7 Best Insoles for Hiking Boots in 2023

In the words of the song by Nancy Sinatra, “these boots are made for walking,” but are your feet? Choosing the best insoles for hiking boots can provide the comfort and support you need on any hike.

You’ll want hiking insoles that provide your feet with stability and keep your weight distributed well. This will help make you as sure-footed as a goat when out on the most difficult trails, even with a pack on your back.

 

Here are our top 7 picks of the best insoles for hiking boots for men and women

1. Powerstep Journey Hiker Shoe Insoles

The Journey Hiker insoles are designed for maximum support and comfort. They have firm arch support and a deep heel cradle. Shock is absorbed by dual-layered cushioning, and the top layer resists friction and has an antimicrobial treatment.

 

2. Sof Sole Athlete Performance Gel Insert

Sof Sole brings us an insole suitable for all types of feet. It has a neutral arch, patented Implus foam cushioning, and gel in the heel and forefoot to absorb impact. A moisture-wicking top layer helps keep your feet dry, while a Microban layer embedded in the foam prevents foot odor.

 

3. Physix Gear Sport Full-Length Inserts

Features in the Physix Gear Sport inserts include arch and heel support to help alleviate many foot conditions. They’re made of a semi-rigid EVA foam combined with polyurethane to bolster your feet. The heel is designed to be non-slip, making sure they stay put.

 

4. Tread Labs Stride Insoles

Delivered in two pieces, these hiking shoe inserts from Tread Labs can be customized to your arches. There’s arch support available in low, medium, high, and extra-high accompanied by a cushioned top layer that attaches with Velcro. The company offers a lifetime guarantee on the arch support section.

 

5. Protalus M100 – Patented Insoles

The Protalus insoles work for boots and shoes that have a bit of room to spare and are good for wide feet. Heel cups that conform to your feet keep your ankles aligned and relieve stress on your joints. They’re enhanced by features to absorb shock, provide cushioning for comfort, and hold the insoles in place.

 

6. Samurai Insoles

These Samurai insoles are low profile, lightweight, and suitable for any foot type. There’s a springy inner core designed to provide support and cushioning where it matters. The company promises to deliver all you need for comfortable feet.

 

7. Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles

Trailblazer Comfort insoles are loaded with features to keep feet happy on the trail, even on uneven ground. Technology built into the heels disperses your weight during descents and ascents while a foam layer keeps feet stable and prevents fatigue. A moisture-wicking layer helps feet stay dry and fresh.

 

Reviews of Hiking boot Inserts

Whether you spend hours or days out hiking trails, you’ll want your feet to stand up to the task. These are our top 7 choices of hiking boot inserts to ensure your footwear provides comfort and support.

 

1. Powerstep Journey Hiker Shoe Insoles

The Powerstep story started back in 1991 with a podiatrist and runner, Dr. Les Appel. He designed insoles that were affordable and addressed the many issues people have with their feet, as an alternative to custom-made orthotics.

 

These unisex insoles are available to fit hiking boots in sizes 4 to 15 for men and 6 to 12 for women. Each size covers a half size increment, for example, 5- 5.5, except for the two largest men’s sizes, which cover a whole size and a half difference.

A firm arch support and heel cradle come from a polypropylene shell to help stabilize your feet on rough, uneven surfaces. These insoles are suitable for all types of arches. Dual-layer EVA foam cushions your feet providing comfort on short or long hikes.

On the top of the inserts is a polyester fabric in a camouflage design, which reduces friction. This also has an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent foot odor.

The manufacturer advises us that these insoles can help with a number of foot conditions. These include plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, fallen arches, shin splints, and pronation.

You can move these insoles between different types of shoes, and they shouldn’t need any trimming to make them fit.

It seems these insoles are quite high profile, which is great if you have room to fill in your boots. However, if your boots are already tight, they might take up too much space.

Pros

• Arch support.
• Dual-layer cushioning.
• Heel stability.
• Anti-friction uppers with odor control.

Cons

• Not suitable for tight-fitting shoes.

These insoles offer firm support for your arches and dual-layered cushioning for comfort. The uppers help reduce friction and have an antimicrobial treatment to keep foot odor at bay. They’re designed for use in outdoor boots and hiking or trail running shoes.

 

2. Sof Sole Athlete Performance Gel Inserts

Sof Sole has been manufacturing accessories for athletic shoes for over 20 years. Its selection of insoles uses technology to deal with many needs and types of activities. The Athlete insole aims to add support to your hiking boots and other athletic footwear.

 

Some of the patented features in these insoles include Implus foam for cushioning and Hydrologix for moisture-wicking. Both of these add to the comfort factor provided by these inserts.

Shock absorption in the heel and forefoot comes from gel inserts in these areas. This video shows you the positioning of these padded components. The arch in these insoles is neutral, making them suitable for most foot types.

