Do you ski, run, hike, backpack, or cycle? Do foot blisters, aches, discomfort, or hotspots hinder the enjoyment of your activities?
Hiking is hard on the feet. As a hiker, you walk for miles sometimes on rough terrains, and your feet bear a lot of abuse. Even with the best pair of hiking boots, you may experience fatigue and pain that can ruin your hiking experience.
Having the right insole for hiking inside your hiking boots can make a lot of difference in comfort, support, the stability you need in hiking. Your feet will feel amazing and comfortable when hiking all day long without pain. However, with the wrong insoles, you’ll only exacerbate fatigue and pain.
If you’re wondering how you’ll get the best insoles for hiking, we have a solution for you. In this guide, we have everything you need to know about hiking insoles, the most crucial factors to consider, and some fantastic hiking soles in the market.
What are the Benefits of Insoles?
Comfort
The extra cushioning in the insoles will make your boot more comfy. Having specially designed heel cushions, metatarsal pads, and gel pockets in the main areas keeps your feet feeling better.
Increased Stability
Stable feet offer a safe foundation for your entire frame. Hiking shoes and boots have excellent stability, but only when they fit properly. A right insole will secure your foot inside your boot so that you benefit from the stability it’s meant to provide.
Reduced Fatigue
A day of strenuous outdoor activities will lead to fatigue, but the cushioning and shock absorbing will eliminate tiredness you might experience.
Odor Control, Antibacterial, and Antimicrobial
Some of the best insoles for hiking boots come with antibacterial and microbial properties. They keep your feet fungus-free and fresh. The odor control helps you take your boots off at the end of the hike without having to apologize to your hike mates.
Shoe Insert Fitting Tips
- Try standing on it before fitting it in your boots. Lift one leg to ensure all weight is applied to the insole.
- Your foot has to be stable with your heel securely supported and cupped. Also, ensure your heel doesn’t extend the edge of the heel cup. If it extends to the forefoot end or is narrow, then go for a large one.
- Remove the shoe’s insole and insert the hiking one.
- Additionally, ensure you evaluate the volume. Your foot should feel snug and not too tight.
FAQs
How Often Should I Change My Insoles?
Insoles can serve you for about 6-12 months of excessive use. However, you can replace it when you start feeling foot fatigue or lose their foam factor.
Can I Put Insoles On Top Of Hiking Insoles?
Absolutely! You can add special insoles on top of your hiking boot insoles or combine them depending on the foot condition. But don’t do this unnecessarily; otherwise, it may cause foot problems.
What are the Best Insoles for Flat Feet?
You can use orthotic shoes combined with medium or high volume and low profile insoles. These insoles distribute pressure evenly and provide ample support.
Are Insoles Supposed to Hurt Initially?
For low profile or medium volume shoes, they may be uncomfortable at first. However, this discomfort fades away after a few times of use.
Best Insoles for Hiking Buying Guide
Just as there are several types of feet, there are various types of insoles out there. While selecting your best hiking insoles is a personal preference, you’ll still have to consider some factors to ensure you get the right pair of inserts that will suit your hiking needs. Here are some factors to consider when buying the best shoe inserts for hiking:
Types of Insoles
Insoles can be described as having two key characteristics: volume and profile. Volume is the space your insole takes in the shoe or boot, for example, whether it can fit on top of an existing insole. Medium, high, and low insoles are available.
The profile is the arch support. If you’ve arch support, you can go for low arch insoles. There’s also a high profile for people with flat feet and a medium profile for average foot types. Additionally, you can go for boot inserts that will cradle your heel to prevent slippage for people with narrow heels.
Durability
Hiking insoles bear a lot of beating, and they should be strong enough to endure abuse and pressure without breaking down or losing shape. High-quality hiking insoles are made of materials like athletic-grade foam, thick leather, or resilient gel that doesn’t flatten easily when hiking for extended hours over rough terrain.
Normally, insoles have a lifespan of 300-500 miles or 12 months. However, it can last longer if you use it occasionally and take good care of them. To get the best shoe inserts for hiking, check hiking boot insoles reviews by backpackers and hikers and choose the top-rated ones.
Materials
Hiking insoles should be constructed using top-notch and tough materials that can withstand the pressures of hiking. The best materials for backpacking and hacking include foam, leather, tough gel, and cork. The foam material is flexible, rigid, and long-lasting and adapts to the shape of your feet. Leather is moisture-wicking and tough. Cork is soft, lightweight, moisture-wicking yet supportive, sturdy, and durable.
