This is a gear review about the best insoles for hiking 2024.
Choosing the best lightweight hiking boots or best lightweight hiking shoes is only half the battle. It is also important that you choose one of the best hiking insoles to support your foot inside your footwear.
Over the years I have suffered from blisters, plantar fasciitis, and damaged ankles while out thru-hiking. I also spent several years fitting footwear on hikers at a large outdoor store.
Take it from me, the best hiking insoles make a difference in the comfort and support of footwear. These are handy pieces of equipment that you place inside your hiking boots so that you can get the extra support you need.
The right pair of insoles can prevent blisters from forming, as well as keep your feet protected from hot spots and other unpleasant side effects of hiking for long periods of time.
But with so many products on the market, how can you be sure that you’ve found the best insoles for hiking?
How We Tested
All the Hiking Insoles in this review have been extensively evaluated and researched by the expert author who has many years of experience in Thru-Hiking, Backpacking, and Hiking. The research, testing, and experience of the author have combined to come up with the Hiking Insoles for 2024. Read the Review Policy for further details.
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Best Hiking Insoles 2024
The Best Hiking Insoles for 2024 are:
- Superfeet All Purpose Support High Arch (Green)
- Superfeet Run Support Low Arch (Carbon)
- Superfeet Hike Support (Trailblazer)
- Sole Active
- WalkHero Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles
Best Insoles 2024 – Overall
Superfeet All Purpose Support High Arch (Green)
Arch Support: Medium Feet / High Arch
Pros:
> Ergonomic
> Durable
> High Density foam
> Deep heel cup
> True to size
Cons:
> Not Cheap
The renamed Superfeet All Purpose Support High Arch (previously known as Superfeet Green) easily earns our top spot for hikers with medium to high arches. It can also be used by hikers with medium to flat feet (like myself) who need a high arch to assist with foot support. These particular insoles are ideal for hiking boots and come with a range of great features to make them the right pick for your needs.
These particular insoles for hiking are true to size, so you should order your usual size to ensure that you get the support you need. There are a variety of sizes to choose from for both men and women. You can trim the shape of your shoes with a pair of scissors.
You’ll get the right amount of support that you need with these insoles. These particular hiking insoles feature a deep heel cup.
This works to give you protection from heel pain and features natural shock absorption so as to be kinder on your feet and joints.
These particular hiking insoles feature high-density foam so as to give you the right amount of support that you need. They feature a closed cell foam layer that works to properly support the arches of your feet.
This is to give you long-lasting, durable comfort when you’re out on the trail for long periods of time.
An interesting feature of these particular insoles is that they feature a stabilizer cap. This works to give you long-lasting comfort, as well as extra support.
It has been designed to support the rear end of your food as well as give the insoles additional structure so that they last you for many sessions out on the trail.
They come in sizes for men’s insoles, women’s insoles, and kid’s insoles with sizes to fit everyone.
Overall, the Superfeet All Purpose Support High Arch Insoles are very popular for good reason, they are the best insoles for hiking boots and best suited for people with medium to high arches or flat feet that need high arch support to stop the ankle from collapsing.
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Best Hiking Boot Insoles
Superfeet Run Support Low Arch (Carbon)
Arch Support: Flat Feet / Medium Feet
Pros:
> Huge range of sizes
> Comfortable High-density foam
> Structured heel cup
> Durable
Cons:
> Not Cheap
The Superfeet Run Low Arch was formally known as the Superfeet Carbon. They are perfect for flat feet to medium arch feet. These lightweight insoles for hiking come in a variety of sizes for both men and women. So you should easily find the size that suits your needs.
These insoles for hiking feature a low-profile design, so they won’t take up too much space in your shoes. This means you can choose the same size as you normally would when it comes to shoes.
These particular insoles come with a carbon fiber stabilizer cap to give you the right amount of support. It features reinforced EVOLyte, which is a proprietary blend of polymer and carbon fiber. This gives the insoles more structure as well as better support.
Another great feature of these insoles is that they come with a heel cup. This features a structure so that you can get that stabilized support you need while you’re out on the trail.
It works to position your feet properly as you walk, which will also reduce the likelihood of pain.
What’s really great about Superfeet Carbon is the fact they have been manufactured using high-density foam. This makes the insoles more comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
Overall, the Superfeet Run Low Arch is one of the best hiking insoles for flat feet or medium feet.
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Best Insoles for Hiking
Superfeet Hike Support (Trailblazer)
Arch Support: Medium Feet / High Arch
Pros:
> Designed with athletic activities in mind
> Impact-absorbing foam
> Supportive heel cups
> Durable
Cons:
> Not Cheap
The Superfeet Trailblazer are now known as the Superfeet Hike Support Insoles and like all the products from Superfeet, they are a solid choice of insoles for hiking. These particular insoles have been specially designed with athletic activities in mind, which makes them the perfect fit for hiking.
They feature an EVOLyte carbon fiber stabilizer to give you the support you need while out on the trail.
These particular insoles feature supportive heel cups to prevent your feet from moving around as you walk. This can prevent the hot spots and blisters that usually occur due to excessive rubbing. So you’ll get the right support when walking for long periods of time.
