Insoles?? Love my hiking boots, but considering insoles. Help! Leaving in 3 weeks!!

[Kathy Beno]

As usual, I am second guessing myself. I love my hiking boots, but thinking about adding insoles. Any insights, greatly appreciated. Go!!

 

[Icacos]

After a few bad experiences with the soles of my feet feeling like they were on fire, I wouldn't dream of going on any kind of hike without proper insoles. Your shoe repair person should be able to give you good advice. My insoles are a molded foam of some sort; I feel like I'm walking on cushions. Good luck! And Buen Camino.

 

[Albertagirl]

When you remove the insoles that the boots came with you will need space for good boot socks and space for your feet to swell. My boots are a bit large and I have inserted made to measure orthotics (stiff plastic) with foam insoles for comfort on top. I usually wear two pairs of socks with my boots. Since one foot is larger than the other, various adjustments are necessary to keep the boots comfortable - snug but not too tight. I often remove the foam insert in the boot that goes on the larger foot. Basically, what I'm saying is that you need to experiment with insoles, socks, etc. until you find out what works for you. And do try to allow for a little more foot swelling than you are accustomed to, as the camino is likely to be a lot more walking than you are accustomed to. Your footwear is the most vital part of your camino gear. Good luck in working out what is best for you.

 

[Risky]

G'day,

I am just back from Portugese Camino. I used a pair of Merrell boots but also took a pair of sports innersole inserts, just in case, as in training beforehand I had some issues with shin splints when switching between my runners and boots. In training I experimented with the inserts and they seemed to help but nothing really definitive.

As it worked out I started out OK with my boots for about 5 days but then, after mild shin splints, replaced the inner sole with the sports inserts and walked on with no further problems. I think Albertagirl has some good tips, so just try out the various combo's before you go and then when you are on your Camino you'll have some ideas to sort any issues. In my experience of the Camino what worked at home may not work on the Way so look after yourself and go with the flow.

Bon Camino

 

[grayland]

I use Sole brand insoles. Previously I used green Superfeet and was happy with them...but a foot doctor recommended the Sole brand after showing me that the Super Feet were not touching the bottom of my feet in all places. I was not having issues with that part of my foot..it was another issue that I was having
The doctor just pointed out the insole issue as it was very obvious by the worn/unworn portion of the insoles in the shoes.

The Sole brand is heated in the oven and then inserted back in shoes and put on.
Stand on them for a couple of minutes and they mold to your foot.

I liked the Superfeet but the Soles are much more comfortable. I was surprised at the difference.
I would not walk with the factory insoles that come with the shoes/boots.

 

[jmcarp]

Like @grayland, I use SOLE inserts (I use the orange ones). Actually, because of my poor arches, I use both SOLE and Superfeet (blue) insoles -- but I prefer the more aggressive, moldable SOLE inserts in my hiking shoes and boots, and use the less aggressive blue Superfeet inserts in my daily-wear shoes. But you should have a knowledgeable shoe specialist recommend what's best for you based on his/her examination of your feet. It's not apparent from your avatar info where you are, but I buy my hiking shoes and boots, plus the aftermarket insoles from REI here in the US. By the way, in most cases you should probably remove the original insoles from your shoes or boots before using the aftermarket insoles.

 

[Paul Keating]

Be very careful and try your new insoles on a good walk at home before you head out. I had changed the insoles in my trusty hiking boots last winter before heading out on a multi day walk about and ended up with horrible blisters on my heals. I ended up putting the old ones back in. I was surprised to find such a small change turned out to be a show stopper. Test them out before you go.

 

[West Coaster]

I'm using Three-Feet insoles by Sidas. They come in a variety of arch support sizes so you will want to get your feet measured. If you're having problems with burning feet it's most likely the type of socks you are wearing. I best type of sock I found is the Sugoi RS Winter sock. These socks fit snugly and are smooth. I've found that wool socks stretch apart and produce waffle iron bumps. This causes the bottoms of the feet to burn. Thin artificial fiber socks with good insoles is the way to go.

