If you are not comfortable with the shoes you wear, you will not enjoy any activity that involves the use of your feet like walking, hiking, and jogging. Fortunately, there are shoe inserts specially designed for hiking boots. Some of the best insoles for hiking have features meant to provide support and comfort for the hiker.
There are specific criteria that you need to be aware of to distinguish an average insole from a high-volume hiking boots insert. Those features are part of what we will talk about today. We will also check out some insole brands for you to consider for your personal use.
Comparison Chart
Best Insoles for Hiking Boots: A Review
1. Walk Hero Feet Insoles
Walk Hero develops and manufactures one of the latest insole technology that aids in correcting flat feet and other feet discomforts. They aim to make your hiking experience better through its comfortable and supportive insoles. They make things simple but durable and sell their products at an affordable price.
Product Highlights
Some of the key features of this insert include:
- Comfort
The Walk Hero insole uses high-quality EVA material that lessens friction and keeps your feet fresh since it provides the needed arch support that can improve the alignment of your legs and feet. It also adds comfort and alleviates stress and pain on your feet caused by flat feet, arthritis, bunions, diabetes, Achilles Tendonitis, and more. It can provide relief from heel pain and spurs, as well.
- Stability
The in-depth heel cup allows you to keep your foot stable and in the right position while protecting your heel from the landing impact of your every step. It can also prevent foot injuries.
- Control and Support
The company designed the insole for everyday use. It has firm and flexible arch support that offers average control, comfort, and cushioning for your leisure and daily footwear like hiking boots and work shoes.
The Good
One of the things you will like about this insole is its ability to provide support all day, meaning you can be on your feet without any feeling of discomfort. The product’s design is straightforward yet very effective.
It is suitable for almost all kinds of shoes and is available at both men's and women's sizes. The company is also willing to issue a refund if the customer is not satisfied with the product.
The Bad
The product is not machine washable and should be cleaned with warm water only. Some people who have tried using this insole also noticed that you need to have a few days before getting used to wearing it.
You also don't have a choice when it comes to arch heights. That is maybe because of its budget-friendly price.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Flexible
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
- Strong arch support
Cons:
- Generic design
- Requires special cleaning
2. Dr. Scholl’s Work Advanced Insoles
It was in 1904 when the founder of the company invented and patented the first arch support, which led the way to the start of this global company.
Dr. Scholl’s Work Advanced Insoles is for people working on hard surfaces and feel pain and fatigue on their legs and feet.
Product Highlights
Coming from an established company, here are the things to expect from this product:
- Extra Cushioning
Cushioning is added to the forefront of the insole to protect one of the sensitive parts of the foot. It also provides additional comfort as you work all day.
- Cooling Vents
There are numerous cooling vents on the insole to keep your feet dry and cool while wearing your shoes with the insole.
- Arch Support
The arch and side support are constructed with added strength to provide ease and comfort with your every step.
- Responsive Wave Cushioning
Multi-layer waves are cushioning placed on the heel and arch using the Massaging Gel Advanced technology that provides all-day support and shock-absorption for your feet. This cushioning also helps in keeping you energized throughout the day. The sturdy columns included offer a molded guide to the most overworked part of the feet.
- Compatibility
The insole from Dr. Scholl’s is suitable for most kinds of shoes like work boots, sneakers, and even casual footwear. You also have the option to trim the insole to fit inside your shoes.
- Money-Back Guarantee
The company offers a money-back guarantee for those who are not satisfied with the product.
The Good
The great thing about this product is that the manufacturer used high-quality materials in constructing this insole and yet selling it at an affordable price. The pain on the feet gradually subsides with the continuous use of the insoles. It also helps in extending the life of your shoes.
We also love that the insert has the right sizing and gives a good fit, while you can also easily trim it with a pair of scissors for a perfect fit. Additionally, you can wash it by hand or machine using a gentle cycle.
The Bad
These insoles and the gel cushioning are thin and do not offer enough cushion. You should use it together with the original insole of your shoes. This shoe insert is also not suitable for sandals or those with high arches.
It is also not recommended for running as it needs a lot more pressure than mere walking. Lastly, the surface of the insole is slippery if you are wearing socks.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Fits well
- Washable
Cons:
- Not breathable
- Lacks cushioning
3. Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Insoles
This heavy-duty support and pain relief orthotic insole is designed for men who weigh more than 200 pounds and suffering from lower back pain and discomfort on their legs and feet. It uses technology that can reduce the impact on the user's feet.
Product Highlights
This insole boasts a lot of features, including:
- Modern Technology
The insole has Arch Guard and Shock Proof technology exclusive to Dr. Scholl. These types of technology provide sturdy support since they lessen the impact on the foot to relieve the user from lower back pain. They also ease leg and foot tiredness.
- Compatibility
The shoe insert is for men weighing from 200 to 300 pounds. It is suitable for sneakers, casual shoes, as well as work shoes or boots. The design provides you with enough room for your toes to move comfortably.
