6 (42)

Row 8 :

3 SC, 1 INC, [6 SC, 1 INC]*5, 3 SC (48)

Row 9 :

[7 SC, 1 INC]*6 (54)

Row 10 :

4 SC, 1 INC, [8 SC, 1 INC]*5, 4 SC (60)

Row 11 :

[9 SC, 1 INC]*6 (66)

Rows 12-22 :

66 SC (11 rows) (66)

Row 23 :

20 SC, [1 INC, 1 SC]*5, 6 SC, [1 SC, 1 INC]*5, 20 SC (76)

Rows 24-28 :

76 SC (5 rows) (76)

Info :

Note: Pay attention to the increases we made on the sides when placing the eyes. Place the eyes between rows 21 and 22, with 10 stitches between them.

Row 29 :

[5 SC, 1 DEC]*10, 6 SC (66)

Row 30 :

2 SC, 1 DEC, [4 SC, 1 DEC]*10 (55)

Row 31 :

3 SC, 1 DEC, [6 SC, 1 DEC]*6, 2 SC (48)

Row 32 :

2 SC, 1 DEC, [4 SC, 1 DEC]*7, 2 SC (40)

Info :

Begin stuffing the head firmly.

Row 33 :

[3 SC, 1 DEC]*8 (32)

Row 34 :

1 SC, 1 DEC, [2 SC, 1 DEC]*7, 1 SC (24)

Row 35 :

[2 SC, 1 DEC]*6, slip stitch (18)

Info :

Fill the head firmly. Try to shape the cheeks to be slightly rounded.

— Ears :

Instruction :

Go back 7 stitches from below the eye. Insert your hook into the 8th stitch, and work [1 SC, 5 HDC, 1 SC] (hide yarn tails).

— Hair :

Instruction :

Mark where you will attach the hair using a pencil. Starting from 14 rows up from the eyes, mark where the hair will be gathered on both sides. Cut 6-7 cm lengths of curly synthetic hair. Thread a needle with yarn that matches the hair color. Attach 3 strands of hair to each stitch along the lines you've drawn. First complete one side of the marked area. Middle areas will remain empty. After finishing the attachment, gently pull the hair to adjust it. Then gather the hair at the top with an elastic band. Repeat the same process for the other side.

— Arms :

Info :

Stuff lightly.

Row 1 :

6 SC in magic ring (6)

Row 2 :

6 increases (12)

Row 3 :

[1 SC, 1 INC]*6 (18)

Rows 4-5 :

18 SC (2 rows) (18)

Row 6 :

8 SC, 1 popcorn stitch (work 4 HDC in same stitch, pull tight), 9 SC (18)

Row 7 :

18 SC (18)

Row 8 :

[1 SC, 1 DEC]*6 (12)

Row 9 :

12 SC (12)

Row 10 :

[5 SC, 1 DEC]*2 (14)

Rows 11-29 :

14 SC (19 rows) (14)

Row 30 :

[5 SC, 1 DEC]*2 (12)

Info :

Right arm ends at row 30. For left arm, work 5 more rows and fasten off.

— Legs :

Infos :

Make the leg filling every 5-6 rows for a firm result. For symmetry, I recommend working both legs at the same time. When working the legs, the increases at the knee area may look slightly bulky. This will look normal once the legs are joined to the body.

Row 1 :

8 chain, 1 chain, slip stitch, 1 INC, 5 SC, in the same stitch work 4 SC, 5 SC, 1 INC (18)

Rows 2-6 :

18 SC (5 rows) (18)

Row 7 (For heel) :

Chain 1, turn, 8 SC. Chain 1, turn, 1 SC, 7 SC. Chain 1, turn, 1 SC, 6 SC. Chain 1, turn, 1 SC, 5 SC (mark this stitch).

Row 8 :

4 SC along edge, 1 INC, 6 SC, 1 INC, 4 SC from the other edge, 2 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (20)

Row 9 :

3 SC, 1 INC, 6 SC, 1 INC, 7 SC (18)

Info :

Stuff the foot.