Another great feature of these particular insoles for hiking is that they come with shock-absorbing foam. This works to absorb the impact around the heel area so as to be kinder on your ankle joints.
They come in a Women’s Hiking Insole and Men’s Hiking Insole which is specific to each foot type.
Overall, the Superfeet Hike Support Insoles are one of the best insoles for backpacking and hiking with the comfort provided by the impact-absorbing foam.
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Sole Active
Arch Support: High Arch / Medium Feet
Pros:
> Reduce foot pain
> Deep heel cup
> Polygiene anti-bacterial coating
Cons:
> Not Cheap
If you’re looking for pain relief from your insoles, then you should look at the Sole Active insoles. These insoles have been clinically proven to reduce plantar fascia strain by up to 34%.
They are even recommended by podiatrists as an effective alternative to prescription orthotics.
You’ll get the right amount of support that you need using these particular insoles for hiking. They feature a zero drop, deep heel cup as well as dynamic arch support so as to be super comfortable when you use them.
This will evenly distribute the pressure on your feet so that they are more gentle on the soles of your feet.
Another great feature of these insoles is that you won’t have to worry about any unpleasant odors emanating from your shoes. These insoles use a polygiene coating which gives you active odor control.
They come in different versions to suit medium arch and high arch support.
Overall, these are yet another great pair of hiking insoles to reduce pain in the feet.
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Sof Sole Athlete
Arch Support: Medium Feet
Pros:
> Budget-friendly
> True to size
> Moisture wicking
Cons:
> Best used for lighter activity rather than intensive hikes
The Sof Sole Athlete Insole is another fantastic choice if you have some light hiking or day hiking in mind. These particular insoles have been designed with athletic activities in mind, which makes them the perfect fit for hiking.
You’ll get the support you need from these insoles. They feature a contoured neutral arch that will be ideal for the vast majority of foot types. These insoles have also been designed to be true to size, so you can easily find the right size for your feet.
Another great feature of these insoles is that they make use of moisture-wicking technology. This works to eliminate the bacteria that can cause odor while also keeping your feet dry.
Overall, this is one of the best hiking insoles for day hiking.
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WalkHero Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles
Arch Support: Flat Feet / High Arch
Pros:
> Designed to help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis
> Can be used for a variety of sports activities including hiking
> Good arch support
> Great Budget Price
Cons:
> Some hikers found the insoles could be on the squeaky side
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis or heel pain, then the Walkhero Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles will be the perfect insoles for your needs. These insoles have been designed to alleviate foot pain and be gentler on your feet.
Another great feature of these insoles is that they feature shock absorption. This works to cushion your feet as you walk, as well as being kinder to your joints and assisting in pain relief. These insoles also feature a deep heel cradle to give you even more support.
You won’t have to worry about these insoles letting you down. They have been manufactured using premium materials so that they will last you even longer.
Overall, these are the best budget hiking insoles.
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Hiking Insole Buyers Guide
Material
Cork, carbon fiber, polymer blends, gel, closed-cell foam, and dual-density foam are just some of the materials used in the insoles listed above. Each of the materials are carefully chosen to perform the tasks of supporting the foot, wicking away moisture, and providing durable comfort when out walking.
Softer materials provide comfort while harder materials provide support and durability.
Arch support
Choosing a pair of insoles that give you the right amount of arch support will also be crucial. Everybody has a different type of foot shape. Some have high arches, some have low arches, and all of these will need different levels of support.
So you should always opt for a pair of insoles that give you the right amount of support for the type of arch that your feet have.
You may find that you will have to adjust the type of insoles that you opt for depending on the arch support that you need.
As long as you have the right arch support from your hiking insoles, you will have less of a chance of getting any blisters or hot spots at the end of the day once you get off the trail.
Thickness and Cushioning
Not all insoles are created the same. Some are very thin and some are very thick, and some are made with super soft cushioning.
The thickness of the insoles will determine how they will fit inside the shoe or boot. If the insole is too thick you must ensure that there is enough room inside your footwear to be able to insert them. Likewise, if the insole is too thin you will have excess room inside the footwear which could cause slippage and possibly lead to blisters.
The material and style of the insole will determine how much cushioning there is. Despite what you might think, excess cushioning does not always make the insole more comfortable in the long term. Sure, it will feel comfortable when you first use it but after 6 hours of walking, you might be wondering why they are no longer comfortable. I have found that less cushioning is better for long walks and backpacking trips carrying excess weight. While cushioned insoles are better for short walks or when traveling.
Size
One of the more important factors to consider when choosing hiking insoles is to select the correct sized insoles for your shoes and feet.
This is because if you choose insoles that are too small or too big, they won’t be able to give you the support that you need while you’re out on the trail.
It will be best to opt for the size of insoles that match the size of your feet. This is so that you can get the support that you need while you’re hiking.
If you notice that this gives you a more snug fit in your shoes, you can opt for a slightly larger size hiking boot to ensure that you get the right type of support when walking.
Insoles that have been designed with hiking in mind often can’t be cut to size compared to standard insoles, so it will be important to choose the right size for you and your feet.
