Over the years of hiking and trekking, our feet went through the toughest situation despite having the proper footwear. The hiking boots provide excellent comfort and arch support, but dealing with sore feet, plantar fasciitis, and bad feet is challenging. Insoles come in handy to provide extra comfort, arch support, and pain relief.
We have shortlisted the best insoles for hiking based on our years of experience and in-depth research. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis or need extra support, these insoles will help you hike comfortably.
With their cushioned design and supportive structure, they’ll make it easier to take on any terrain. These insoles will help with blisters, sore muscles, or injuries. They’ll also provide extra shock absorption to protect your joints from the impact of walking on uneven terrain.
Best Overall Insoles
1. Superfeet Green
The Superfeet Green insoles are overall best value insoles that perform excellently on all the performance parameters. We have found them to provide superior support than any other insoles. The design of these insoles is narrower, so they fit easily on most footwear without the need of trimming.
They are compatible with running and hiking boots, but you can use them in your routine shoes when needed. If you have high arches, these insoles are suitable in this case, but no worries for other foot types since they are available for everyone.
The heel cup is amazing; that helped to keep our feet intact even while we were sweating on the trail, so we got additional ankle support. At the price tag of $54, they are not among the affordable options, but you get what you pay for, and that is true in this case.
The foam density is also high, so walking on the rocky trails becomes less challenging as they absorb the impact and minimizes foot tiredness. So they are very well-suited for arch pain and plantar fasciitis.
That said, they are durable and hold well, so you will probably use them for a few years. What are the downsides of Superfeet Green? They are thinner, so few people complained about the level of comfort they got. Also, they might damage the lining of your boots if you don’t fit them properly.
All in all, Superfeet Green insoles are a good investment for quality, support, and comfort.
Best Budget Friendly Option
2. Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer
Quality insoles are expensive, but Spenco Polysorb Cross is the best budget option at $26 per count. They are overall good when it comes to reducing the impact, that help to control the pain or feet tiredness-so they are comfortable.
These well-cushioned insoles are suitable for rugged terrains, floors, and other hard surfaces. Not only that, but the extra padding also helps reduce the shock efficiently to make them comfortable for all kinds of outdoor tours and daily use. Since the feet stay on a comfortable cushion that does not move, it helps prevent blisters formation.
The odor control is also nice; you won’t smell the bad foul even if you have sweety feet. On the downside, they don’t provide much arch support, unlike Superfeet green insoles.
How to use them? You need to remove the existing insole from your footwear and replace it with one of these insoles; otherwise, they may not fit in all boots as these take up some space.
Best Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis
3. Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis
If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis is well-designed and widely popular for relieving foot pain. Though many treatments are available, few offer the same support and comfort as Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Insoles.
Designed specifically for areas affected by plantar fasciitis, these insoles feature a highly cushioned heel cup to absorb shock, especially in sensitive areas, to provide quick relief.
That said, thousands of people had used these insoles and confirmed that their pain was controlled and eventually reduced to a level when it was not a problem.
The insoles have a semi-rigid arch support that helps prevent stretching in the plantar fascia and high cushioning for comfort.
However, the insoles are large and may only fit well in some shoes, so you will have to trim them but better to check some tutorials if you are unsure how to do it. They are best suited for boots and other shoes with plenty of room rather than casual footwear.
Best For Arch Support
4. Superfeet Carbon
Superfeet Carbon insoles are a great option if you’re looking for good arch support. These insoles are available in different ranges for both men and women. They’re also comfortable due to their high-density foam. Plus, they’re low profile, so you can fit them in shoes without removing the feet insoles. Even though they don’t look like they would provide much support due to their low-profile design, they provide excellent support.
Superfeet Carbon insoles are designed to reduce stress on feet, ankles, and knees during hiking and long-distance walking. The heel cup provides natural impact absorption ability, and the blades’ dense network helps deflect wind and water.
However, some people feel that they are overpriced. They may be expensive, but they are well made and do not give blisters or arches even if you run on the trail.
They are thin and light yet provides excellent support and air circulation. They might take some time to break in, but they will eventually get better and better with time. Additionally, these insoles don’t rub and don’t create hot foot issues. So if you’re looking for good arch support, Superfeet Carbon insoles are a great option.
Best For Pronation Problems
5. Powerstep Pinnacle
Powerstep Pinnacle is another great option for those searching for a boot sole with plenty of arch support. These soles feature a deep heel cup that provides ample heel support and a low-profile design that offers excellent stability. Additionally, the Pinnacle is a great choice for those seeking relief from foot pain caused by pronation, as it provides ample support and stability.
The Powerstep Pinnacle insoles are some of the market’s most comfortable and well-supported insoles. I have purchased them for years, and they have always helped to reduce the pain in my feet.
The Pinnacle insoles are great for all arch types, but people with high arches might have a problem with the pronounced arch support. This low cushion might not provide excellent comfort, but it is still a good product.
Many doctors recommend them to help relieve plantar fasciitis, and they are lightweight, so you won’t even feel them in your shoes. They take a few wearing to get used to, but they get better after a few wearing. They are also great compared to similar products on the market. Overall, the Powerstep Pinnacle is excellent for arch support and pronation relief.
