I have hiked the Triple Crown and thousands of trail miles, and along the way I have dealt with blisters, plantar fasciitis, and collapsed ankles that the stock footbeds in my hiking shoes and hiking boots did nothing to fix. Also, I spent several years fitting hiking footwear to customers in an outdoor store, so I have seen first-hand how the right pair of insoles changes the way a foot sits inside a boot.
This guide to the best hiking insoles is written for hikers, backpackers and thru-hikers who need real support, not casual shoppers chasing soft cushioning. My current top pick is the Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch, with the WalkHero as the best budget option for sore feet. The trade-off worth understanding before you buy is support versus cushioning: more padding feels good in the store but firmer support holds up better over long miles under a loaded pack. Jump to my Quick Picks below then keep reading the detailed reviews further down the page. For how I research and field-test gear, see the Gear Review Policy.
Quick Picks: Best Insoles for Hiking Boots and Hiking Shoes
- Best overall: Superfeet All Purpose Support High Arch (Green) – firm, durable support that suits medium to high arches and flat feet that need an arch to stop the ankle collapsing. My long-term pick.
- Best for flat feet: Superfeet Run Cushion Low Arch – low-profile carbon-fibre cap that fits trail runners without crowding the toe box.
- Best for hiking and backpacking: Superfeet Hike Support – shock-absorbing foam and a supportive heel cup built for time on the trail.
- Best for plantar fasciitis: Sole Active Medium – clinically shown to cut plantar fascia strain, with a deep heel cup and odour-control coating.
- Best for day hiking: Sof Sole Athlete – light, true-to-size, moisture-wicking; ideal for shorter days rather than loaded multi-day trips.
- Best budget: WalkHero Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles – strong arch support and heel cradle for the money, for hikers on a tight budget.
- Best hiking-specific newcomer: Currex HIKEPRO – dynamically flexes with the foot; the insole most competitors now rate as the top hiking pick.
How We Tested
The hiking insoles in this guide are researched and where possible field-tested by an experienced long-distance hiker and former outdoor store footwear fitter. Across the Triple Crown trails, shoulder-season trips, and thousands of trail miles, I judge hiking insoles on arch support, heel-cup stability, cushioning versus support over long days, packed thickness inside the boot, moisture and odour control, durability, and value for serious backpacking. Having lived with plantar fasciitis and 5,000+ miles in custom orthotics, I pay particular attention to how each insole holds up under a loaded pack on multi-day hikes. Some items were supplied by the manufacturer and some were purchased by the author for this review. For more on how we research and review gear, see the BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Policy.
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Hiking Insoles Comparison Table
| Brand | Arch Type | Material | Cushioning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superfeet All Purpose Support High Arch (Green) | Medium Feet / High Arch | Polypropylene cap/polyethylene foam/knit polyester top cover | Firm Density |
| Superfeet Run Cushion Low Arch | Flat Feet / Medium Feet | EVOLyte (nylon and carbon fiber) cap/polyethylene foam/knit polyester top cover | Firm Density |
| Superfeet Hike Support | Medium Feet / High Arch | Nylon with glass fiber and carbon fiber cap/gel pad/polyurethane memory and EVA foam/woven polyester top cover | Medium Density |
| Sole Active Medium | High Arch / Medium Feet | EVA/polyester/polyurethane | Medium Density |
| Sof Sole Athlete | Flat Feet / Medium Feet | Polyurethane foam/gel | Firm Density |
| WalkHero Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles | Flat Feet / Medium Feet | Silicone/EVA high density foam | Medium Density |
| Currex HIKEPRO | All flat / Medium / High Arch | EVA high density foam, mesh | Firm Density |
Best Insoles for Hiking and Backpacking 2026 – Detailed Reviews
Best Insoles 2026 – 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
This is the insole I keep coming back to, and the one I fitted to more customers than anything else during my years in the outdoor store. The old Green name is gone, but the formula that made it a benchmark has not changed: a firm, structured footbed built around a deep heel cup and a polypropylene cap that simply refuses to pack out.
What it does better than almost anything is hold its shape mile after mile. Where a soft, cushioned insole feels great in the first hour and then collapses under a loaded pack, the All-Purpose Support keeps your foot aligned deep into a long day. That structure is exactly what a high arch needs, and it also works for a flat foot that needs an arch built up to stop the ankle rolling inward.
