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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: Lee R on 20:38:42, 02/12/20

Title: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Lee R on 20:38:42, 02/12/20
Hi All,


I don't want to waste money on cheap rubbish insoles. I'd rather spend a reasonable amount for decent ones.


I started getting pains on the balls of my feet back in the summer. It was 'caused' by new work boots I think... I have bought comfy trainers (a few months ago) & another pair of work boots & things have drastically improved. I was out for 6 hours on Sunday (it was so beautiful in the woods in the fog I couldn't leave!) & I was just starting to feel some discomfort towards the end. Neither of my boots need replacing yet & they do fit well & are comfortable otherwise.


Anyone recommend a product they've used for similar issues please?
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: shortwalker on 22:06:10, 02/12/20
Hi All,


I don't want to waste money on cheap rubbish insoles. I'd rather spend a reasonable amount for decent ones.


I started getting pains on the balls of my feet back in the summer. It was 'caused' by new work boots I think... I have bought comfy trainers (a few months ago) & another pair of work boots & things have drastically improved. I was out for 6 hours on Sunday (it was so beautiful in the woods in the fog I couldn't leave!) & I was just starting to feel some discomfort towards the end. Neither of my boots need replacing yet & they do fit well & are comfortable otherwise.


Anyone recommend a product they've used for similar issues please?



As with a lot of things different things work for different people. I use Grisport anti shock insoles in my boots (also Grisport) I am not a podiatrist but by cushioning the heel they seem to help the balls of my feet too. (or it could just be me as I have a raised cuneiform)
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: jimbob on 22:24:32, 02/12/20
I swear by superfeet as I have arch problems and plantar fasciitis in one foot.
However there are insoles that can be moulded to your feet both in shop in a machine as well as types that can be put into an oven then put into your boots and walking about in them. I spotted them a while ago on Amazon whilst buying my last set of superfeet greens.
 
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:26:59, 03/12/20
I use Sorbothane inserts because I prefer cushioning under my feet rather than support under my feet. My support inserts are in my off-road running shoes. I bought them from Ebay, very cheap, £10 at the time.

I'm not suggesting I'm right but I can't see how expensive inserts can be that much different from cheap ones? In one of my pairs of boots for example, I have Aldi ones, £2.99 and they are great.

If however your feet have special needs then my entry may not be useful information.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: harland on 13:05:25, 03/12/20
Sorbothane double strike for me.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:07:51, 04/12/20
I bought a specialised pair of inserts a couple of years ago, they are about 1mm along the length of the inner edge and about 5mm along the length of the outer edge of each insert. They are made by Rehband and are called 'QD Pronation Supination Wedges.'

I noticed over two or three pairs of boots that the outer edges of each sole were wearing fast so I bought these inserts to tilt my foot back into a 90-degree neutral position. The more my boots wore the more uncomfortable my hiking became. I've never actually inserted these Rehband's into my boots,  I just use them as a left foot and right foot template by utilising old trainer inserts cut-outs which I then place under my Sorbothanes. For me they work very well, my walking comfort has improved and my boot sole wear is now spread evenly both across and longwise. The other bonus is that my boot heels no longer wear at such a fast rate as they used to.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Lee R on 21:43:26, 05/12/20
Sorry I've not been about for a few days. Thanks for the suggestions I shall take a look into them.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Lazar on 14:34:29, 06/12/20
Superfeet green for me all the time.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: jimbob on 15:05:16, 06/12/20
One thing not mentioned about insoles is the fact that carrying a spare set can be useful for swapping with a set that have managed to get soaked for whatever reasons.

I'm sure I read this on this forum quite a while ago (years?)..
I have found that advice to be sound through stupidity and error.
Recently I discovered that I couldn't physically match the leap across a stream near the Danelaw Way that I cleared by at least two feet in my mind. Carrying an old pair of supergreens saved the day, and the feet.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: gunwharfman on 17:12:01, 06/12/20
Yes a good one Jimbob, I always carry a spare pair of insoles for the very same reasons.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: shortwalker on 00:16:37, 07/12/20
One thing not mentioned about insoles is the fact that carrying a spare set can be useful for swapping with a set that have managed to get soaked for whatever reasons.

I'm sure I read this on this forum quite a while ago (years?)..
I have found that advice to be sound through stupidity and error.
Recently I discovered that I couldn't physically match the leap across a stream near the Danelaw Way that I cleared by at least two feet in my mind. Carrying an old pair of supergreens saved the day, and the feet.


But won't the inside of the shoe/boot also be wet?
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: jimbob on 00:31:34, 07/12/20

But won't the inside of the shoe/boot also be wet?
Depends what type of footwear and what type of insole.

I am wearing non waterproof trail runners at the minute. If they get flooded then the water goes squishing up over the insole. At every step. If you take the insole out give the shoes a good shake and a wipe with the wrung out socks that you also need to change and put in the dry insoles then the water doesn't rise into the insole foam bit and the tops of the trail runners dry out very quickly.