The Good
The insole does its job well by relieving the feet and legs from pain and fatigue. It provides enough support by reducing the pressure you put on your feet as you walk, which also helps in preventing or relieving pain on your lower back.
You can find markings on the insole for more comfortable trimming according to your size. It also offers proper shock absorption.
The Bad
You have to trim the shoe insert for a perfect fit and to prevent it from squeaking as you walk, although some claim that the squeak does not disappear. The manufacturer also did not mention anything about sweat or odor control if you use this insert. People with high arches and flat feet will not benefit from this insole.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Neutral arch support
- Proper weight distribution
Cons:
- Squeaks
- Thin
- Weak heel cushion
4. Physix Gear Sport Inserts
Physix Gear Sport is a family-owned company that primarily values customer satisfaction before profit. Their insoles provide comfort, durability, and safety. They intend to relieve all kinds of feet discomfort like heel spurs, heel and foot pain, and flat feet. It is available in a wide range of sizes for both men and women alike.
Product Highlights
Some of the things you'd expect from this insert include:
- Arch Support
This orthotic insole design actively supports the low arch of your foot by balancing its structure. It offers convenience and a comfort solution for flat feet, shin splints, runner’s knee, and Achilles Tendonitis.
It also helps in relieving arch and heel pain, ball of foot pain, knee pain, flat feet, and low back pain. It can even correct unusual walking patterns.
- Excellent Materials
The insole has high-quality PU and EVA foam materials. These durable and ultra-thin designed orthotic insoles are comfortable to wear, ensuring that your feet are well taken care of. These medical-grade shoe inserts are proven clinically effective in improving your physical activity performance.
- Strong Performance
This shoe insert is excellent for daily use as well as sports like rock climbing, running, and ball games. It is also for people who are always on their feet for long periods.
The ergonomic design of these orthotic insoles ensures long-lasting comfort while its shock absorption capabilities reduce leg and feet muscle fatigue. The insoles are compatible with sneakers, casual shoes, work shoes, and hiking boots or shoes.
- Non-Slip
The heel of this orthotic insert has a non-slip design to ensure that the insole securely stays in place. The insole provides enough room in the toe box for a more comfortable feel.
- Risk-Free Purchase
The Physix Gear Sports company promises to provide one of the best foot product for their customers. If you encounter any issues with the product or decides that it does not meet your expectations, just contact the company for a refund or a replacement.
The Good
The insole has a top anti-microbial fabric, which helps prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms caused by sweat and dirt. The low profile design and dual-layer foam ensure enough support and comfort for your feet as you do your daily activities.
It also controls and re-aligns the feet for improved balance and stability, lessening the stress on the lower back, legs, and feet. The best thing is that the company’s support is available 24 hours a day.
The Bad
Some users require extra cushioning since the insole has an ultra-thin design. They can feel the soles of their shoes due to the insert’s thinness. They don't recommend this insole for people with neuropathy.
Pros:
- True to size
- Comfortable
- Made of quality materials
- Good arch support
Cons:
- Not for high arch
- Stiff
- Thin
5. Powerstep Pinnacle Shoe Inserts
The Powerstep company continues to create prefabricated orthotics in various styles and sizes for more than 30 years now since its founding in 1991. Each type provides different levels of support and cushioning to cater to different kinds of foot discomforts.
Product Highlights
The key features of this insert are:
- Support Shell
The support shell of the Pinnacle insole is semi-rigid. It is firm but flexible, which is the right combination for stability and comfort.
- Cushioning
This shoe insert has a two-layer durable cushioning. The base uses an EVA foam, which is similar to rubber in its flexibility and softness. At the same time, the top layer made of plush foam material usually prevents pressure sores and reduces pain from the foot’s sensitive area.
- Arch Support
The insole has a built-in heel cradle and neutral arch support that keep the heel stable as you perform your daily task.
- Quality Top Fabric
The polyester top fabric of the insole has anti-microbial properties that prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria. The feet remain fresh, which also means less sweat buildup.
The Good
The Pinnacle insole is medical-grade foot support, which means that it was clinically tested and proven effective in relieving pain and discomfort. You can use the insole for boots, athletic, casual, and dress shoes. It has gained the approval of the American Podiatric Medical Association, which only shows that the professionals accept the effectiveness of the insole.
The Bad
Unfortunately, the cushion material broke down after using it for a couple of weeks, which made the feet sore. The location of the arch support on the insole is not suitable for some users because it only aggravates the pain on their feet.
Pros:
- Multiple sizes available
- Relieves pain
- Comfortable
- Enough arch support
Cons:
- Did not last long
- Not for heavyweight people
- Too wide
Buyer’s Guide
Do you like activities that generally use your feet, such as walking, hiking, and cycling? Do you suffer from foot aches, hot spots, and blisters?
If these discomforts are stopping you from enjoying your favorite activities, maybe it’s time for you to try using shoe inserts. Below are the things that you have to look for when buying an insole.
