Like many athletic pursuits, skiing is a sport that puts heavy emphasis on your feet. If your feet are uncomfortable or you’re in pain, your performance could suffer.
A pair of ski boot inserts can support your feet so that you focus on the slopes.
Here Our Top 5 Picks Of the Best Ski Boot Insoles
1. Warmfits Heated Insoles
Warmfits delivers rechargeable heated ski boot inserts that can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. These insoles hold a charge for between five and six hours to keep your feet toasty while you ski.
- ✔ RECHARGEABLE FOOT WARMER: This is a portable rechargeable heated insoels. Rechargeable lithium ion polymer batteries are mounted to your ankle via velcro tape. These can be charged via power bank or mobile phone ac adapter.
- ✔ HIGH CAPACITY: High capacity batteries offer 5-6 continuous hours of runtime with fully rechargeable Batteries. Warming time is varies in different environment. The temperature will reach up to 120 °F to warm cold feet in winter without too hot to sweat.
- ✔ MOBILE CAMPING FOOT WARMER: The heated insoles is Made from soft elastic EVA-foam, Thickness is approximately 0.19 In . You feet don't feeling any tight squeeze when the insoles fit in to your shoes.
- ✔ VENTED DESIGN: This electric insoles can be bent by 180 degree. It is washable, reuseable. And you can wash it via brush.(not for machine washing). This battery foot warmers are the perfect solution to your cold feet- Keeping your feet warm without getting hot to the touch and making them sweat
- ✔ ONE SIZE FIT ALL: This insoles can be cut into your size. ( US Shoes Size 7.5-12 ) Best unisex heated boot insoles for outdoor sports, chores,hunting, hiking,camping,fishing etc.
2. Superfeet REDhot Insoles
Superfeet REDhot insoles are high in volume and profile to fit snugly in ski boots and offer maximum support. The pronounced heel cups absorb shock and keep feet aligned. The women’s version, hotPINK, is identical except for the color and name.
- STABILIZER CAP: the base of the insole that supports the rearfoot and provides structure and stability to the foam layer
- DEEP HEEL CUP: features a deep, narrow heel cup that helps absorb shock and position the foot in the boot for a smoother, more comfortable ride
- SUPERFEET SHAPE: the slim, contoured shape helps stabilize and support the foot, which can help redistribute weight evenly across the foot, reduce stress on feet, ankles and knees
- RESPONSIVE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: top cover treated with OUTLAST ADAPTIVE COMFORT to absorb, store and release warmth | THERMAL LAYER: open cell thermal layer traps warmth and adds protection against the cold | FOIL FOREFOOT: a light-but-durable insulating foil deflects cold away from the forefoot
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM LAYER: the closed-cell foam supports and cushions the foot so you can keep taking runs while others are back in the lodge
- STABILIZER CAP: the base of the insole that supports the rearfoot and provides structure and stability to the foam layer
- DEEP HEEL CUP: features a deep, narrow heel cup that helps absorb shock and position the foot in the boot for a smoother, more comfortable ride
- SUPERFEET SHAPE: designed with a slimmer heel and an arch length to fit the female foot, the orthotic shape helps stabilize and support the foot, which can help reduce stress on feet, ankles and knees
- RESPONSIVE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: top cover treated with OUTLAST ADAPTIVE COMFORT to absorb, store and release warmth | THERMAL LAYER: open cell thermal layer traps warmth and adds protection against the cold | FOIL FOREFOOT: a light-but-durable insulating foil deflects cold away from the forefoot
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM LAYER: the closed-cell foam supports and cushions the foot so you can keep taking runs while others are back in the lodge
3. Hyperspace Arch Support Insoles
Hyperspace presents ski boot insoles with a high, rigid arch to correct flat feet. The extra rubber cushioning absorbs shock and prevents slippage. A deep heel cradle offers balance and stability on the slopes.
4. Superfeet merinoGREY Insoles
The merinoGREY insoles feature moisture-wicking merino wool for insulation. A wide heel cradle combined with the Superfeet biomechanical shape offers stability and support. A thick, high-density foam layer provides all-around comfort.
- Fit Profile: High profile/High volume insoles; Volume refers to the amount of space these comfortable insoles will take up in your shoe, whereas, the profile is how much shape you can expect to feel under your foot. Full-length Superfeet inserts are supposed to be trimmed to fit in your shoes
- Stabilizer Cap: Acts as the base of the orthotic shoe inserts that supports the rearfoot and provides structure and stability to the foam layer
- Deep Heel Cup: These high arch support insoles feature the widest and deepest heel cup which offers maximum support and can help with natural shock absorption
- Superfeet Shape: The high profile shape of the arch support shoe insert helps stabilize and support the foot, which can help reduce stress on feet, ankles and knees
- High-Density Foam Layer: Closed-cell soft foam insoles support and cushion the foot for long-lasting comfort. Durable construction
5. Hotronic Custom S4 Footwarmers
Hotronic provides these custom footbeds for ski boots with built-in heating. You can install these on top of your existing orthotics, and there are four temperature settings available.
