If you’re an avid hiker or backpacker, then it is important to invest in a good pair of hiking shoe insoles. These insoles will help to provide extra cushioning and support for your feet which can reduce fatigue and increase comfort levels while you are on the trail.
With a sheer number of choices on the market, buying hiking shoe insoles can quickly become a daunting task. If you’re not careful and make the wrong choice, you may end up with blisters and an uncomfortable hike. To help you make an informed buying decision, we’ve put together this guide with all the information related to hiking shoe insoles. Let’s take a look.
Hiking boots are typically worn for long periods of time, so it’s important that they offer good support throughout your hike. Some people prefer full-length foam, while others opt for minimal padding. Ideally, the insoles should have plenty of cushioning to help reduce pressure on your feet that may occur during your trekking adventure as well as protect them from sharp rocks or other objects along the trail.
The main purpose of insoles is to provide arch support while you’re walking. If you have flat feet, then choose insoles with a deep heel cup and a wide base layer as it will help to lift your feet and absorb shock while walking and running, preventing injuries such as heel spurs and shin splints. If you have high arches, then opt for insoles that will hold them down and prevent supination or overpronation on bumpy and rocky surfaces.
Hiking often involves being on uneven surfaces, so your feet will be subjected to shocks from time to time. Generally speaking, you should opt for insoles with shock absorption capabilities to prevent joint pain after long walks or climbs.
If you plan on using your hiking insoles for more than one season, then durability should be one of your top priorities. Look for an insole that is made with high-quality materials like polyurethane or EVA foam and will last through many miles on the trail.
The type of insoles you choose depends on the type of hiker you are. If you’re an avid hiker who spends most of his or her time on rocky terrain, then invest in a pair of rigid orthotics with thick soles and ankle support. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out on hikes or prefer softer surfaces like grassy fields and dirt paths, then lightweight gel insoles with deep heel cups may be more suitable for you.
If the insoles are too small or too big, they won’t fit properly into your shoe and can cause discomfort while hiking or even injury if they shift around too much during use. You should be able to easily slide them into place without any resistance or effort needed on your part. If you’re unsure about how well an insole might fit into your shoes, measure their length and width before purchasing them online.
Your feet will get sweaty and uncomfortable when hiking in hot weather conditions so make sure that your insoles have good breathability so that your feet stay cool and dry throughout the hike. The breathable lining will allow air circulation and prevent fungal infections such as the athlete’s foot. Also, make sure it is waterproof so that if you accidentally step in a puddle, your insole doesn’t get damaged, resulting in discomfort.
If you’re looking for insoles that can take on any terrain, then the Superfeet hiking shoe insoles are the ideal choice. Featuring contoured silhouettes and EVOLYTE carbon fiber stabilizer cap, these insoles give you the stability and support you need to conquer mountains, hills, and even trails. The aero spring ascent dual comfort foam provides ample cushioning to keep your feet comfortable on long hikes whereas the deep cup heel is designed to cradle your heel so it stays in place.
What’s more, it has the H.I.T. (Heel Impact Technology) Pod that absorbs impact with each stride, preventing splint shins and blisters. The MoistureWick™ fabric wicks away moisture to keep your feet fresh and dry all day long. Designed to fit most hiking footwear, these insoles offer long-lasting durability up to 500 miles, ample cushioning, and exceptional traction, which is why they stand out among products on our list.
Dr. Scroll’s hiking shoe insoles are the perfect companion for your hiking shoes. Designed with athletes in mind, they feature responsive wave cushioning with massaging gel that absorbs shock and provides ample cushioning support for all-day comfort. These insoles also utilize Active Perform technology with a flexible arch shell, which helps to stabilize your foot and reduce pronation while preventing muscle fatigue and treating achy feet. What’s more, the full-length insoles fit running shoes, court shoes, cross trainers, and sneakers. The rugged construction prevents the insoles from wearing out prematurely, making them a great choice for long hikes or treks into the wilderness.
EASYFEET Hiking Shoe Insoles are an ideal choice for any hiker who wants to be comfortable while trekking through their favorite trails or mountains. The top TPU material with PU memory foam base provides excellent shock absorption and pillow-soft comfort, while the rigid arch support evenly distributes your weight to reduce friction and pain associated with plantar fasciitis and bunions.
With their breathable velvet cover, you don’t have to worry about stinky or sweaty feet. Plus, these orthotics are built to fit most shoes and are adjustable in size, so you can customize them for your footwear needs.
LTOHOE hiking shoe insoles are a great way to enhance the comfort of your favorite shoes. Designed to fit most footwear, these hiking insoles provide shock absorption and all-day comfort while relieving pressure on the heels and arches. They’re made from highly elastic memory foam that molds to your foot for a custom fit and has activated carbon particles that help combat odor — no more smelly shoes! Plus, they’re super lightweight, so they won’t weigh down your shoes and add unnecessary bulk. Since they’re machine washable, you can keep them fresh and clean when you need them most.
Basmile hiking shoe insoles are designed to provide ultimate comfort while climbing mountains or hitting the trails. Made with highly flexible and ultralight memory foam, these insoles provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption. They feature ergonomic arch support that helps relieve pain associated with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and heel spur.
Designed with a U shape heel cup, these insoles will help keep you from slipping on wet surfaces while its anti-skid surface will keep your feet stable while climbing mountains or hiking through streams. The stoma design provides maximum airflow while the breathable mesh fabric surface keeps your feet dry and sweat-free, even in hot weather conditions. And did we mention that they’re super adjustable? Yes, you can easily trim them down to fit your hiking shoes.
A: It depends on the frequency of use and the material of your insole. In general, you should replace them after every six to 12 months. But if you are a serious hiker, then it would be advisable to change them after every 3-4 months.
A: Yes! Make sure that the size of your insole matches exactly with the size of your shoe or boot. This will ensure that there is no extra room or too little room inside your shoes which could cause discomfort while walking or running on uneven terrain.
A: Hiking shoe insoles come in different sizes and shapes, so it is important that you measure your feet before buying new ones. You can use a ruler or tape measure to find the length and width of your feet. After measuring your shoe from toe to heel, add ½ inch for additional space and comfort. This will give you the length of insoles required for your shoes. Once you’ve all the measurements, consult the size chart and pick one that matches your size as closely as possible.