1. Type
There are different types of insoles, depending on what you need them for, such as a supportive insole. This kind of insole uses a harder material to support the structure of your feet and to keep it stable. Supportive insoles are for structural misalignment, plantar fasciitis, and supination or over-pronation.
2. Insole Volume
Insole volume, like insole types, also comes in different varieties from high to low, depending on several factors.
- High-volume insoles are for high volume footwear like running shoes, ski boots, and hiking boots. They are also suitable for high arches.
- Medium-volume insoles are for average-volume shoes like some athletic shoes and casual shoes. They are suitable for different kinds of arches.
- Low-volume insoles are for low-volume shoes like cycling shoes, ski skate boots, and in-line skate boots. This one works best for people with low arches.
3. Durability
Insoles used for hiking have to be sturdy enough to keep its shape and not break down since they endure the pressure of walking on rough terrains. The insole should be made of sturdy materials like thick leather, flexible gel, and athletic grade foam. Generally, insoles should last for one year or 300 to 500 miles of usage.
4. Flexibility
The shape of your feet changes during hiking, so insoles should be flexible enough to support every step. Its shock-absorbing capabilities should be enough to keep you comfortable in any surroundings. One of the best flexible insoles is made with memory foam or gel.
5. Support
It is an essential quality that you need to look for when looking for hiking insoles. The shape of the arch and the way a person moves their feet determines the level of support your feet needs and where you need it the most.
Hard insoles provide a lot of help when you are hiking with a heavy bag. It is also the best choice for those who tend to pronate and have flat feet or high arches.
6. Fit
Your hiking insole should have a perfect fit so that you can get the comfort and support you are looking for. It should cup your heel and cover your entire feet.
The insole must stay in place and not move around while hiking. High and medium volume insoles are the best choice for hiking.
7. Versatility
Insoles must be able to provide comfort and support at the same time. Versatile insoles are suitable in all types of footwear and arch shapes. The insole should accommodate the way you walk and whatever activities you do.
8. Comfort
Support and comfort are the focal point of the best insoles for hiking boots. Support is more important than cushioning when it comes to hiking insoles.
The convenience comes from the level of stability from the insole. You will also find insoles with some layer of cushioning to absorb shocks from the impact of your steps. This extra cushioning makes your feet comfortable.
9. Material
If you are looking for hiking insoles, make sure that it has sturdy and premium materials that can endure the ordeal of hiking. Leather can wick away moisture and is one of the most robust materials that you can use for hiking insoles.
On the other hand, insoles made of cork is also the right choice as it is durable, soft, and lightweight, which can also absorb sweat to keep your feet dry. Foam is another material that is ideal for a hiking insole. It may be rigid, but it is also long-lasting. Its flexibility allows the cup to follow the shape of the feet for added cushioning, support, shock absorption, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Make My Hiking Boots More Comfortable?
Most shoes need a break-in time before your feet get accustomed to them. Before using your new boots on a hiking expedition, try wearing your shoes inside the house first to test how they feel.
Then, wear the shoes around town before going out on a trail with a backpack. Be observant and take note of any pain on your feet and take action if needed.
Replacing the original insole of your hiking boots with the right shoe insert is another way of making your hiking boots more comfortable to wear. For a more comfortable fit, you should learn how to properly break-in hiking shoes and how long does it takes to do so.
2. Can You Put Insoles on Top of Insoles?
Some manufacturer’s boot insoles are permanent, so there’s no way to replace it with an orthotic. However, you can find the best insoles for hiking boots that are thin enough to fit inside your shoes on top of the original one. The good thing is that sometimes, it feels more comfortable to have a shoe insert on top of the insole.
3. Are Arch Supports Good for Your Feet?
Many people suffer from foot pain, but arch support helps in preventing or minimizing the pain so that you can walk and stand more comfortably. It distributes pressure and offers balance, stability, and support. Arch supports can also prevent your arch from collapsing as you do your daily activities.
4. Why Are Arches in Feet Important?
Arches in feet are viewed as the essential part of the foot because they help support the body while you are standing. The foot is composed of three arches that act as a spring, so it can carry the weight of the body and absorb the shock and pressure that comes from our movements.
Each person has a different arch height that needs different support and protection. The arch shape may also change as we get older.
5. Are Gel Insoles Good for Your Feet?
We can say that gel insoles are suitable for the feet because they can absorb pressure and shock well. They also provide extra cushioning to protect the underside of the foot and help in providing comfort to your feet.
Final Verdict
Shoe inserts are essential in reducing feet discomforts, especially during your daily activities. Insoles are most beneficial for people who use their feet all day while working. They make you feel comfortable and offer the support your feet need to prevent further discomfort on the lower part of your body from the back down to your feet.
Selecting and using the correct type of insole will improve your posture, lessen the pain and tiredness of your feet, and prevent other discomforts associated with continuous standing and walking. That said, our favorite is the inserts by Walk Hero.