It is a high-volume insole, so it suits roomy hiking boots more than tight trail runners. Pull the stock footbed out before you fit it or you will crowd the toe box.
Be ready for a break-in period. This is a firm insole and your feet need a week or so to adjust before you take it on a big trip. I learned that the hard way.
Durability is the payoff. A single pair has outlasted several cheaper insoles for me.
Trade-off: firm support and high volume over plush cushioning and low-profile fit.
Best for: backpackers and thru-hikers who want durable, structured support for boots on long days under a pack.
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Best Insoles for Flat Feet
Superfeet Run Cushion Low Arch
Arch Support: Flat Feet / Medium Feet
Pros:
> Huge range of sizes
> Comfortable High-density foam
> Structured heel cup
> Durable
Cons:
> Not Cheap
The Run Cushion Low Arch insole solves the problem the Green creates in tighter footwear. Where the All-Purpose Support is high-volume and best in roomy boots, this one is Superfeet’s thinnest, lowest-profile option, built to slide into trail runners and slim-fitting shoes without pushing your toes into the toe box.
The clever part is the EVOLyte cap, a carbon-fibre and nylon blend that gives you real structural support in a footbed that barely takes up any space. You get the stability of a firm insole without the bulk, which matters when you are running fast-and-light miles rather than plodding under a heavy pack.
Despite the low-arch name, the arch shape is more noticeable than you might expect, so if you are coming off a flat, unstructured stock insole, expect an adjustment period while your foot settles onto it.
It is aimed at low-volume, high-impact footwear, which makes it my pick for hikers who live in trail runners rather than boots.
The knit top cover is comfortable and breathes well, and the whole thing is genuinely light on the trail.
Trade-off: low-profile support over the deep, high-volume structure of the Green.
Best for: trail runners and slim-fitting shoes where a bulkier insole would crowd the foot.
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Best Insoles for Hiking and Backpacking
Superfeet Hike Support
Arch Support: Medium Feet / High Arch
Pros:
> Designed with athletic activities in mind
> Impact-absorbing foam
> Supportive heel cups
> Durable
Cons:
> Not Cheap
If the All-Purpose Support is the do-everything insole and the Run Support is the low-profile runner, the Hike Support is the one Superfeet built specifically for the trail. The Trailblazer name has been retired, but this is still their hiking-focused footbed, and it is the one I reach for when the days get long and the ground gets rough.
The difference is in how it balances support and cushioning. It keeps the structured carbon-fibre heel cap that stabilises your foot on uneven ground, then adds dual-layer foam and a heel impact pod that takes the sting out of long descents. On steep, rocky downhills, that combination noticeably reduces foot fatigue.
It comes in a medium-to-high arch shape, so it suits most hikers straight out of the packet, though very low arches may find it a touch tall at first.
The structured heel cup does the quiet work of stopping your foot shifting inside the boot, and less shifting means fewer hot spots and blisters over a multi-day trip.
It sits at moderate volume, so it fits most hiking boots well but can be snug in low-profile shoes.
Trade-off: hiking-specific cushioning and support at a slightly higher weight than the low-profile options.
Best for: hikers and backpackers who want a trail-tuned insole with a supportive heel cup for long, rough days.
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Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
Sole Active Medium
Arch Support: High Arch / Medium Feet
Pros:
> Reduce foot pain
> Deep heel cup
> Polygiene anti-bacterial coating
Cons:
> Not Cheap
The Sole Active is my pick for anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis, and it earns that spot because it does one thing the others cannot: it molds to your own foot. Heat it in the oven or just wear it in, and the EVA base takes the exact shape of your arch, which is about as close to a custom orthotic as you will get off the shelf.
For plantar fasciitis that customisation matters. A generic arch either misses the spot or presses too hard, whereas a moulded arch supports the fascia where your foot actually needs it. Having lived with plantar fasciitis myself, this is the closest thing to relief I have found without paying a podiatrist.
The deep heel cup and zero-drop platform cradle the heel pad and keep the foot aligned, which is exactly what the fascia needs to settle down. Sole cite a clinically measured reduction in fascia strain, and while I cannot verify the figure, the morning-pain improvement is real.
It runs medium in arch and thickness, so factor the extra height into your shoe fit and pull the stock insole first.
The Polygiene top cover keeps odour down, which is welcome on a multi-day trip.
Trade-off: a break-in and moulding step in exchange for near-custom support.