Versatility
Insoles should have a perfect balance between cushioning, support, and versatility to suit various types of gaits, shoes, arch activities, and shapes. The high level of comfort, durability, and support of hiking’s best insoles make them ideal for other activities such as skiing, running, and jogging. Additionally, choose insoles that suit different shoe types and have an easy slip in and out.
Flexibility
A right hiking insole should be flexible enough to adapt to your feet movement changes and offer the support, comfort, and shock absorption you need in tough terrains.
Best Insoles for Hiking Reviews
When you go hiking, you want to keep your feet as comfortable as possible. That’s why so many hikers swear by high-quality insoles. In fact, some of the best hiking boot insoles boots can provide you with the support you need to keep walking comfortably for hours on end.
The following are some of the best insoles for hikers
Sof Sole Insoles Men’s ATHLETE Performance Full-Length Gel Shoe Insert
If you prioritize comfort on the terrains, the Sof Sole Insoles are super comfortable for hiking for long durations on rough terrains.
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They come with a blend of gel and foam cushioning for comfort. The gel pads are uniquely positioned to provide additional cushioning and shock absorption at the forefoot and heel. A moisture-wicking treatment prevents odor development and keeps your feet cool and dry.
With its contoured neutral arch design, these hiking insoles provide comfort and support to all feet shapes.
Features
- Contoured neutral arch
- 100% Implus foam
- Hydrologix moisture-wicking
Pros
- Lightweight foam cushioning
- Ideal for running, walking, and casual use
- Keeps your feet cool and dry
- Suitable for all foot types
Cons
- Too thick for sports
Shoe Insoles Arch Support Orthotic Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs & Foot Pain
The Nazaroo Orthotic Insoles does an excellent job keeping your foot aligned while supporting and stabilizing the foot. It comes with a composite fabric that wicks away moisture and breathes well.
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The material also has an anti-odor treatment. However, the size might be a bit big and wide, so you might need to trim them. This hiking insole has excellent arch support that distributes and minimizes pressure on the foot.
Features
- EVA material
- Breathable fabric
- Three-point mechanical design
- Deep heel cup
Pros
- Breathable and moisture-wicking material
- Great arch support
- Durable foam layer
- Great support in high impact activities
Cons
- Sizing runs a bit large
Envelop Gel Insoles – Shoe Inserts for Walking, Running, Hiking
If you’re looking for the best shoe insert for hiking that comes with massaging cushioning comfort, this is a good choice. It is designed to mold to feet and give you the comfort and support you need, no matter your foot’s shape.
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With these hiking inserts, you can enjoy hiking all day long without foot fatigue. It comes with a silicone gel that is resilient and retains its shape for a long time. What’s more, the Envelop inserts don’t flatten easily.
Features
- Resilient silicone gel
- Neutral arch design
- Honeycomb design
Pros
- Provides exceptional cushioning
- Lightweight insoles
- Maximum shock absorption
- Breathable material
Cons
- The inserts may move around
Protalus M100 Max Series– Patented Stress Relief Replacement Premium Shoe Inserts
The Protalus M100 Max Series yields maximum ankle joint alignment and has the highest degrees of arch support. It comes with high-quality materials that offer you superior cushioning and comfort and excellent moisture-wicking. It also aligns your body from the ground up and keeps you comfortable all day long.
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Features
- Tri-Planar Technology
- Anti-slip ridges
- Patented technology
Pros
- Maximum alignment of the ankle joint
- Excellent shock absorption
- Superior feet alignment
- Reduces the unsafe range of motion
Cons
- Some users complain that the insole makes their feet slide outward.
Samurai Insoles Instant Relief Orthotics for Flat Feet
Are you looking for the best hiking insoles for flat feet? Look no further! The Samurai Insoles Instant Relief Orthotics for Flat Feet is specially designed to keep your foot stable all day long.
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It has a lightweight construction that doesn’t compromise durability. However, you should not expect too much padding from the low-profile design if you have a heavy backpack or you’re heavy.
Features
- Low-profile design
- Orthotic full-length
- Deep heel cup
Pros
- Offers good durability
- Lightweight design
- No trimming required
- Low-profile design
Cons
- Too thin profile
Conclusion
Hiking insoles play a significant role in the way your shoes or boots perform. Therefore, ensure you take time when choosing the best insoles for hiking boots.
Always go for an insole that can withstand the pressures that come with hiking. Make sure you go through our hiking boot insoles reviews and choose with the factors discussed in the buying guide in mind.