 

[Bajaracer]

I used Green Superfeet insoles on my first Camino, they worked well for me but now I use SOLE insoles and like these better than Superfeet, they molded to my feet like a glove.
Ditch the factory insoles, they don't compare to aftermarket insoles and your feet will be happier.

 

[grayland]

A couple of additional thoughts....
1. I had thought it obvious that you should remove the factory insoles before installing any type of new ones.
I now know that it was not clear to everyone.

2. The factory inserts are usually very, very thin and light. I would suggest that you take them with you in the event you find you are not able to tolerate the new insoles at some point.

 

[Kitsambler]

Amen. Even with expensive, high-quality boots, you will benefit from exchanging the factory insoles for something else. I've had good results from the green Superfeet, and now prescription orthotics. (Thanks for the thoughts on the other brands now available, I'll be looking for them!) But by all means avoid the Dr Scholl's (or other similar brands) that are just foam. That foam compresses into a flat pancake after a few days, offering no arch support whatsoever.

 

[egar]

Several people have already recommended Sole insoles. I'll add my vote for them as well.

What hasn't been said so far is that Sole insoles are moldable. You heat the insoles in your oven or toaster oven for a few minutes, then place in your boots and then put on your boots, standing on the warm insoles. They mold nicely to your boots and foot.

I've had issues with tendonitis for decades. The orthopedists that I had seen said that proper support was key for me to manage the problem. Sole insoles have been the best thing I've found. I wore them on my Camino and had absolutely no issues with my feet.

 

[RyanBrandon]

I have Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Work Insoles . Definitely it is one of the best Insoles on the market . Dr. Scholl’s has always been a brand name associated with inserts; therefore, it’s a name brand that offers a reputable product such as the Massaging Gel Work Insoles. These inserts are constructed with a gel platform that cushions and support your feet, plus reduces the aches and pains associated with tired feet. In addition, depending on the support you require, the gel comes in a variety of thickness; the firmer the gel, the more support. Plus, because of the inclusive gel in the inserts, they also provide a massaging quality, and for those who are subjected to hard surfaces for lengthy periods of time, this can be an added benefit. Furthermore, they are tough enough to withstand a hard working man’s lifestyle.

 

[cher99840]

I'm also a Soles convert from green Superfeet. I still use the Superfeet in shoes that I don't walk miles and miles in because they were too expensive to throw out.

 

[Bala]

I've been seriously thinking of trying Soles, but I don't yet have the shoes I would be walking in. Everyone seems to recommend getting the inserts first and then buying the shoe to fit them, not vice versa. Will Soles mold correctly just standing on the floor, with no shoes on?

Suggestions, please!

 

[Bajaracer]

I've been seriously thinking of trying Soles, but I don't yet have the shoes I would be walking in. Everyone seems to recommend getting the inserts first and then buying the shoe to fit them, not vice versa. Will Soles mold correctly just standing on the floor, with no shoes on?

Suggestions, please!

They won't mold properly without being inside the shoes.

Buy the shoes first, then compare the thickness of the insoles that came with the shoes with the appropriate model Soles (they come in different thickness')

 

[Bala]

Thanks! I had a feeling that was the case. Time to start some serious shoe shopping.

 

[C clearly]

Thanks! I had a feeling that was the case. Time to start some serious shoe shopping.

Just be sure you buy the shoes plenty roomy. Some insoles fill more space, whereas other don't change the shoe size. Changing the inner soles is also another way to adjust the fit of your shoe to accommodate being in-between sizes, or to accommodate swelling (maybe you would carry two inner soles - one thicker than the other - and change at mid-day, if you have a problem with a lot of swelling). I don't have that problem, so it is really conjecture, but I think it is worth considering.

 

[Kiwi-family]

On the other hand, I've always just walked in shoes as they come. The only time I've had a blister was from a sandal that was too tight.
If your shoes are currently comfortable, why change anything? (especially as you're leaving soon)