For those of you that suffer from smelly feet, a Microban treatment is built into the foam cushioning. This helps prevent the bacteria that causes foot odor to multiply.

Offered in sizes 7 to 16 for men and 5 to 11 for women, each one covers one and a half sizes. The toe area of the insoles can be trimmed to fit, so they’re the correct length for your hiking boots. The manufacturer doesn’t recommend that you trim the heel though, as this can change the position of the heel cup.

If your feet are on the wider side, it might be worth sizing up to accommodate them — some find these come up a little narrow at the ball of the foot.

Pros

• Sizes for men and women.
• Toe area can be trimmed to fit.
• Gel for cushioning.
• Antimicrobial treatment.

Cons

• Can run narrow at the ball of the foot for some.

Suitable for men and women, these hiking boot inserts combine foam and gel for cushioning to keep your feet comfortable. They have moisture-wicking and odor-control properties to keep your feet dry and smelling fresh.

 

3. Physix Gear Sport Full-Length Inserts

One of the newer kids on the block when it comes to insoles is Physix Gear. It’s a family-run business founded in 2015 whose products are becoming a popular choice for many.

 

Sizes begin at an extra-small that fits men’s feet from 3 to 4.5 and women’s from 5 to 6.5. Four other sizes are on offer, small, medium, large, and extra-large, each covering between one and a half or two and a half sizes. The maximum sizing is a men’s 12 to 14.5 and ladies 14 to 16.5.

These insoles have trim lines, so they can be cut down to the correct size for your shoes. Furthermore, they’re anti-slip and low profile, not taking up too much room in your hiking boots.

The company uses dual-layered foam and medical-grade polyurethane in the construction of these insoles. These help cocoon your feet comfortably.

Support at the arches and heels comes from a semi-rigid orthotic, which keeps your feet aligned. This could help with foot conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, and overpronation.

Feet are kept fresh and dry with the use of an antimicrobial top layer.

Purchasing these insoles is a risk-free investment with the 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. The company promises to replace your insoles or refund your money if you aren’t happy with them.

On the downside, many find these insoles very wide, which is great if you have broad feet, but not if you don’t. Yes, you can trim them, but you might have to cut into an integral part of the insole, which could compromise their durability.

Pros

• Deep heel cup for stability.
• Arch support from a semi-rigid orthotic.
• Can be trimmed to fit.
• Ultra-thin profile.

Cons

• Might be too wide for some shoes.

These insoles are thin and lightweight while maintaining support and cushioning for your arches and heels. Offered in a wide range of sizes for women and men, they can be trimmed to fit the length of your shoes.

 

4. Tread Labs Stride Insoles

Tread Labs bring us a unique type of insole for hiking boots. It comes in two parts; a molded orthotic support for heels and arches and a replaceable top cover.

 

Men and women can reap the benefits these insoles could offer, with sizes ranging from 5 to 10.5 for ladies and 8 to 13.5 for men. There are also four different levels of arch support to choose from, low, medium, high, and extra-high meaning you can custom fit your inserts.

An arch support section is made from molded polypropylene and resembles a three-quarter length insole. It has a deep heel cup for stability and alignment.

The top cover secures to the molded arch with Velcro and can be trimmed to fit the size of your hiking boots. It’s made from five millimeters of open-cell polyurethane foam to cushion your feet and keep them comfortable. The fabric finish is low friction and has a Pure antimicrobial treatment to keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.

Tread Labs has confidence in its product, offering a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, as well as a lifetime guarantee on the arch support section.

This video shows you how to trim the upper layer.

Some find these insoles make a squeaking noise when you walk, so be prepared for this. It also seems the heel cup may be too narrow for very wide feet.

Pros

• Customizable two-piece insoles with different arch heights.
• Antimicrobial odor control.
• Lifetime guarantee on the heel and arch support section.
• Cushioned top layer.

Cons

• Might be noisy in use.
• Could be too narrow in the heel for some users.

These are a unique type of insole for your hiking boots, which come in two pieces. A molded arch and heel support fixes with Velcro to a polyurethane cushioned full-length insert. They’re anti-slip, friction resistant, and fight foot odor.

 

5. Protalus M100 – Patented Insoles

The Protalus insole is a relative newcomer to the market. This company was founded in 2014 by a father trying to find a solution for his son’s foot pain. He pulled together a team of experts and built the M100, along with other insoles.

 

Sizes for these insoles span from youth to adult options. For the younger ones among us, you can choose from 13.5 to 4, for men, 5.5 to 15, and women 4.5 to 12.5.

The company tells us that the uniqueness of its insoles comes from the patented TPS technology and the curved heel cup. It aims to correct the position of your ankles and feet so they can move in the way they should. This aligns your body, relieving stress on your joints, and distributing your weight evenly.

