Best Insoles for Hiking for more stability and stress relief
After a long hike, it’s normal for your legs to feel tired and even a bit painful. There’s nothing wrong with feeling fatigued and having some discomfort. However, if your leg pain and fatigue are too severe, then you may want to consider taking action.
If you’re wearing boots, they may be made for walking, but your shoes might need some extra support. Especially if you have flat foot or suffer from plantar fascia.
Choosing a good pair of insoles can help you achieve the comfort, stability, fatigue and stress relief that you would not be able to achieve by wearing regular hiking boots.
It’s especially important when walking or backpacking that you’ve been able to distribute weight evenly through a full range of motion and maintain stability. We’ve looked at some of the best shoes for hikers and some for people who need extra support.
Best insoles for hiking-Arch support
Superfeet Green
If you have flat feet, you may want to consider buying green superfeet insole inserts. They’re designed to help distribute the pressure from your feet across the entire sole of your shoe, which helps prevent pain and injury.
The deep heel cups provide excellent support and shock absorption, and the stabilizer caps on the bases of the insoles offer excellent stability and structure.
The effect of the molded heel cup and firm cushioning reduces foot pain and increases comfort by distributing weight evenly across your entire foot.
Closed-cell foams don’t breath very well, but they do have an anti-bacterial odor control coating. They will last around 300-500 mile before needing replacement.
If you want a bit more comfort and better odor management than just regular socks, then these are good for you.
Buy here the Superfeet Green
The Insane Samurai
If your feet tend to be flat, these are the best insoles for them. They provide support without feeling too rigid.
It’s not overly padded, so don’t expect a lot of cushioning if you’ve got a big back pack or heavy load.
They’re great for walking long distances and for people who’ve flat feet or fallen arched feet.
These shoes were comfortable right out of the package. There was little or no need for any adjustments before wearing them.
Buy here the The Insane Samurai
Sof Sole Insoles Men’s Athlete Performance
If you’re looking for all-round support without focusing too much on orthotics, then soft soles are great.
The full length, neutal profile means that they‘ll be comfortable for most foot shapes. The cushioning in the front and heel cups offers some support but may have a little bit too much give if you’re carrying a heavy load.
If you’re not putting too much pressure on them, then they’ll be comfortable. Soole have made sure that the top material is treated so that it keeps your foot dry and odor-free.
Sof soles are usually worn over an already-inflated shoe, but they’re likely to feel better if used on their own.
Buy here the Sof Sole Insoles Men’s Athlete Performance
Nazaroo Orthotic Insoles
A deep heel cup helps keep your foot stable and supported while relieving pain from plantar fasciitis. It activates your arches to help avoid the onset of this painful problem.
We think the composite fabric breathes really well and wicks away sweat from your feet. It’s also treated with an anti-odor coating.
They run a bit large, and they’re pretty wide, so you may want to take them in a bit. Plantar fascialis can sometimes be difficult to treat completely with an off the shelf product but these will provide good comfort for most people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
These are cheap enough that they’re worth trying out first before investing in a pair of high quality orthotics.
Buy here the Nazaroo Orthotic Insoles
Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Insole
These insoles are designed to give you maximum impact absorption and energy return with every step. The neutral profile adapts well to most feet.
It offers good, anti-fatigue support. The inverted cone elements minimize impact by absorbing the pressure in the key pressure areas when your foot plants.
The cones absorb and then rebound to return energy back to your foot. The result of this shock absorption is that your feet are not tired by the end of the night.
Buy here the Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Insole
Types Of Insole
There are usually two types of hiking insoles: comfort and sport.
Comfortable insoles are made from soft materials that provide extra cushioning for people who wear regular shoes. They’re designed to be worn inside regular shoes.
If you’re seeking more support and stability during demanding situations, then a sport shoe is the best choice. They are made from rigid materials that will allow your feet to conform to their shape.
They provide greater stability and are ideal for people who need more support than simple cushions. For hikers tackling challenging terrains over long periods of time.
What type of insoles are normally supplied with hiking boots?
Most hiking shoes will provide average comfort for most feet.
Most boots tend toward a firmer, more solid insole. Some boots may include orthotics.
You may sometimes see shoes called “control”, “cushioned” or “neutrals” which refer to the level of support they provide.
If you don’t have any foot pain, then a neutral shoe / boot will be fine. If your preference is for a bit more shock-absorbtion, you’ll want the cushioned option, whereas those designated as “control” will have some sort of feature to help control your giadture and adjust for things like over- pronatation.
Variations in foot shapes and sizes mean that a good shoe for walking should be comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.
Most hiking boots include an inlay that’s removable so you can replace it with one that fits better. If you want to go even thinner, you can remove the inlay and add a thin-fit inlay instead.
FAQ
How to Choose Insoles or Shoe Inserts | REI Co-op?
Do you hike, backpack, run, ski or cycle? Do foot aches, blisters, hot spots or discomfort hamper the enjoyment of your activities? If so, you may want to consider the extra comfort and support provided by aftermarket insoles.Stock insoles in performance boots and shoes are typically inexpensive fillers. Aftermarket insoles or shoe inserts can better tailor your footwear’s fit, support and comfort to your feet.Do You Need Insoles for Hiking Boots and Trail Runners?
Most of the insoles included in hiking boots, mids, trail shoes, and trail runners are crappy foam inserts that offer little to no support or protection for your feet. If you suffer from heel pain, arch pain, pain in the ball of your foot, plantar fasciitis, you have very tight calves, knee, or even hip pain, I really recommend trying out insoles to see if they reduce or eliminate the discomfort you experience. I swear by them.
What are the Benefits of Insoles?
Arch supportYour arches are essentially the shock absorbers of your feet. If they are weak you’re going to be landing too heavily on your heels and you could end up with Plantar Fasciitis. You want insoles that will support your foot so that you get a more even weight distribution.
ComfortThe additional cushioning provided will make your boots more comfy. Having carefully-designed metatarsal pads, heel cushions and gel pockets in key areas to keep your feet feeling better than the one in your hiking shoes ever could.
Increased stabilityStable feet provide a secure foundation for your entire frame. Hiking boots and shoes will have stability elements but they only work if it fits properly. A good insole will secure your foot inside your hiking boot so that you benefit fully from the stability it was designed to provide.
How to fit insoles – What size do I need?
Normally an insole will be specified as falling within a range of sizes. It’s normally better to aim at the upper end of your size.
You can always trim it down a little but if you buy one that’s too small then there’s no fixing that.
Who should get insoles for their hiking boots or shoes?
Everyone should! Very few “out of the hiking shoe-box” insoles provide any benefits to your feet.
If you want to be more comfortable and reduce your risk of injury (heel pain, underfoot bruising, blisters), get yourself some insoles for hiking.
Can you use heated insoles to treat foot pain?
Heating pads can help alleviate some types of foot pains, but they’re not always effective at treating them. Consult with your doctor or physical therapy professional if you want to use heating pads to relieve foot pains.