I did forget to mention the sock change.

Not sure what I would do if I was wearing full on hiking boots, as if i do wear them I usually also wear waterproof gaiters and haven't suffered flooded boots to date.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: shortwalker on 08:50:10, 07/12/20
I went out in my walking shoes yesterday and one of the fields I went through was a bit boggier than I thought. had my feet got wet and muddy in those circumstances I couldn't see what changing anything would do, until I could get the shoes washed out.  So unless the shoes had got gritty I doubt I would have done anything. But theen again I don't walk more than 10 miles at any one time.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: jimbob on 08:58:25, 07/12/20
Horses for courses, Shortwalker.

It works for me and clearly for GWM.
It could be that it only works for the particular type of footwear and the particular type of insole that we choose to wear.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: kinkyboots on 12:21:34, 07/12/20
Hi All,


I don't want to waste money on cheap rubbish insoles. I'd rather spend a reasonable amount for decent ones.


I started getting pains on the balls of my feet back in the summer. It was 'caused' by new work boots I think... I have bought comfy trainers (a few months ago) & another pair of work boots & things have drastically improved. I was out for 6 hours on Sunday (it was so beautiful in the woods in the fog I couldn't leave!) & I was just starting to feel some discomfort towards the end. Neither of my boots need replacing yet & they do fit well & are comfortable otherwise.


Anyone recommend a product they've used for similar issues please?

The one thing missing from your post is the make and model of the boots involved?

The title of the thread refers to them as being "walking boots" but the content of your post refers to them as being "work boots". Usually they're two completely different things with work boots being constructed using much lower quality materials and if that's the case they will almost certainly not have a midsole or sole which has been specifically designed and developed for walking.

The old adage that you can put lipstick on a pig but at the end of the day it's still a pig may apply here?  ;)

You may well find you would be wasting your money buying expensive insoles if you own a pig as expensive insoles will probably make absolutely no difference at all.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: fernman on 12:47:03, 07/12/20
The one thing missing from your post is the make and model of the boots involved?

The title of the thread refers to them as being "walking boots" but the content of your post refers to them as being "work boots". Usually they're two completely different things with work boots being constructed using much lower quality materials and if that's the case they will almost certainly not have a midsole or sole which has been specifically designed and developed for walking.

The old adage that you can put lipstick on a pig but at the end of the day it's still a pig may apply here?  ;)

You may well find you would be wasting your money buying expensive insoles if you own a pig as expensive insoles will probably make absolutely no difference at all.

Don't remind me of work boots! Mine were hugely uncomfortable and appeared to be made of cardboard, but they cost me next to nothing and were deemed neccesary for the steel toecaps. If something heavy fell on your foot they protected you, and if you weren't wearing them you couldn't make a claim.

But it was thanks to the Walking Forum three years ago that I learnt the insoles that come with new walking boots aren't necessarily the best, and additionally that insoles should be replaced at intervals. As a result, I bought one of the pairs that had been recommended (no point in me mentioning the brand and model here, as they are not for what the OP was asking). I'm on my 2nd pair now, and they have made my walking more pleasurable.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: jimbob on 13:05:04, 07/12/20
Oh and if you are having trouble with your feet,  regardless of what you are doing or wearing then don't be frightened to get expert advice.
When the GP told me I had PF he arranged for me to attend a hospital physio, here I was given exercises which helped recovery. They also mentioned orthotic insoles. I attend a chiropodist regularly, ( can't see my feet for my belly being my excuse), and she explained which she thought most beneficial for my feet. As a result I have ended up using what I use. Not had any PF agony for a long time now. My flat feet also seem to have eased off the nagging a bit. Clearly after a long walk especially when it's warm and my feet swell up more than when it's cold (?), I get a general soreness in my feet, but also in the calf area. Not a problem.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Islandplodder on 16:04:08, 07/12/20
What Jimbob says. I was referred by my GP to a podiatrist. Their explanation of my problem was clear and helpful, and the insoles they made up for me not only help my feet but came free, with the promise that if they didn't work they would make a different pair, also free.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Lee R on 20:15:18, 07/12/20
The one thing missing from your post is the make and model of the boots involved?

The title of the thread refers to them as being "walking boots" but the content of your post refers to them as being "work boots". Usually they're two completely different things with work boots being constructed using much lower quality materials and if that's the case they will almost certainly not have a midsole or sole which has been specifically designed and developed for walking.

The old adage that you can put lipstick on a pig but at the end of the day it's still a pig may apply here?  ;)

You may well find you would be wasting your money buying expensive insoles if you own a pig as expensive insoles will probably make absolutely no difference at all.