Row 10 :

[4 SC, 1 DEC]*3 (15)

Row 11 :

15 SC (15)

Row 12 :

[4 SC, 1 DEC]*3 (18)

Row 13 :

18 SC (18)

Row 14 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 14 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (20)

Row 15 :

20 SC (20)

Row 16 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 16 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (22)

Row 17 :

22 SC (22)

Row 18 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 18 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (24)

Row 19 :

24 SC (24)

Row 20 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 20 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (26)

Rows 21-23 :

26 SC (3 rows) (26)

Row 24 :

3 SC, 1 INC, 12 SC, 1 INC, 7 SC (24)

Row 25 :

24 SC (24)

Row 26 :

2 SC, 1 INC, 12 SC, 1 INC, 6 SC (22)

Row 27 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 5 SC, 4 DEC, 7 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (24)

Row 28 :

24 SC (24)

Row 29 :

1 INC, 18 SC, 1 INC, 2 SC (22)

Row 30 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 4 SC, 1 INC, 4 SC, 1 INC, 6 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (22)

Row 31 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 18 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (24)

Row 32 :

24 SC (24)

Row 33 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 20 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (26)

Row 34 :

26 SC (26)

Row 35 :

1 SC, 1 INC, 22 SC, 1 INC, 1 SC (28)

Rows 36-43 :

28 SC (8 rows) (28)

Row 44 :

Work 21 more SC, fasten off, move to right leg

— Body :

Info :

Stuff the body firmly.

Row 1 :

Join legs by working 2 chain stitches at the left leg, 28 SC on left leg, 2 SC on chain, 28 SC on right leg, 2 SC on chain (60)

Row 2 :

[3 SC, 1 INC]*3, 34 SC, [1 INC, 3 SC]*3, 2 SC (66)

Rows 3-12 :

66 SC (10 rows) (66)

Row 13 :

[3 SC, 1 DEC]*3, 34 SC, [1 DEC, 3 SC]*3, 2 SC (60)

Row 14 :

60 SC (60)

Row 15 :

[8 SC, 1 DEC]*6 (54)

Rows 16-17 :

54 SC (2 rows) (54)

Row 18 :

[7 SC, 1 DEC]*6 (48)

Rows 19-23 :

48 SC (5 rows) (48)

Row 24 :

[6 SC, 1 DEC]*6 (42)

Rows 25-30 :

42 SC (6 rows) (42)

Row 31 :

8 SC, work together with left arm: 4 SC, 17 SC, work together with right arm: 4 SC, 9 SC (42)

Row 32 :

8 SC, work over left arm: 8 SC, 17 SC, work over right arm: 8 SC, 9 SC (50)

Row 33 :

7 SC, 1 INC, 6 SC, 1 INC, 15 SC, 1 INC, 6 SC, 1 INC, 8 SC (46)

Row 34 :

[6 SC, 1 DEC]*2, 13 SC, [6 SC, 1 DEC]*2, 7 SC (42)

Info :

If you want to use wire in the arms, insert it at this stage.

Row 35 :

5 SC, 1 INC, [2 SC, 1 INC]*2, 11 SC, 1 INC, [2 SC, 1 INC]*2, 6 SC (36)

Row 36 :

2 SC, 1 INC, [4 SC, 1 INC]*5, 2 SC (30)

Row 37 :

[3 SC, 1 DEC]*6 (24)

Row 38 :

1 SC, 1 INC, [2 SC, 1 INC]*5, 1 SC (18)

Rows 39-41 :

18 SC, stitch 2 more rows, fasten off, weave in ends.

Info :

Attach the head to the body. You can use wire folded in half between the head and the body as a support to keep the head upright.

— Jacket :

Infos :

(Knitted / medium weight yarn). To avoid breaking the red yarn, use two separate yarn strands. Red Section:

Row 1 :

Cast on 26 stitches (26)

Row 2 :

Knit (26)

Row 3 :

4 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 4 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 6 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 4 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 4 knit (34)

Row 4 :

Purl 34 stitches (34)

Info :

White Section:

Row 5 :

5 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 6 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 8 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 6 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 5 knit (42)

Row 6 :

Purl 42 stitches (42)

Info :

Red Section:

Row 7 :

6 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 8 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 10 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 8 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 6 knit (50)

Row 8 :

Purl 50 stitches (50)

Info :

White Section:

Row 9 :

7 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 10 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 12 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 10 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 7 knit (58)

Row 10 :

Purl 58 stitches (58)

Info :

Red Section:

Row 11 :

8 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 12 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 14 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 12 knit, [1 INC, 1 knit, 1 INC], 8 knit (66)

Row 12 :

Purl 66 stitches (66)

Row 13 :

9 knit, 15 knit, 18 knit, 15 knit, 9 knit (36)

Row 14 :

Purl 36 stitches (36)

Info :

White Section:

Row 15 :

Knit 36 stitches (36)

Row 16 :

Purl 36 stitches (36)

Info :

Red Section:

Row 17 :

Knit 36 stitches (36)

Row 18 :

Purl 36 stitches (36)

Row 19 :

Cut all threads.