Anti-slip ridges are featured on the underneath of the insoles to prevent movement in your shoes. Premium materials are used to support and cushion your feet and arches, add comfort as you walk, and alleviate foot fatigue.

These insoles are for use in boots and sports shoes that have a higher volume to accommodate them. A 90-day money-back guarantee comes with all Protalus products, excluding postage.

This manufacturer’s video outlines how these insoles work and some of their benefits.

Sitting at the higher end of the price range for insoles, some find these aren’t giving value for money in the quality department — it seems they wear out after a few months.

Pros

• Align ankles and feet.
• Cushioned and supportive.
• Youth sizes available.
• Designed for boots and sports shoes.

Cons

• Durability might be questionable.

The company designed these insoles for boots and sports shoes, with sizes available for youths, men and women. They have a patented build that aims to align your ankles and feet correctly to alleviate foot and lower limb pain, among other issues.

 

6. Samurai Insoles

Get in touch with your Ninja side with these insoles from Samurai. Podiatrist, Dr. Thomas Lembo, designed them as an alternative to custom orthotics when he developed foot pain himself.

 

Sizes offered are from a ladies 6 to 13.5, and men’s 4 to 16.5. Each one covers a half size range, and they shouldn’t require trimming — they’re designed to be a perfect fit. There’s also a thicker version of this insole, the Samurai Sumo, which would work for boots that have a bit more room in them.

The technology in these insoles is the same for either model. Both are low profile and lightweight, offering a springy core for cushioning. They should mold to the shape of your feet with support for your arches.

Some of the foot conditions these insoles might address include fallen arches, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis, among others.

Confidence in this product comes in the 60-day money-back guarantee, which includes paying for return shipping.

This video from Samurai Insoles explains the benefits and conception of these insoles.

Some find the red color used in the uppers of these insoles can bleed into light-colored socks. You might also have to replace them regularly as the durability could be in question.

Pros

• Designed to fit shoes with no trimming needed.
• Choice of two thicknesses.
• Money-back guarantee.

Cons

• Might not last long.
• Could transfer color to light socks.

These insoles are designed to fit your hiking boots straight from the packet with no trimming required. They offer arch support and could alleviate the pain associated with a number of foot conditions. You can choose from two thicknesses.

 

7. Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles

Superfeet is a 100 percent employee-owned company that has been trading for over 40 years. The Trailblazer has been designed to keep feet comfortable on uneven ground encountered when hiking.

 

Suitable for the whole family, the sizes offered include kids 2.5 to 4, women’s 4.5 to 12.5, and men’s 5.5 to 13. Each choice covers a one-and-a-half size range, and you can trim them for a perfect fit. This video from Superfeet shows you how to do it.

There are many patented features built into these inserts for hiking boots. Their overall aim is to support, and cushion your feet helping keep fatigue, blisters, and hot spots at bay.

A deep heel cup helps prevent your feet from slipping, while Heel Impact Technology (H.I.T.) absorbs shock going up and down the trail. An Aerospring Ascent Dual Comfort Foam and Evolyte carbon fiber stabilizer improve stability and cushion your feet on a hike.

Proprietary MoistureWick helps keep feet dry, preventing foot odor. The construction of the insoles is durable, and the company claims they should last for up to 12 months or 500 miles.

This video from Grizzle Gear outlines the benefits of this insole.

For some, the arch support is seated in the wrong place, but they’ve corrected this by sizing up and trimming. It also appears that these insoles could cause a squeaking noise when walking.

Pros

• Sizes for kids and adults.
• Proprietary features designed for hiking boots.
• Moisture-wicking for dry, odor-free feet.

Cons

• Might need to size up to correctly position the arch support.
• Could be squeaky.

Trailblazers from Superfeet are designed for hiking boots and shoes to help stabilize your feet on the rockiest of trails. They have many patented features to cushion and support the whole family’s feet.

 

Choosing the Best Insoles for Hiking Boots

Although the factory insoles in your boots might be sufficient at first, over time, they can wear and need replacing. Then there’s the issue of various foot conditions that the existing insoles might not address.

In general, the soles of your hiking boots will be reasonably firm. The footbed will be geared towards neutral arches, and have some cushioning and support. Unless you are heading towards high-end products, the manufacturers will have designed them for what the company considers to be the average foot.

Here are some of the things you should consider when replacing the factory insoles in your hiking boots:

 

Which Type of Insole: Sport or Comfort?

When looking for insoles for your hiking boots, you might come across sports insoles and comfort insoles. But what’s the difference?

Comfort insoles aim to provide additional cushioning from gel or foam built into their construction. They don’t always offer a huge amount of support, and are usually designed for a regular-shaped foot. These could be a good choice if you have no foot conditions to consider and just want some extra padding underfoot.