Most but not all of the insoles listed above come on a wide option for those with wide feet.
Break in period
This is important. When you first use a pair of hiking insoles it is best that you start wearing them only a couple of hours per day and no more.
It is not the insoles that breaking in, it is your feet.
Your feet will take a while to get used to the new feel of insoles, and if you wear them too often at first your feet can become quite sore. I learned this the hard way by taking them out on long backpacking trips without my feet being used to using them. Suffice it to say, my feet started to kill me when backpacking.
It is important to remember that this feeling is normal. Take your time and get your feet used to the new fit and feel of the new hiking insoles.
Comfort
Everything mentioned above, from the material and arch support to the size, thickness, and cushioning will all combine for a comfortable hiking insole. But the comfort can not always be judged in an instant. It will take time to break your feet into the new feel of the inserts. Only after several days or weeks will you really be able to determine just how comfortable your new hiking inserts are.
Moisture Control
Believe it or not, your feet are one of the sweatiest places on your body. All that sweat can contribute to bad smells, blisters, and general discomfort.
Most insoles use some form of moisture-wicking material to attempt to control that damp feeling inside your footwear. Controlling moisture means controlling bad smelly feet.
Odor control
Like moisture control, odor control is another factor to consider for your insoles. This is because if you’re hiking for long periods of time, then your feet start to sweat, which can cause unpleasant odors to linger in your insoles and boots.
You should look for a quality pair of insoles that will be able to wick away moisture and eliminate the bacteria that typically cause odor to linger.
By choosing a quality pair of insoles that wick away moisture, you will also be left with comfortably dry feet while you’re out walking.
Ergonomic
It will be wise to opt for an ergonomic pair of insoles. This is because a quality pair of ergonomic insoles will give you the support you need while also being super comfortable. The more ergonomic your hiking insoles, the better they will be.
A comfortable pair of ergonomic insoles will work with you so that you get the support you need while you’re out on the trail.
A more ergonomic pair of insoles will prevent any foot fatigue, as well as repetitive strain injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
Durability
You will need to ensure that you opt for a highly durable pair of insoles that will last you for several months or years, depending on how often you like to go hiking.
This will mean choosing a high-quality pair of insoles that will be able to stand the test of time while also giving you the support that you need. The better the quality of the materials, the more support you will get, and the longer the insoles will last you.
Take a look at the components used to craft the insoles. Have they been made using premium materials that will last you a lifetime? Do the insoles come with a warranty to give you even more peace of mind?
These are all factors to consider in choosing a durable pair of insoles that will give you the support you need.
Price
Buying a new pair of insoles for your hiking boots or hiking shoes is a bit of an investment. While they are not super expensive they are also not cheap. But when compared to a visit to a Podiatrist and the cost of a custom pair of orthotics they represent good value.
Over the years I have made multiple trips to Podiatrists to get custom orthotics. Each pair of custom orthotics cost me more than the cost of all the insoles in this review and then some. Which brings me to the next point that you need to consider.
When to Visit a Podiatrist for Custom Orthotics
While hiking insoles will work well for most people, there will be some who need help from medical professionals. This is where a visit to a Podiatrist comes in. They will look at your feet, how you walk and your needs to customize a pair of orthotics for proper foot alignment. These orthotics will cost a small fortune.
I used these services to learn more about my feet and make custom inserts for my feet. I have hiked more than 5,000 miles with custom orthotics.
Try a pair of the insoles listed above before seeking specialist help. If they don’t work or make things work then consult a specialist.
Conclusion
The Best Insoles for Hiking Boots and Hiking Shoes for 2024 are:
- Superfeet All Purpose Support High Arch (Green)
- Superfeet Run Support Low Arch (Carbon)
- Superfeet Hike Support (Trailblazer)
- Sole Active
- WalkHero Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles
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Frequently asked questions
Do insoles help with hiking?
Yes, insoles do help with hiking. Adding a quality pair of insoles to your walking boots can make them much more comfortable during long treks.
These can also reduce the likelihood of injury to your feet such as blisters, foot aches, and hotspots. They will also be incredibly helpful for people who suffer from foot issues such as foot elongation, heel slippage, as well as collapsed or low arches.
Remember to pair your insoles and hiking boots with the right hiking socks, too.
Can I go hiking with plantar fasciitis?
Yes, you can go hiking with plantar fasciitis, however, there are a few caveats to bear in mind. Plantar fasciitis is a repetitive strain injury, so it will be important to take things slowly and carefully, especially at the start of the hiking season.
You will need to slowly build yourself up to the more intensive hikes so that you don’t cause further injury to yourself and your feet.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process
The author, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small independent adventurer and outdoor gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
BikeHikeSafari is not part of a large blog network and is proudly independent. All reviews on this site are independent and honest gear reviews of outdoor products by the author.
The author, Brad McCartney is a very experienced triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read more). He was a manager of an outdoor retail store and is very experienced in what is important when using and testing gear for reviews like this.
BikeHikeSafari will never receive any money for reviews and they do not accept sponsored reviews on this website. All the comments about the gear reviews are from the author based on his years of experience. Hope this independent review was helpful for you.