- The new S series batteries offer more than ever before, including enhanced reliability, longevity, and performance
Reviews of the Footbeds for Ski Boots
When shopping for the best ski boot insoles, you have to factor in attributes such as thickness, custom support, and insulation. We list below the top 5 picks of the best ski boot insoles.
1. Warmfits Heated Insoles
The Warmfits insoles are battery-operated and fit inside velcro-mounted pouches that you wear around the ankle or calf.
You have around 20 inches of wiring to work with from the insole through to the battery pack. This should provide enough room for situating these into your ski boots.
Sizes are unisex, ranging from 7 to 12. They’re trim-to-fit, meaning you cut along the size lines for a custom fit. The inserts are low profile and slim all-around.
They can heat up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, although the temperature may vary depending on factors like your socks and how cold it is outdoors. You’ll get between five and six hours of warmth from these ski boot inserts.
There’s only one fixed heat setting, which means the pair may feel either too hot or disappointingly cold for some of you.
Despite the protruding wire, it’s possible to clean these footbeds for ski boots. The manufacturer suggests using a brush when you need to freshen them up.
Pros
- Long wire for maneuverability.
- Thin profile, can be used in other shoes.
- Sufficient battery life.
- Can be hand-washed.
Cons
- Single heat setting.
| These heated ski boot insoles run on lithium-ion batteries and hold a charge for up to six hours. The wire should give you sufficient length to secure the power packs above your boot line, in case yours are quite tight. |
2. Superfeet REDhot Insoles
Reputable orthotics manufacturer Superfeet presents us with the REDhot and hotPINK insoles for winter sports boots.
The men’s version (REDhot) is available in sizes 5.5 to 17. Women’s sizes (hotPINK) range from 4.5 to 12, with a wider build for sizes 6.5 to 8. Aside from the color and sizing options, the two insoles are identical in design.
These insoles are high-profile and high-volume to provide comprehensive support and fit snugly inside ski boots. They’re built with a narrow, deep heel cup for stability and shock absorption, reducing discomfort.
The bottom of the insole is rigid, with a stabilizer cap to keep your foot aligned. High-density foam throughout the insole cushions your feet to alleviate or prevent pain and soreness.
Other features include foil at the base of the forefoot, which serves as a shield against the cold. Furthermore, the surface of these ski boot inserts is treated with Superfeet’s Outlast Adaptive Comfort for insulation.
Organic odor control should stop your feet and boots from getting smelly if you sweat.
If you’re anticipating that these insoles keep your feet toasty warm, you might be let down. Many aren’t impressed with the insulation features, stating that they don’t work as well as they would’ve hoped.
Pros
- Made for ski boots.
- Constructed from durable materials.
- Supportive build for correct alignment.
Cons
- May not retain heat well.
| The REDhot and hotPINK insoles are high in profile and volume, offering a strong and supportive build. A stabilizer cap works to keep your feet aligned while you ski, along with a deep heel for absorbing shock. |
3. Hyperspace Arch Support Insoles
The Hyperspace insoles are unisex and trim-to-fit to suit both male and female skiers. Available sizes are 6 to 13 and 5 to 13, respectively. This company promises a full refund or replacement if you find these ski boot inserts lacking.
They’re on the thicker end, which should make them suitable for high-profile footgear like ski boots. Arch support comes from a hard TPU material to ease the pain of conditions such as high arches and plantar fasciitis.
The heel cradle is deep and U-shaped to correct abnormal positioning, such as overpronation. Gel pads at the heel and forefoot act as shock absorbers. A PU memory foam base offers padding for additional comfort and support.
As the surface is antimicrobial and breathable, it should work against odor-provoking bacteria. Your feet should stay fresh and cool if you sweat on the slopes.
A downside is that some customers report that the Hyperspace inserts arrive with a strong smell that has to be aired out.
Pros
- Impact-absorbing gel pads.
- Rigid, high arch support.
- Deep heel cradle.
- Breathable fabric.
Cons
- Might be smelly at first.
| These ski boot inserts have high arch support to combat aches caused by plantar fasciitis, and other ailments. A gel base absorbs shock to reduce the impact on your feet. |
4. Superfeet merinoGREY Insoles
These Superfeet merinoGREY insoles feature a surface made from merino wool. This material is considered to be one of the finest variations of sheep wool available. The pair comes in sizes 4.5 to 12 for women, and 5.5 to 15 for men.
