Hiking is a wonderful activity in many respects but it can be very challenging on your feet. If you come back from a hike with aches and pains in your feet then it’s a sure sign that you need better insoles. That’s where we can help.
We’ve searched high and low to find the 10 best insoles for hiking. We’ve also written a buying guide with some FAQs to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need.
Let’s get started so you can start to enjoy hiking without those common pains.
Best Insoles for Hiking
Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort Insoles
These insoles have an impressive level of engineering that makes them perfect for hiking. A part of this technology is the ability to absorb heel impacts. It will disperse those shocks which are specifically good for steep ascents and descents.
With hiking, stability is also important which is aided here by the deep help cup that will keep your ankle firmly in place and stop it slipping. Added to that is high-quality foam throughout the shoe that will help to eliminate fatigue.
The thing you’ll notice immediately about these insoles is their level of comfort as they are great to walk on. Added to that, they also have moisture-wicking technology that will help to reduce sweat and minimize any odors.
Dr. Scholl’s FITNESS WALKING Insoles
Dr. Scholl has made these insoles that have been specifically made for walking. They are not only going to reduce any stress and strain on your feet but also throughout your whole body. This is due to them being exceptionally good at reducing shocks.
We also see a thinner profile than you find on some insoles. That gives them a very high level of compatibility and will easily slot into any hiking shoes or boots.
Another unique feature of these insoles is the nodes that they have on the bottom of the shoe. This helps to disperse the pressure from any direction which is important for hiking.
These insoles are going to work very well with your footwear to make hiking as enjoyable as possible.
WALK·HERO COMFORT AND SUPPORT Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles
If you have an issue with your arches then you need to find insoles that are going to support that. It’s exactly what you get here as this model is great for those who have fallen arches and plantar fasciitis. They also give support for those with high arches.
Unlike many insoles, the size options here are very specific so you can get that targeted arch support. It’s important that you follow the size guide to get your perfect fit. Once in your shoes, you’ll see that they give you support in all the right areas.
There are other great features of these insoles. It has a wide heel cup for stability and under that heel cup is a silicon pad that works to absorb shocks. This is all finished off with a top love that will keep your feet fresh and give you plenty of comforts.
Superfeet Insoles High Arch Support and Forefoot Cushion
Those looking for a high level of stability would be impressed with these insoles. That is in large part due to their stabilizer cap that gives the insole plenty of structure and a heel cup that will keep your foot exactly where it should be.
There are a few size options available and you’ll be able to easily cut them into the perfect size for you. Once you place them in you’ll appreciate the comfort that they will give you throughout the shoe and also you to have proper alignment.
They can cope very well with high impacts which are ideal for challenging terrain. You’ll quickly see that you can enjoy all the wonders of hiking without the regular pain that comes with it.
Columbia Men’s Enduro-Sole Insole
Here we see something a little different as this is a moldable insert that is going to adapt to the shape of your foot. Every foot is different and this allows it to be unique and prevent pressure point from causing you pain while you’re on your walk.
Added to that feature is plenty of other qualities such as the pad in the heel that will help to absorb shocks and give you plenty of stability. It performs very well and gives your feet the support it needs in any direction.
There is a wide range of sizes available and therefore you’ll get a perfect size that matches your feet. The insole is also fairly breathable to prevent you from overheating while you’re on the trail. It all adds up to a great insole with that unique aspect of it giving you a custom fit.
Sof Sole Men’s Airr Insole
Shock absorption is a key aspect of any insole and this model is going to take that to the next level. The outstanding feature here is the air bubbles that can be seen throughout the heel and arch to give you absorb those heavy impacts.
It mixes in that use of gel with a polyurethane footbed. That not only helps to make it very comfortable but also helps to give it some stability. The two materials combine together to give you all the qualities that you want in an insole.
Along with that is their fabric top cover that will wick away the moisture. This helps to keep your feet cool and prevent them from sweating. It means you can get all the positives of the insole support but without any downsides.
EASYFEET Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles for Men and Women
EASYFEET is another company that has made an insole that is brilliant for anyone that suffers from Plantar Fasciitis. The arch support is made from hard TPU which will remain strong and stable with each step you take.
Around that hard TPU shell is a high level of cushioning. This is shown by the shock absorption in both the feel and the front foot. This is all supported by a PU memory foam base that brings the insole together for remarkable results.