Best for: hikers with plantar fasciitis or arch pain who want a moldable, near-custom insole.
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Best Insoles for Day Hiking
Sof Sole Athlete
Arch Support: Flat Feet / Medium Feet
Pros:
> Budget-friendly
> True to size
> Moisture wicking
Cons:
> Best used for lighter activity rather than intensive hikes
The Sof Sole Athlete is the light, no-fuss option here, and it fills a real gap: not everyone wants a firm, structured orthotic. Some hikers just want a comfortable, cushioned upgrade over the flimsy stock footbed, and for shorter days on the trail this does the job well.
The design is a neutral, contoured shape rather than an aggressive arch, with gel drops in the heel and forefoot for cushioning and a bit of energy return at toe-off. It is genuinely light, the lightest insole in this guide, so it barely registers underfoot.
That neutral profile is both the strength and the limit. It suits a wide range of feet without imposing much correction, but it will not control a collapsing arch or serious overpronation the way the Superfeet or the Sole Active do.
It is true to size and trims easily, so getting a clean fit in most shoes is straightforward. Pull the stock insole first as always.
I would keep this for day hikes and lighter loads. Once you strap on a heavy pack for multi-day miles, you will want the firmer support of a structured insole.
Trade-off: light cushioning and comfort over firm arch correction.
Best for: day hikers wanting a light, comfortable cushioning upgrade rather than a structured orthotic.
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Best Budget Hiking Insoles
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
The WalkHero is my budget pick, and it is the answer to a fair question: do you really need to spend Superfeet or Sole money to get proper arch support? For a lot of hikers, no. This delivers a firm contoured arch and a deep heel cup at a fraction of the price.
What surprises people is how structured it is. This is a semi-rigid, orthotic-style insole with a genuine arch shell, not a soft foam pad. The deep U-shaped heel cup locks the heel in place and reduces the micro-movements that aggravate plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, which is why it keeps turning up on best-for-heel-pain lists.
The trade-off at this price is finish and refinement. The cushioning is semi-rigid rather than plush, and it runs a touch thicker than some, so check you have the room in your shoe before committing to a long day.
It comes in a wide range of pre-cut sizes, so most hikers avoid trimming altogether, which is a nice touch for something this cheap.
For firm support and heel stability on a tight budget, it punches well above its price.
Trade-off: basic finish and a thicker profile in exchange for a very low price.
Best for: budget-minded hikers who want firm arch support and a deep heel cup for sore feet and plantar fasciitis.
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Best Hiking Specific Insoles
Currex HIKEPRO
Arch Support: Flat / Medium / High Arch options
Pros:
> Comes in a choice of flat / medium or high arch
> Can be used for a running or hiking
> Good arch support
Cons:
> Can be a bit too firm for some people
The Currex HIKEPRO is the insole that is built to flex dynamically as you walk, so it supports the arch through the gait cycle instead of just propping it up.
It comes in three arch heights, low, medium and high, which matters more than most hikers realise. Buying the arch height that matches your foot is the difference between an insole that disappears under you and one that nags at you by mile ten. For flat feet I would size to the low option, and for high arches the high.
On the trail the appeal is the cushioned heel pad combined with a shell that does not feel dead underfoot. It sits well in both trail runners and mid-height boots without crowding the toe box, which is where bulkier footbeds cause hot spots.
The trade-off is that the HIKEPRO leans more towards flexible support than the firm, locked-in feel of the Superfeet Green. If you want maximum rigidity to control a collapsing ankle, the Superfeet still wins. If you want support that moves with you, this is the better pick.
Trade-off: dynamic flex over rigid control.
Best for: hikers who want arch-specific support in trail runners and lightweight boots.
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Hiking Insole Buyers Guide
Hiking Insole Buyers Guide
Arch support and your foot type
This is the single most important decision, and it is where most hikers get it wrong. Everyone’s arch is different: high, neutral, low or flat. A high-arch foot needs a structured insole that fills the gap under the arch so the load spreads across the whole foot. A flat or collapsing foot needs firm support too, often with a deep heel cup, to stop the ankle rolling inward.
From years fitting footwear, the mistake I saw most was people buying a soft, cushioned insole when what their flat foot actually needed was firm structure. Match the insole to your arch first, then worry about everything else. Brands like Currex now sell the same insole in multiple arch heights for exactly this reason.