The felted merino top layer should regulate the temperature within your ski boots and keep your feet warm. If you get hot and start to sweat, the moisture-wicking material should draw heat away in return.
A wide and deep heel cradle serves to align your feet and absorb shock. Furthermore, the stabilizer cap at the base delivers a rigid structure to the high-density foam layer throughout. This facet also provides additional support at the rearfoot.
These ski boot inserts feature the proprietary Superfeet biomechanical shape for optimal positioning.
The heel cup of these insoles is wide, meaning skiers with narrow feet or slim-fitting boots might not be well-matched.
Pros
- Temperature-regulating merino wool.
- Wide and deep heel cup for shock absorption.
- High-volume in design.
- Hard stabilizer cap.
Cons
- Might not fit narrow feet or ski boots.
| The merino wool surface insulates your feet when it’s chilly, and absorbs moisture if your feet get too hot. A deep, wide heel cup works to preserve correct foot alignment in your ski boots. |
5. Hotronic Custom S4 Footwarmers
These heated inserts by Hotronic can serve as custom footbeds for ski boots. You can install them onto another pair of orthotics first or affix them directly into your boots.
This guide explains how to do the former, and this video shows you how to do the latter.
The disadvantage to installing these inserts is that you’ll be permanently altering your ski boots, and possibly voiding your warranty. That same caveat could apply to attaching them to your existing orthotics. This means you need to double-check any stipulations before embarking on the mission.
The batteries can remain usable for up to four years, which means you shouldn’t run out of juice anytime soon. You can also play it safe and order extras from the start.
You have the choice of four temperature settings, from low (84 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit) to high (158 to 173 degrees Fahrenheit). The highest option will drain the battery in 4.5 hours, and the lowest can stay warm for up to 21 hours.
The Custom S4 insoles are trim-to-fit, spanning sizes 5.5 to 12 and 6.5 to 12 for men and women, respectively.
Pros
- Long-lasting batteries.
- Multiple temperature settings.
- Stays warm from 4.5 to 21 hours.
Cons
- Ski boots and orthotics must be cut to install them.
| These custom footbeds for ski boots have four temperature settings ranging from low to high. They can work to warm your feet for up to 21 hours on the lowest temp. |
Choosing Insoles for Ski Boots
Are you after basic ski boot insoles or some with insulation? Maybe you want to take it a step further and get a heated pair to keep you nice and toasty.
Whatever the case may be, you’ll want to consider the following:
- Compatibility: You may have a favorite pair of inserts for your everyday shoes that fit like a second skin. That doesn’t mean they’ll work in your ski boots, which are stiff and unforgiving in design. There’s also more space to fill than with other types of footwear. Ideally, you want a thick, high-volume pair.
- Support: Pick ski boot insoles that can support your feet for maximum comfort. For example, if your feet are very flat, then you should look out for arch-supporting inserts. If you suffer from supination or overpronation, something like a deep heel cup or stabilizer cap can help keep you stable and in proper alignment.
- Insulation: When exposed to freezing temperatures, extremities like your hands and feet can lose dexterity and sensation. If you’re always complaining of numb feet, you might want insoles for ski boots that are well-insulated. Materials like wool and certain synthetics such as polyester are thermal insulators, meaning they help retain heat.
- Installation: Custom footbeds for ski boots could mean permanent modifications, which you might not be comfortable with. Opt for removable insoles if the idea of tampering with your boots doesn’t appeal to you.
- Moisture-wicking and odor control: Whether you’ve chosen heated inserts or not, it can get pretty moist inside your boots after a long day outdoors. If you don’t want to smell the fruits of your training after each session, your ski boot insoles should feature these elements.
- Size options: How well your insoles fit will determine how comfortable you’ll be when you’re having fun outdoors. Do you find it challenging to purchase whole sizes? Are the inserts you’re interested in available in half sizes or do the offer a trim-to-fit option? Make sure you can get a suitable fit before committing.
Heated Insoles
Are you looking to learn all about heated insoles, in particular? We’ve got an article on that. If you do decide to try heated ski boot inserts, you’ll need to think about the following aspects:
- Support: Not all heated insoles are designed to be supportive as well as warming. If you choose a pair that’s exclusively for heating purposes, you want to make sure they offer the other features you might need. Keep your specific foot in mind, along with any conditions you have.
- Battery life and charging time: A short battery life can be frustrating if you want to stay out skiing all day. Similarly, if your ski boot inserts take eons to reach a full charge, you might be forced to go out without them. Calculate your time on the slopes and make sure you’ve got enough juice to cover you.