Row 20 :

For jacket opening: chain 1, 6 chain, 6 chain, 1 chain, work along the bottom of the front with 36 HDC, continue to the other front with 10 chain, 7 chain, 10 chain, 7 chain, 3 chain, slip stitch.

Info :

Sew on buttons.

— Bag :

Info :

(Medium weight cotton, hook size 2). Back Side:

Row 1 :

3 chain, 12 DC in magic ring, slip stitch (12)

Row 2 :

3 chain, 12 DC increase (24)

Info :

Cut yarn. Front Side:

Row 1 :

3 chain, 12 DC in magic ring, slip stitch (12)

Row 2 :

3 chain, 12 DC increase in BLO stitches (24)

Instruction :

Without cutting yarn, place the two pieces together and work [1 SC, 1 INC]*9 around the edges. Leave 6 stitches open for the bag opening. For bag handle, chain 60 and attach to the opposite side with a slip stitch. For the bag flower: In BLO, work [1 SC, 3 chain, 4 DC, 3 chain, 1 SC, make 1 chain]*6, slip stitch.

— Shoes :

Info :

(Medium weight cotton, hook size 2). White Section:

Row 1 :

6 chain, 1 chain, 1 INC, 3 SC, in same stitch work 5 SC, 3 SC, 1 INC, slip stitch (16)

Row 2 :

1 chain, 2 HDC, 3 HDC, 5 HDC, 3 HDC, 3 HDC increase, slip stitch (26)

Row 3 :

1 chain, [1 HDC, 1 HDC increase]*2, 3 HDC, [1 HDC, 1 HDC increase]*5, 3 HDC, [1 HDC, 1 HDC increase]*3, slip stitch (36)

Info :

Make 2 pieces the same. Black Section:

Row 4 :

Join both pieces with slip stitch. Place a plastic piece between them for the sole.

Row 5 :

Working in joined pieces, make 36 SC around the opening, slip stitch.

Info :

Red Section:

Row 6 :

1 chain, 36 SC, slip stitch (mark beginning stitch) (36)

Row 7 :

1 chain, 36 SC, slip stitch (36)

Row 9 :

1 chain, 10 SC, 16 HDC, 10 SC, slip stitch (36)

Row 10 :

1 chain, 10 SC, 8 increase, 10 SC, slip stitch (28)

Row 11 :

1 chain, 10 SC, [1 increase, 1 SC]*3, 9 SC, slip stitch (25)

Rows 12-14 :

1 chain, 25 SC, slip stitch (3 rows) (25)

Info :

Add white laces.

— Hair Bow (Knitted) :

Info :

(Knitted, size 3 hook)

Instruction :

Cast on 15 stitches.

Rows 1-13 :

Knit 15 stitches (13 rows)

Infos :

Tie in the middle and create a bow shape. Make a 110 chain for the tie, thread through the center of the bow.

— Ruffled Skirt (Knitted) :

Info :

(Knitted, size 3 hook)

Row 1 :

Cast on 50 stitches.

Rows 2-4 :

[Knit 1, purl 1] ribbing for 3 rows

Rows 5-8 :

Stockinette stitch (knit right side, purl wrong side) for 4 rows

Row 9 :

12 knit, 1 INC, 26 knit, 1 INC, 12 knit (52)

Row 10 :

Purl 52 stitches (52)

Row 11 :

13 knit, 1 INC, 26 knit, 1 INC, 13 knit (54)

Row 12 :

Purl 54 stitches (54)

Rows 13-14 :

Garter stitch for 2 rows (54)

Rows 15-22 :

Stockinette stitch for 8 rows

Rows 23-24 :

Garter stitch for 2 rows

Rows 25-30 :

Stockinette stitch for 6 rows

Rows 31-32 :

Garter stitch for 2 rows

Row 33 :

Cut yarn and leave tail for seaming.

— Skirt Ruffle :

Row 1 :

Pick up stitches at rows 13-14, using circular needle. Work 1 stitch from each purl bump. You will have 108 stitches.

Row 2 :

Purl 108 stitches (108)

Row 3 :

[6 knit, 1 INC]*18 (126)

Row 4 :

Purl 126 stitches (126)

Rows 5-8 :

Stockinette stitch for 4 rows

Rows 9-10 :

Garter stitch for 2 rows

Row 11 :

Bind off, leaving tail for seaming.

