Every pair trail running shoes, hiking boots, or backpacking boots will include the manufacturers’ insoles, which generally are low quality and offer limited support.
If you spend a lot of time running, hiking, or backpacking, I highly recommend you invest in a pair of Superfeet or other enhanced insoles.
I first bought a pair of Superfeet when I bought a new pair of running shoes at a specialty shop a few years ago. Now I’m hooked!
They provide additional support and stability, and even though they are stiff and take a bit of getting used to, every medical doctor and podiatrist I know swears by them. My view is that it can’t hurt to invest a few extra bucks so I can keep hiking for many more years!
They are pricey, but my pair has lasted for well over a year, and I wear them all the time in my trail running shoes, hiking boots, and backpacking boots. I even wear them in my ski boots 🙂
Specs
- Retail price: $39.95
- Where to buy? REI, specialty running shops
Treat Your Feet Right! Hiking Lady’s Tips:
Hi Jane, great question! From my experience, yes, the Vasque brand tends to run narrow. Keen tends to run wide. I hope that helps!
Happy trails!
Hello Hiking Lady!
I happened to come across a link to your blog while shopping for narrow hiking shoes. I am so glad I did because I was beginning to get pretty frustrated. I saw that you like Vasque brand. Do they run fairly narrow across the board? I tried to find that one pair that you liked (Vasque Women’s Solera VST Light Hiking Shoe?) but I cannot find it. I prefer hiking shoes and I don’t need waterproof. I will definitely buy insoles. I have a AA-AAA width and like a 6A heel. UGH. So I will check out the Superfeet brand that you talked about. So back to my question: do you think all the Vasque running shoes run narrow? Should I just pick a style that looks good to me? By the way, I am an avid runner and a fairly novas hiker. I don’t want to mix shoes. Many thanks.
Jane in Arizona
Great questions. Yep, you take out the factory insoles, pop in the higher quality ones, and you’re ready to go. Over time they will mold a little bit to your foot.
Happy trails!
Does the existing insert in the boot have to be removed when inserting Superfeet? Or do the just go right on top of them?
Great question, Kate. They use to retail for about $20, now they are up to $40! Crazy I know. I’ve had luck buying them at REI Used Gear Sales. People seem to buy a pair, cut it to fit their shoe, never wear it, and return it to REI. I’ve been able to pick up 2 pairs that way for about $10 each.
Superfeet are sold all over???
And how expensive? ( Just a round figure).
PS Like you site.