Boot insoles

[rockhopper353]

Having just acquired some spanking new Altberg tethera boots I'm contemplating whether to get some specialist insoles for them.


I have a pair of Sketchers trainers with memory foam insoles and they are super comfy, do you stick with the ones that come in the boots or immediately swap them out and if so what material and brand is your preference, is memory foam any good in walking boots, gel or another material?

[sussamb]

In the past I've always used sorbathane insoles but my latest Salomon boots are comfortable with their original ones so I've left them in.  Was going to swap them out once they became uncomfortable but 18 months later they're still fine 

[kinkyboots]

My advice would be to keep the ones that came with the Tetheras in the boots until you decide what you want to do.

It depends on whether you have low, medium or high arches as to what you choose but the two main ones that get mentioned and recommended a lot are the Sorbothane Double Strike and the Superfeet Green.

The Sorbothane Double Strikes (soft and spongy and aimed primarily at comfort) do take up a fair bit of room in the boot so would need to be tried with your boots to make sure there is enough room.

Some people find the Superfeet Green (firmer under foot and aimed primarily at supporting and holding your foot in the correct position) takes some time for their feet to adjust to the corrective arch support in them. Start with a couple of hours a day then increase the time gradually until the muscles and tendons in your feet adjust. (plenty of videos on YouTube about them)

I have normal arches and currently use Sidas Comfort 3D (the green & black ones in the links below) in my Tetheras and the Superfeet Green in my Mallerstangs and despite the price difference I can honestly say that I can't feel any difference between them at all when the boots are on my feet.

https://physiowarehouse.co.uk/products/sidas-comfort-3d-insoles?variant=6310203621415

https://www.ellis-brigham.com/products/sidas-3d-comfort-footbed/704601

Just remember that insoles don't last for ever and they compress over time so they do need replacing occasionally depending on your mileage and how heavy you are on your feet.

[rockhopper353]

I actually do have fallen arches, the left foot is worse than the right and I'm ashamed to say I was fitted at the hospital a few years a go with insoles for my feet.
Like you were saying about the superfeet ones though kinky I found them quite uncomfortable with the arch support and gave up on them as they were making my arch sore, I guess I should have persevered longer with them.
Perhaps before trying any of the others I should dig them out and give them another chance.  I find it difficult to imagine doing a long hike with them though as they really did feel strange even on short walks.

[ninthace]

Before you buy sorbothane insoles also read
http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=34785.0
They are not for every one.
I have 2 pairs of Tetheras, the new pair have the manufacturer's  insoles and they are perfectly satisfactory,  The old pair used to have Sidas insoles but I cannot find the type I used to buy so I have replaced them with the insoles recommended by Altberg - Svartz anatomic lites and they are also perfect for me.

[kinkyboots]

If you've already had the "professional" touch and always assuming that your arches haven't changed since that time I would dig them out and persevere. Even the slightest changes to the muscles and tendons supporting your arches will feel strange and can be very painful at first until they eventually adjust and get used to the change. Start slow and gradually build up the time but you must keep using them. It's a long term thing but could also go some way to explaining the heavy creasing in the leather which you experienced previously.

I think it would just be a waste of money buying/trying anything else until you've tried.

[rockhopper353]

Before you buy sorbothane insoles also read
http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=34785.0
They are not for every one.
I have 2 pairs of Tetheras, the new pair have the manufacturer's  insoles and they are perfectly satisfactory,  The old pair used to have Sidas insoles but I cannot find the type I used to buy so I have replaced them with the insoles recommended by Altberg - Svartz anatomic lites and they are also perfect for me.

Thanks, I'll probably see how I get on with the supplied ones first then. I have found my prescribed ones so will give them another try in some other shoes but not convinced I'll stick with them.
Guess I need to do some research so when the time comes to replace the originals I'll have a better idea with what.

[rockhopper353]

If you've already had the "professional" touch and always assuming that your arches haven't changed since that time I would dig them out and persevere. Even the slightest changes to the muscles and tendons supporting your arches will feel strange and can be very painful at first until they eventually adjust and get used to the change. Start slow and gradually build up the time but you must keep using them. It's a long term thing but could also go some way to explaining the heavy creasing in the leather which you experienced previously.

I think it would just be a waste of money buying/trying anything else until you've tried.

Going to give them another crack but they really did apply a lot of pressure under the arch to the point it felt bruised, I guess that is the idea of them though to support the fallen arch.

[kinkyboots]

Going to give them another crack but they really did apply a lot of pressure under the arch to the point it felt bruised, I guess that is the idea of them though to support the fallen arch.

You are correct and that bruised feeling is a good description but it is quite normal at first which is why the process of adjustment must be done gradually but you must keep at it and stopping and starting is not an option.

[rockhopper353]

You are correct and that bruised feeling is a good description but it is quite normal at first which is why the process of adjustment must be done gradually but you must keep at it and stopping and starting is not an option.

Won't lie I ain't looking forward to it, but if it benefits me in the long term I'll give them a go 😩

[Ronin83]

Thing is, your foots arch is like a tension spring. It's job is to flatten on impact and spring back to propel. By putting a support underneath it, it cannot do it's job. Further more it will weaken through lack of use.


Now I understand that a hiking boot is like a support that a sports person would wear to increase athletic ability and provide safety eg I wouldn't begrudge an Olympic weightlifter for wearing a back support belt, but long term it may not be healthy. Also they wouldn't walk around every day wearing it.


So, for everyday wear, for most of your life you should be providing no support from your arches, but allowing them to flex and strengthen. As they strengthen they can raise, but arches do come in all different shapes and sizes so theres a lot of myth around fallen arches etc. We weren't born with lumps under our feet, so the idea that they need supporting is plain weird.


For performance on the day and safety, ok, wear arch supports to prevent injury from fatigue etc.


If you have a real medical issue, wear supports when needed, but endeavour to rehabilitate and strengthen your feet through exercises.