Infos :

Apply the same technique to the lower ruffle sections. For assembly: first sew the skirt, then the ruffle sections.

— Dress Top :

Infos :

(Medium weight cotton, hook size 2). Beginning chains don't count in stitch count.

Row 1 :

63 chain, join with slip stitch, 3 chain, 63 DC, slip stitch (63)

Row 2 :

3 chain, [19 DC, 1 DC decrease]*3, slip stitch (60)

Row 3 :

3 chain, BLO 60 DC, slip stitch (60)

Row 4 :

3 chain, [18 DC, 1 DC decrease]*3, slip stitch (57)

Row 5 :

1 chain, BLO 57 SC, slip stitch (57)

Rows 6-9 :

1 chain, 57 SC, slip stitch (4 rows) (57)

Row 10 :

1 chain, [17 SC, 1 decrease]*3, slip stitch (54)

Rows 11-12 :

1 chain, 54 SC, slip stitch (2 rows) (54)

Info :

If the dress is too short for your doll, you can lengthen these rows.

Row 13 :

2 chain, 54 HDC, slip stitch

Row 14 :

For elastic effect: [work in row 13 - 1 SC in front loop, 1 SC in back loop]*27, slip stitch.

— Ruffle Section :

Row 1 :

Insert hook into BLO of row 5, 3 chain, 57 HDC increase, slip stitch (114)

Row 2 :

3 chain, [2 DC, 1 DC increase]*38, slip stitch (152)

Info :

Continue without cutting yarn to row 3.

Row 3 :

3 chain, 60 HDC increase, slip stitch (120)

Row 4 :

3 chain, [2 DC, 1 DC increase]*40, slip stitch (160)

— Hair Bow (Crochet) :

Info :

(Crochet, size 3 hook)

Instruction :

Cast on 15 stitches. Work 10 rows in garter stitch. Cut yarn, gather in middle to form bow shape. Chain 110 for tie, thread through center of bow.

Assembly Instructions

  • Attach the head to the body securely, using a 1.5mm wire folded in half inserted between the head and the body as a support to keep the head safely upright.
  • Attach the synthetic curly hair by cutting 6-7 cm lengths and threading 3 strands into each stitch along the marked pencil lines on both sides of the head.
  • Join the legs to start the body by working 2 chain stitches from the left leg, continuing around both legs with a total of 60 stitches.
  • For the knitted jacket, knit the main body pieces continuously and then pick up stitches for the front openings and neckline, finishing by safely sewing on two buttons.
  • When assembling the knitted ruffled skirt, first sew the main skirt back seam together cleanly, and then sew the individually knitted ruffle sections into their correct places.

Important Notes

  • 💡Pay special attention to the side increases on the head when placing the safety eyes to ensure perfectly symmetrical facial features.
  • 💡Stuff the body and head firmly to maintain structure, but stuff the arms very lightly to allow for natural movement, especially if you are adding wire.
  • 💡When working the legs, the knee increases may look slightly bulky initially, but do not worry as this will look completely normal once joined to the body.
  • 💡For the knitted jacket, be sure to use two completely separate yarn strands for the red sections to avoid breaking the yarn and creating extra ends to weave in later.

This breathtaking Curly-Haired Doll pattern is an absolute must-make for anyone who loves crafting intricate, heirloom-quality toys! With her full wardrobe, adorable accessories, and posable body, she provides endless hours of creative joy. Get ready to crochet your new favorite companion. 🧶💖✨

You ask,

we answer.

FAQs

How do I ensure the doll's neck can support her head and heavy hair?

The pattern recommends using a 1.5mm wire folded in half. Insert this wire deeply into both the body and the head during assembly, and pack the polyester fiberfill tightly around it.

Can I crochet all the garments instead of knitting them?

The pattern includes specific knitted instructions for the jacket, skirt, and one hair bow to achieve a realistic, flowing texture. However, a crochet dress top and a second crochet hair bow option are provided if you prefer.

What type of hair is used, and how exactly is it attached?

The pattern uses curly synthetic hair. It is attached by cutting 6-7 cm lengths and sewing 3 strands per stitch along marked pencil lines using matching polyester embroidery thread.

Do I need to make the doll's shoes separately or are they part of the foot?

Yes, the lace-up shoes are a completely separate, removable accessory. The pattern includes comprehensive instructions for making them with a plastic sole insert for added stability.