The cover of the insole is very useful as it can neutralize odors but it also has enough friction to prevent your foot from slipping. It’s an insole that will work to prevent many types of foot problems and leave you being able to hike in comfort and confidence.
STASOLE Anti-Fatigue Insoles
Many people love hiking but hate the foot fatigue that can come with it. It can be a major problem but one that these insoles look to solve with their brilliant design. Gel pads under both the heel and front foot will give you the cushioning required.
This is backed up by the foam base. It has a high level of density and has many open-celled nodules that will be able to spread any shocks. On top of this is an antibacterial cloth that will help to keep your feet feeling fresh.
Stability is also on show here as the deep heel cup is going to keep your ankle in the right position while also giving support for your arches. It makes the insole perfect for hiking and all the challenging angles that come with it.
Powerstep Journey Hiker Shoe Insoles
Here we see some insoles that have been specifically made for the hiking community. One of its distinguishing is the deep heel cradle. As we’ve previously mentioned, it gives you a great level of stability and works very well over uneven surfaces.
Along with that is a layer of shock-absorbing foam that will make each step you take feel a little lighter. This not only gives relief to the bottom of your foot but will also make it much easier on your joints.
The durability is fantastic and you can see the amount of quality the insoles have throughout them. If you love hiking then you need gear that you can rely on. That includes footwear and these insoles would perfectly compliment a good pair of hiking boots.
Keen Utility Men’s K-10 Insole Replacement
These Keen insoles have the profile that you’ll often see for a hiking model. They have the deeper heel cradle, extra shock absorption in the heel and front foot and high-density foam throughout that helps to give it immense structure.
The 90-day guarantee on these insoles shows the confidence that Keen has in their insoles. It’s a guarantee that you don’t need as you’re going to instantly love the feel of them.
The stability is excellent and will help to support your feet on even the most challenging of climbs. They are perfect for hiking but also have the versatility to be used for a wide number of different activities. They are another brilliant option for those hiking lovers.
Best Insoles For Hiking – Buying Guide
Stability
Stability is a vital factor when you’re hiking as you’re doing to be placing your feet in a wide range of different positions. If your foot is sliding around inside your shoe then it will create pressure points that will quickly become painful.
A great way to avoid this is by having a deep heel cup that will allow your ankle to stay locked in the right position.
Correct sizing
If you’re not getting the correct sizing then your insole simply won’t be comfortable. A lot of these options will come with a standard set of sizes that you can then cut into your perfect shape.
Others will come with exact sizing and it’s important to check the buying guide to ensure that you’re getting the perfect fit.
Arch support
Many people turn to insoles as they need to get some support for their arches. Having a flat or high arch can cause you pain but there are plenty of great options out there. If you’re not sure if you have an arch problem then it’s a great idea to get it checked out.
If you don’t have an issue with arches then there are plenty of other brilliant insoles out there that focus on reducing general pain and fatigue.
Material
There are two main materials used when it comes to insoles and they are foam and gel. Along with this sometimes they are supported by a harder plastic for structure. Foam has a great level of comfort while also giving you plenty of support and stability.
Gel gives you less stability but a higher level of shock absorption. You’ll see that many insoles use a combination of the two materials to get the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insoles for hiking?
Some people are blessed with feet that simply don’t seem to ache and there are some hiking shoes/boots that come with good insoles. Mostly, however, insoles are going to be a great addition to your footwear and will allow you to go hiking for longer and with a higher level of comfort.
How do I make my hiking shoes more comfortable?
It’s always a good idea to wear your hiking shoes. To do this you can go for a few shorter walks before heading out on a larger trip. If you have spots that rub, then using plasters or the likes of Vaseline can be a good idea.
A lot of times that won’t be required as all you need is a good pair of hiking socks with some quality insoles.
Can you put insoles on top of insoles?
Most likely not. The insoles that we’ve looked at here are far too thick to be used in conjunction with standard insoles. A lot of hiking shoes will have insoles that are easily removable.
Others will have insoles that are glued in. These are harder to remove but you can usually soften the glue with a hairdryer
How much do good feet insoles cost?
Great insoles will range from around $10 to $50. It’s always important to get a model that matches your needs and sometimes it makes sense to spend that little extra to get exactly what you want. All the insoles we’ve looked at here are high quality and would do a great job.