Walking boots. The pain started around the time I got new works boots. It's eased over time but I found some discomfort at the end of a 6 hour walk the past weekend which was obviously in my walking boots - which I've had longer than my work boots!
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: kinkyboots on 11:25:37, 08/12/20
Your feet are very sensitive to even minor changes in your footwear. Given that you probably spend 35-40 hours a week in your work boots it should come as no surprise that your feet immediately notice the change and react when suddenly faced with 6-8 hours in your walking boots. Your feet are more used to your work boots than to your walking boots.

As posted by others Superfeet Green come highly recommended on this forum and others. In your situation I would buy 2 pairs - one for your walking boots and one for your work boots or alternatively share and swap one pair between boots. Be aware that they do take some getting used to and usually need a period of gradual breaking in while your feet get used to the increased arch support they provide. They don't suit everybody.

Another off the shelf alternative to look at might be Sidas 3D Comfort insoles which come in 3 versions to suit low, medium or high arches.

I have both Superfeet Green and the Sidas 3D Comfort insoles in different pairs of boots and I honestly can't tell the difference between them when the boots are on my feet.


Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: jimbob on 12:19:53, 08/12/20
Kinkyboots is so right, superfeet greens take a bit of getting used to start with, they seem to bully your arches into submission. My chiropodist did warn me, so I knew to persevere. Now years later I don't even notice them. I also can't really remember the pains of fallen arches or plantar.
I did try the sorbothanes with arch support once fir about a week yonks ago. I chose to go back to the superfeet.

As with much in life, its quite a personal choice, but the right choice can make life easier. The pity is, it can cost quite a lot to get to the right choice, can't it?
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: gunwharfman on 12:41:45, 08/12/20
Re: cost! It certainly can.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Apache on 15:07:26, 19/12/20



Another off the shelf alternative to look at might be Sidas 3D Comfort insoles which come in 3 versions to suit low, medium or high arches.




Do you have any view of Svartz footbeds as sold by Altberg as an 'upgrade'?
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: kinkyboots on 15:24:29, 19/12/20

Do you have any view of Svartz footbeds as sold by Altberg as an 'upgrade'?

I've not tried the Svartz footbeds myself so can't comment on their quality but I do know that there are occasional bargains on ebay.

After a quick look from what I can see the Absorber is basically their equvalent to the Sorbothane Double Strike i.e it's predominantly for absorbing shock (think army route marches), the Anatomix Lite is their equivalent to the Superfeet Green and similar footbeds i.e. it's designed to support and hold your feet in the correct position and alignment, the Memorex is sort of a middle ground which uses memory foam which adapts to the shape of your feet with use.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Apache on 19:16:59, 19/12/20
Thanks - I'll try the Sidas then.
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Pomster on 21:24:05, 19/12/20
I've recently purchased my first "proper pair" of walking boots.
I've had a few boots over the years but these are the first i've had my feet measured. I was advised they required two insoles, something i've no experience of? It's always been a case of buy boots, stick feet in and go walking  :D
The insoles are Sidas impact reducers and Sidas 3feet mid and cost approx £45 Here's hoping they're good insoles.
I'm really a complete novice in terms of boots/feet but what i would say is, is that if you can, get your feet measured so you know which type of insole your feet require
Title: Re: Walking Boot Insoles
Post by: Troggy on 20:46:25, 09/01/21
Well, it's my first tiome on here and and I've got some good bits of info by reading this thread. I must have ruined a fair few pairs of Boots, shoes, trainers by going about buying them the wrong way. While I've been "shielded" during the lockdown, I've generally made do with short walks locally, in the early morning then back in. Found out that I've become more and more walking with all the weight on the outside of both feet and then only really took any notice when I'd developed corns on the outside of both little toes.Luckily, I started thinking about getting out, once we were able to, and looked on the walking forum and "gear."
I'm glad I found this item, as I read it about a fortnight ago. It made interesting reading and I found a few comments really helpful. One was Shortwalker's about Grisport insoles, but it was the point about him wearing Grisport boots that caught my eye. I'd been looking at them on Ebay and liked the look of them, so read up about them. They were wide fitting, which was a good start for me and got some decent reviews.Anyway, I ordered a pair off Ebay (and thought it'd be another pair I'd have to send back or do some amateur cobbling on!)Then I read Gunwharfmans comment about the soles he got that could be used for either pronation or supination: and how they made a dramatic improvem,ent in comfort by helping is feet have the correct gait. so I ordered a pair of them as well.
They both came today and both Boots (Grisport Fuse) and the Rehband wedges, have made a great start. So far the boots have only come off if I went outside in the yard and they are very comfortable, and the insoles? well I'll have to wait a little longer to try them outside; but up to now both shoes and insoles are very comfortable. And finally, about the importance of visits to the Podiatrist (I think it was by Kinky Boots or Jim Bob) I'll have to wait at least until I've had the Vaccination; but that is a good point indeed and thanks for reminding us of their importance.