Sports insoles often provide more support for your feet. They can be more rigid and contoured, molding to the shape of your foot. Stability from arch and heel support are included in their features. These could be your choice if your feet need more structural help rather than cushioning alone.

 

The Benefits of Insoles for Hiking Boots

The best insoles for hiking boots can help your feet in many different ways. These include:

• Arch support: Your arch is a bit like your foot’s suspension system — it absorbs shock and provides flexibility. Keeping them supported can help prevent foot conditions and ensure weight is distributed evenly over your feet.
• Cushioning: Additional comfort for your feet from foam, air, or gel in the insoles can help make your feet feel less fatigued. Any shock absorption features will help dissipate impact protecting the many bones and ligaments in your feet.
• Stability: Helping align your feet and holding them securely inside your hiking boots could keep you more stable on the trail. This is crucial when you’re traversing various types of terrain as it can help avoid injuries.
• Prevent blisters: Friction blisters are caused by your feet slipping inside your boots or shoes. A deep heel cup, which locks your feet down in your boots, can help prevent slippage. Anti-friction or anti-slip material on the uppers can also be beneficial.
• Alignment: Insoles that correctly align your ankles and feet can help prevent pain in the rest of your body like your knees, hips, and back. This can also aid with difficulties such as overpronation and supination.
• Help foot conditions: The correct support for your arches and heels can help prevent things like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, and more. This video explains how some of these conditions occur and how insoles can be beneficial.

• Keep feet fresh and odor-free: Moisture-wicking properties help draw wetness away from your feet, keeping them dry. Antimicrobial treatments keep odor-causing bacteria at bay.

 

Other Features of Insoles for Hiking Boots

In addition to the benefits listed above, there are a few other considerations to take into account when choosing the best insoles for hiking boots:

• Profile: The profile of an insole refers to its thickness and, consequently, how much room it will take up in your boots. If your boots are already snug, then go for a low-profile insert. You can learn more about insoles for boots that are too big in this article.
• Correct arch height: We’ve mentioned how arch support helps your feet, but make sure you choose the right level of support. Neutral or low arches might benefit more from moldable insoles, while medium and high arches could need more rigid support.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Need Insoles?

If your feet start to get more tired and your boots aren’t as comfy as they were, it could be time to invest in new insoles. It’s also a good idea to see if you have low or high arches so you can make sure your feet have the right support.

This video from Wiggle explains how you can check your arch height.

Any time you feel pain in your feet or lower limbs, you should seek medical advice. A doctor can check for foot issues, and advise you on how to address the situation.

 

How Can I Check If My Insoles Fit Correctly?

Before fitting your insoles into your hiking boots, place them on the floor, and stand on them. The cup should enclose your heel, and your foot shouldn’t be spilling over the edges. There should be a small gap between the end of your toes and the end of the insoles.

You can also remove your existing insoles from your boots and compare them. These can act as a template to trim new insoles, so they fit, but make sure you take your time and trim little by little. You can’t stick it back on once you’ve cut it off.

Pop the insoles into your boots, and wearing the socks you intend to wear, put the boots on and lace them up. Your boots should feel snug but not too tight.

 

How Should I Care for My Insoles?

Caring for your insoles could extend their life and keep them smelling fresh:

• Be sure to remove them from your boots periodically and air them out. If they get wet, make sure you dry them, and your boots before wearing them again.
• Clean them regularly to help prevent odors and remove dirt and dust. Check out our complete guide on how to clean insoles.
• Take them out of your boots and check them over for wear. It’s better to replace them when they start to look compressed and tired than wait for your feet to get sore.

 

Are Memory Foam Insoles Good for Hiking Boots?

We spoke earlier about cushioning vs support. If you’re looking for added comfort for your hiking boots, then memory foam insoles could work. They mold to the shape of your feet, offering some targeted support, while giving padding to bolster your feet.

You can find out more about the best memory foam insoles in this article.

 

Can You Put New Insoles on Top of Existing Ones?

Yes, you can, in some circumstances. If you’re looking for extra padding from a low-profile insole, you can place them over your existing ones — provided they don’t take up too much room. You can also place three-quarter-length insoles on top of factory-fitted ones.

However, if you have insoles with shaped arches and heels, it might be a good idea to remove any existing insoles before fitting them. If you don’t, you may not receive the support that the inserts are made to provide.

 

Time to Hit the Trail

When you’re out on the trail, you’ll want the best insoles for hiking boots to keep your feet supported, cushioned, stable, and aligned.

Any of the seven we’ve chosen will add that extra level of well-being for your feet. You’ll feel more confident and ready to hit the trails when your footgear props you up exactly as it should.

Choose the ones you think will be best for your feet and let us know how you get on. Please leave us a comment telling us about your hike with your new insoles, and don’t forget to share.