Best For Walking
6. Walk-Hero Comfort and Support
Arch support is essential if you spend time on your feet and go for long hikes. Flat feet or high arches are susceptible to heel, ankle, and knee pain. Walk-Hero Comfort and Support is a great option for arch support. The silicone mid-layer provides good comfort, and the low-profile design won’t add bulk to your shoes.
Additionally, the rigid arch support helps reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms. The Walk-Hero Comfort and Support performs well on stiff and rigid terrains, and it is easy to wear with most boots. If you are looking for an arch support insert that will provide comfort and support, the Walk-Hero Comfort and Support is a great option.
Walk-Hero Comfort and Support insoles are a budget-friendly option that offers good support. However, the lack of cushioning in the heel area could be an issue for some users.
The insoles are primarily suitable for boots, as the heels are wider than average. The price tag is much lower than some other top models on the market, making them an excellent value for the money.
Best For Running
7. Sof Sole Gel Insert
For athletes looking for a good pair of insoles, the Sof Sole Gel Inserts are a great choice. These insoles are designed specifically for athletes and provide great comfort while hiking, backpacking, or trail running. They also fit easily into men’s footwear, both athletic and casual.
The gel inserts help to absorb impact and reduce stress on the feet, providing a more comfortable experience for the wearer. In addition, the Sof Sole Gel Inserts help improve posture and alignment, leading to better overall performance.
The Sof Sole Gel Inserts are one of the best footbeds available in the market. The main reason for this is the cushioning it provides. It is very comfortable and does not let your feet feel any pain, even if you have been standing for hours.
Another good thing about these inserts is they are very good at moisture-wicking. This means your feet will not start smelling bad, even if you are hiking for miles. The Gel Inserts are also available in different sizes so everyone can find the perfect fit for their feet. With so many benefits, it is no wonder that the Sof Sole Gel Inserts are popular among athletes.
How to Choose Insoles: Buying Guide
If you suffer from pain or fatigue after a hike, consider investing in a good pair of insoles. Insoles can help improve the fit of your shoes and provide additional cushioning, reducing pain and muscle fatigue.
Not only pain, but they improve the stride to make it more stable after lowering the pain, which helps to improve the performance on the trail.
Having said that, we considered various performance parameters for shortlisting these insoles, such as boots types, price, cushioning, and some ankle support.
Fit
A lousy fitting cannot only create discomfort hiking but can even damage your expensive shoe lining. Therefore, they should fit properly in your shoes. You can even trim some insoles to fit the right size of your show.
If you look at our list, we shortlisted most of them, which can be trimmed easily to avoid having fitting issues.
In addition, some insoles come with thicker cushioning, which takes up more space in the boot, so you must remove the boot insole to fit the newly purchased one. There are low-profile options too that we reviewed, but they provide less cushioning.
Arch Support And Cushioning
Insoles are generally comfortable, but they provide much-needed arch support on the trail with extra cushioning. Superfeet Carbon insoles are on our top list, providing an immediate cushion for bad feet and protecting the feet with the soft cushion with their clever design. Even if you have flat feet, you will still notice reasonable cushioning under your feet.
To cover some extra miles, we prefer high cushioning for extra foot support, especially on long hiking trips. Having said that, a well-cushioned insole is desirable on the trails, which might not be that crucial if you do light walks.
Considering the criticality of these performance parameters, we specially shortlisted insoles that provide cushioning for all feet types on all kinds of terrains.
Some hiking boots also provide good arch support, but strenuous hiking will sore your feet, so an extra insole with good cushion is handy. Your feet will not only thank you, but your hiking performance will also increase.
Price
In addition to comfort and fit, you must also consider the price of the insoles. Some of the insoles for boots are very expensive. But there are cheaper models available. It also depends on the insoles you are looking for in your boots.
In our list, we have expensive to budget-friendly options to cover everyone. If you want an insole that provides extra arch support, you should invest in a more expensive model.
FAQs
Are insoles good for hiking?
Are insoles worth bringing on a hike? There are a few different benefits of using insoles while hiking.
- Help absorb shocks and reduce the impact on the joints.
- Essential for longer hikes when your feet are likely to take a pounding.
- Help to keep your feet dry and improve airflow, preventing blisters.
- Provide cushioning and support for the foot’s arch.
- Help to prevent pain and fatigue.
Resting your feet and providing support for your arches and insoles can help reduce foot fatigue and prevent pain. And because they’re designed to fit snugly inside your boots, they won’t add any extra bulk or weight to your hike.
Of course, insoles are not for everyone. If you have never used them, it is worth starting with shorter hikes to see how your feet react. Some people find that they cause more problems than they solve. However, if you decide to try them, make sure to choose a comfortable pair that fits well in your boots.
Can you put insoles in hiking boots?
Hiking boots are designed to provide support and stability on uneven terrain, but they can sometimes feel stiff and uncomfortable. One way to improve the fit of your hiking boots is to add insoles.
Insoles can help to cushion your feet and reduce impact, making it easier to hike for long periods. In addition, insoles can help to stabilize your feet and prevent blisters.
Summary
The condition of your feet is very important for long and challenging hikes. If you don’t have the right shoes or insoles, you’ll likely experience a lot of discomforts. To help you avoid this, we’ve put together a list of the best insoles for hiking. We’ve based our list on our experience, in-depth research, and discussions with industry experts. We hope you find it helpful!
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