5 Best Insoles For Hiking Boots (Pros & Cons)

best insoles for hiking boots

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If you’re like most people, you love spending time outdoors hiking and exploring new trails. But if you’re not careful, those hikes can end up being pretty uncomfortable. That’s where my guide on the best insoles for hiking books comes in!

Let’s discuss the best insoles on the market that provides cushioning to your feet comfortably on your next hike. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right insole for your needs. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, be sure to read on for my best advice!

Best Insoles For Hiking Boots

I recommend the Superfeet Trailblazer comfort insoles to be the best insoles for hiking because of their comfortable design and supportive heel cup. Superfeet is lightweight, yet it keeps your foot issues low profile and is also a viable treatment for collapsed arches. Having said that, there are other great options. Here are my 5 top picks…

1. Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Carbon Fiber Support Insoles

Superfeet is a leading manufacturer of the best insoles for hiking because of their support, cushioning, and shock absorption.

The Superfeet Trailblazer has an EVOLyte carbon fiber stabilizer cap that provides support for your feet and ankles. Additionally, the product includes a dual comfort foam layer and a deep heel cup which helps keep your feet secure and comfortable. The arch support insoles are durable for up to 12 months or 500 miles. The Superfeet Trailblazer is specifically made for women.

Pros:

  1. Provides support, cushioning, and shock absorption
  2. Has an EVOLyte carbon fiber stabilizer cap
  3. Includes dual comfort foam and a deep heel cup
  4. Durable up to 12 months or 500 miles

Cons:

  1. Some users find the product too stiff.

2. Powerstep Arch Support Insoles

Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles by Powerstep are designed to provide support and cushioning for your feet. They have a flexible, shock-absorbing shell that helps protect your feet from impact.

Additionally, the product includes built-in arch support that helps relieve pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. The insoles are also antimicrobial and help in odor control.

Pros:

  1. Provide support and cushioning for your feet
  2. Have a flexible, shock-absorbing shell
  3. Include a built-in arch support
  4. Are antimicrobial and help reduce foot odor
  5. Specifically made for those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis

Cons:

  1. Some users find the product too firm
  2. Others find the arch support to be too weak
  3. Some users also find that the insoles slip inside their shoes.

3. Superfeet GREEN Insoles for Hiking

Superfeet GREEN Insoles for hiking has closed-cell high-density foam that provides comfort and support with a deep heel cup.

It is suitable for all types of medium and high-volume shoes, and its flexible design makes it easy to insert into your shoes. The product is also eco-friendly and made of recyclable materials.

Pros:

  1. Provides comfort and support
  2. Has a deep heel cup
  3. Flexible design makes it easy to insert into your shoes
  4. A deep cup prevents heel slippage.
  5. Eco-friendly and made of recyclable materials

Cons:

  1. Some users find the product too thin
  2. Others find that the product doesn’t provide enough support.

4. STASOLE Anti-Fatigue Insoles

STASOLE Anti-Fatigue Insoles combine the best dual-density design with a soft top layer for cushioning and a firm bottom layer for support. They have deep heel cups that provide additional support for your feet.

The product also provides arch support to low volume, neutral, and high volume arches – and the extra support helps with foot elongation, plantar fascia, foot pain, and flat feet.

Stasole provides a one-year comfort guarantee – whether you have running shoes or casual shoes. So, pain relief is guaranteed.

Pros:

  1. It has a soft top layer for cushioning and a firm bottom layer for support
  2. Deep heel cups provide additional support
  3. Provides arch support to low volume, neutral, and high volume arches
  4. One-year comfort guarantee

Cons:

  1. Some users dislike the firmness of the insoles.
  2. Some people claim that the arch support is insufficient.

5. Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Insoles for Hiking (for Men)

Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics are designed to provide support and pain relief for your feet and lower back. They have a firm, shock-absorbing design that can take up to 200 pounds that helps reduce the impact on your lower back and feet.

The insole of this product is also easy to insert and has long-lasting durability. It also has built-in arch support to help relieve plantar fasciitis pain and discomfort.

Pros:

  1. Provide support and pain relief for your feet
  2. Have a firm, shock-absorbing design
  3. Easy to insert into any type of footwear
  4. Include built-in arch support
  5. Lightweight yet heavy-duty

Cons:

  1. Only made for men, not all foot types
  2. No odor-fighting property for the shoe

What Are The Benefits of Hiking Insoles?

Benefits of Hiking Insoles
Source: Superfeet

There are many benefits of using insoles, especially for hiking. They can help relieve foot pain, prevent blisters and calluses, improve balance and stability, and even increase your energy levels. Additionally, they can help keep your feet dry and comfortable by wicking away sweat. Here is a list of the main benefits of using insoles in your hiking shoes:

1. Shock Absorption

One of the most important functions of insoles is to provide shock absorption.