Support versus cushioning
The biggest trade-off in this whole category. Cushioning feels great in the shop and on the first short walk. But after six hours under a loaded pack, soft cushioning compresses and stops doing its job, and your feet start to ache.
Firmer support holds its shape and keeps your foot aligned mile after mile. I have learned the hard way that for long backpacking days I want firm support, and I save the plush, cushioned insoles for short walks and travel. If you only take one thing from this guide, it is this: for serious miles, prioritise support over softness.
Volume, thickness and fit inside the boot
An insole takes up space, and that changes how your footwear fits. A high-volume insole works well in roomy hiking boots but can crowd a low-profile trail runner and push your toes into the toe box, which causes hot spots and lost toenails on long descents.
If your shoes already fit snug, choose a low-profile insole. If your boots feel loose, a higher-volume insole can take up the slack and stop your foot sliding. Always pull the stock footbed out before fitting a new insole, otherwise you are stacking two and ruining the fit.
Heel cup and stability
A deep, structured heel cup cradles the fat pad under your heel and keeps it where it should be, which both cushions heel strike and stops your foot sliding around. That stability is what prevents the rubbing that turns into blisters and hot spots. For anyone with heel pain or plantar fasciitis, a deep heel cup is non-negotiable.
Materials and durability
Insoles use closed-cell foam, EVA, gel, cork, polypropylene and carbon-fibre caps. As a rule, softer materials give comfort and firmer materials give support and longevity. Carbon-fibre and reinforced polymer caps (as in the Superfeet Run Support and Hike Support) add structure without much weight. Cheap foam insoles pack out fast; a quality insole should last many months to a couple of years depending on mileage.
Moisture and odour control
Feet are one of the sweatiest parts of the body, and trapped moisture means blisters and smell. Look for a moisture-wicking top cover and, ideally, an antimicrobial or Polygiene-type treatment like the one on the Sole Active. Controlling moisture controls both odour and hot spots.
Break-in period
This one catches people out. When you first use a structured insole it is not the insole breaking in, it is your feet adjusting to the new support. I made the mistake of taking new insoles straight onto a long backpacking trip and my feet were wrecked. Wear new insoles a couple of hours a day around the house for a week or so, then build up to longer hikes.
Sizing and trim-to-fit
Some insoles come in your exact size; many are trim-to-fit. If you are trimming, pull the stock insole out of your shoe, lay it on top of the new one, and trace the shape before cutting; cut conservatively, you can always trim more. Dedicated hiking insoles often can’t be cut as freely, so buy the right size band to start with.
Price and value
Expect to pay roughly US$15 to US$75 for a quality pair. Cheaper than that and you usually sacrifice support or durability. But put that next to the cost of a podiatrist visit and a set of custom orthotics, which I have paid for several times over, and a good off-the-shelf insole is excellent value. Start with the insoles in this guide before paying for custom orthotics; for many hikers they solve the problem.
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 2026 are:
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Frequently asked questions
Do insoles help with hiking?
Yes. A supportive insole improves comfort and alignment over long miles and reduces blisters, hot spots and foot fatigue, especially for flat or collapsing arches. Pair them with the right hiking socks for the best result.
What are the best hiking insoles for flat feet?
For flat feet you want firm support with a deep heel cup to stop the ankle rolling inward, not soft cushioning. The Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch works well even for flat feet that need an arch built up, and the Superfeet Run Support Low Arch suits lower-profile shoes.
What are the best insoles for high arches?
A high arch needs a structured insole that fills the space under the arch so pressure spreads across the foot. The Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch is my pick, and arch-specific options like the Currex HIKEPRO (high) suit hikers who want the support tuned to their exact arch height.
Are insoles good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, the right ones help a lot. Look for firm arch support and a deep heel cup. The Sole Active is clinically shown to reduce plantar fascia strain, and a firm, supportive insole is far cheaper than custom orthotics. Build up mileage slowly if you are flaring.
Do I need a different insole for trail runners versus boots?
Often, yes. Trail runners have less internal volume, so a bulky insole crowds the toe box; choose a low-profile option. Roomier boots can take a higher-volume insole that also takes up slack and improves the fit.
How long do hiking insoles last?
Most last roughly a year of regular use, less under heavy thru-hiking mileage. Replace them once the cushioning packs out, the arch flattens, or the top cover wears through. Systems with a replaceable top cover, like the Tread Labs Pace, stretch that lifespan.
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.