- Temperature settings: Do you suffer from cold hypersensitivity? You might want variable temperature options. If the single setting on a pair doesn’t prove warm enough for you, the purpose of the insoles will be defeated.
- Overall durability: Serious skiers may want heated ski boot inserts that can endure for an entire season or more. If the insoles have a limited number of charges available, they may not work for you. Longevity might not matter as much for those of you who are beginners or practice the sport casually.
Safe Skiing Practices
Ensuring your ski boots fit correctly can lower your chances of getting into an accident. Here are some other tips to take into account if you’re a novice to the sport:
- Wear protection: Invest in a quality helmet designed for skiers or snowboarders. Keep your goggles on you at all times so that you don’t get caught off guard by the glaring sun.
- Stay warm: Hypothermia is an ever-present danger when you’re out in the snow, even if it’s bright and sunny outdoors. Keep your gloves, jacket, and the rest of your gear on even if you get sweaty.
- Don’t push yourself: You know your level of skiing experience better than anyone else. Don’t attempt to tackle trails that you aren’t quite ready for. It may seem fun, but in hindsight you could leave frustrated, or worse, injured.
- Follow the rules: Adhere to the seven safety rules of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). This includes staying in control, yielding to others who are ahead of you, and never stopping in the middle of a trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Skiing Cause Foot Pain?
Like many sports, skiing carries risks that are an unavoidable part of heading out on the slopes. In spite of that, participation in this sport has gone up rather than down in recent years.
Reports of lower-body injuries have decreased as ski boot designs have advanced, but they do still occur, unfortunately.
It’s normal to deal with sore feet if you’ve been heading up and down the slopes for hours on end. Beginners may also experience discomfort at first as they acclimatize to wearing ski boots.
Severe or consistent pain might have more serious causes. These can include:
- Wrong boot size: As with any other type of athletic footwear, ill-fitting ski boots can be a disaster. A boot that’s squeezing your foot too tightly is bound to hurt. On the other hand, loose boots can cause instability. If your boots happen to be big, a high-volume, high-profile ski boot insole could work.
- Lack of support: If you have collapsed arches, heel spurs, or another issue don’t expect them to take a break while you’re skiing. These conditions can worsen if your foot isn’t supported the way it needs to be, so make sure your insoles are up to the job.
- Injury: If your feet started hurting all of a sudden, you may have sustained an injury. Examine your feet and ankles carefully for swelling, bruising, and soreness. Check in with a trusted healthcare professional before skiing again.
- Skier’s toe: Loose-fitting boots, vigorous foot movement, and a sweaty environment can lead to skier’s toe. Bleeding occurs underneath your toenail, which can eventually turn black or grow infected. Insoles that fill up extra room in your boots and hold your feet in place could prevent this from happening.
- Ankle sprains and fractures: Ankle injuries make for less than 10 percent of ski injuries nowadays, down from roughly 60 percent just a few decades back. Still, falls or incorrect technique can put a heavy strain on these delicate joints. If certain movements are painful, reassess your technique and double-check that your boots and insoles are properly fitted.
Can You Put Insoles in Ski Boots?
Yes, you can put insoles in your ski boots. If your footgear came with removable insoles, you might be obliged to take them out to make space. Doing so is a simple process: feel around in your ski boot for the edge of the insert and pull it out gently.
How Much Are Custom Footbeds for Ski Boots?
Custom footbeds for ski boots don’t necessarily mean the insoles are made for you specifically. It could be any pair that’s appropriate for your general needs. For instance, relieving collapsed arches or supporting high ones.
Prices can vary from less than $10 to well over $50, based on the brand you buy.
Medically-fitted orthotics, or prescription orthotics, are made for your unique foot shape. You’ll need to consult a podiatrist if you’re considering this option. Do be aware that the cost can skyrocket in this case, but there’s a chance that your insurance may cover you.
How Tight Should Ski Boots Be?
Your ski boots should be snug, but not tight to the point that you feel uncomfortable. It’s important to size new ski boots with your winter socks, thermal wear or otherwise. Wearing lightweight or summer socks could mean an inaccurate fit.
It’s better to check in with a store employee to measure your feet rather than trying on boots at random. This video shares other sizing tips for ski boots.
Ski With Ease
Skiing is an exhilarating sport, but it also requires an immense amount of concentration. Worrying about how numb your feet feel or agonizing over aches and pains can distract you.
Ski boot inserts can quell discomfort and provide insulation so you can keep your mind on the trails (or pistes, if you prefer).
Each skier has their own set of demands for ski boot inserts. Some of you may need a pair that stays hot all day, whereas others might only want strong arch support.
We hope you’ve found the best ski boot insoles for you among our reviews. Feel free to share this article with fellow skiers in your life.