This helps protect your feet and legs from the impact of walking or running on hard surfaces, which can lead to pain and injuries. Additionally, shock absorption can help improve your balance and stability, especially on uneven terrain.

2. Stability

Another important function of hiking insoles is to provide stability.

This helps prevent your feet from slipping inside your boots or shoes, leading to blisters and other foot problems. Additionally, stability can help improve your balance on uneven terrain.

3. Support

Hiking boot insoles also provide support for your feet and ankles.

This helps reduce the risk of pain and injuries by supporting the bones and muscles in your feet and ankles. Additionally, support can help improve your balance on uneven terrain.

4. Moisture-wicking properties

Some hiking insoles also have moisture-wicking properties, which help keep your feet dry and comfortable by wicking away sweat.

This can prevent blisters and other foot problems caused by sweaty or wet feet.

How to Choose the Right Hiking Insoles?

When choosing a hiking insole, it’s important to consider your needs and the type of terrain you’ll be hiking on. For example, if you have flat feet or pronate (roll inward), you’ll need an insole with good arch support. If you have high arches, you’ll need an insole that provides cushioning and shock absorption. And if you’ll be hiking on uneven terrain, you’ll need an insole with good stability.

Once you’ve determined your needs, choose an insole that fits well, insoles come in different sizes and shapes, so it’s important to find one that fits your foot snugly without being too tight. It’s also important to choose an insole that’s comfortable and won’t slip inside your boot or shoe.

If you are walking a lot for work, you might also enjoy my guide on the best insoles for walking.

Comfort insoles vs. Sport Insoles

When choosing the correct insole for your needs, it’s essential to know the difference between comfort insoles and sports insoles.

  • Comfort insoles are designed for everyday use and provide cushioning and support.
  • Sport insoles are designed for athletes and provide additional stability and shock absorption.

Should You Choose Custom or Prefabricated

There are two main types of hiking insoles: custom and prefabricated. Both types of insoles have their pros and cons.

  • Custom insoles are made to order and fit your feet perfectly.
  • Prefabricated insoles are mass-produced and come in a range of sizes.
  • Custom insoles are more expensive but provide a better fit.
  • Prefabricated insoles are less expensive but may not provide the same level of comfort and support.

Also Consider Volume, Materials, & Shape

Insole Volume

When it comes to choosing the right insole for your needs, it’s essential to consider insole volume. Insole volume is the amount of space inside the insole that your foot takes up.

Therefore, choosing an insole with enough volume to accommodate your foot without being too tight is essential.

Insole Materials

There are a variety of materials used in the construction of hiking insoles. The most common materials are foam, gel, and plastic.

  • Foam is the softest and most comfortable material.
  • Gel provides moderate cushioning and support.
  • Plastic is the stiffest material and provides the most support.

Insole Shapes

Insoles come in various shapes to fit different foot sizes and shapes. The most common shapes are flat, arch, and contoured.

  • Flat insoles provide minor support and are best for people with low arches.
  • Arch insoles provide moderate support and are best for people with medium to high arches.
  • Finally, contoured insoles provide the most support and are best for people with high arches.

Best Insoles for Hiking – FAQs

How Do You Clean Your Hiking Insoles

It’s important to keep your hiking insoles clean to prevent bacteria and fungus from growing. The best way to clean your insoles is to remove them from your shoes or boots and wash them with soap and water. You can also use a mild disinfectant to kill any bacteria or fungus that may be present.

I wrote a couple of guides on cleaning leather shoes and cleaning suede shoes if your hiking shoes or boots are dirty. You can also follow this guide for cleaning white shoes although I wouldn’t recommend white shoes for hiking.

When to Replace Your Hiking Insoles?

Hiking insoles should be replaced every six months to prevent wear and tear. Additionally, if you start to experience discomfort or pain, it’s important to replace your insoles as soon as possible.

Can I put insoles in walking boots?

Yes, you can put insoles in walking boots. Insoles provide additional cushioning and support, which can be helpful if you have a boot with little padding. Additionally, insoles can help improve your boot’s fit and prevent blisters.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Insoles for Hiking

Hiking can be a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. But, if you’re looking for a little extra comfort and support on your next hike, consider using hiking insoles. If you don’t necessarily do a lot of hiking but you are standing a lot for work, check out my guide on the best insoles for standing all day.

When it’s time to replace your hiking insoles, consider one of the options in my review. Your feet will be glad you did!

All the hiking insoles listed in my guide are great choices. Here is the complete list again:

  1. Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Carbon Fiber Orthotic Support Insoles
  2. Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles by Powerstep
  3. Superfeet GREEN Insoles
  4. STASOLE Anti-Fatigue Insoles
  5. Dr. Scholl’s Heavy Duty Support Pain Relief Orthotics – Best for Men over 200 lbs

Did you try any of the hiking insoles listed in this guide? Let me know what you thought in the comments below. If you have a favorite hiking boot insole not listed in my review, let me know and I might add them to my list!

All the best!

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