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 🙂
I received an informative email comment from a Hiking Lady reader, Pat. She has her own experience with Superfeet for people with osteopenia. Thanks Pat!
Just read your post about narrow hiking boots/shoes for women and your suggestion for adding SuperFeet insoles to boots.
A few years ago on the advice of my doctor I did that. The results were that I, a 68 year old women with osteopenia, developed
painful debilitating “bone bruises.” It took me a year to heal. I now add good quality SOFT insoles to all my shoes and have had no problems.
You may want to research this and perhaps include a note suggesting those with osteopenia or osteoporosis double check before adding HARD insoles to their shoes or boots.
– Pat M.
Hi Snowrider!
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!
Do you insert the superfeet insoles on top of the factory insole? Or do you remove the factory insoles and replace them with your own? Also, are there any fitting (molding) procedure for these or do they mold with time and use? Thanks!!!
I 100% agree with the superfeet
I overpronate – thanks to insanely flat feet. For running I use a pair of asics – and for a while I was wearing the asics about town rather than my scarpas because they were more comfortable!
I always found with the stock scarpa footbeds I was leaning into the inside of my foot and putting pressure on the inside side of my knees.
No more! 2x superfeet green expertly fitted by Cotswolds (cheers guys) and my boots are now king of the hill again – comfortable to wear and no knee pain after hiking!
Love your site
Hi Hiker Audrey!
Great question. Customer orthotics are definitely better. Superfeet are for those of us who can’t afford or don’t need specialized orthotics.
Hope that helps!
I have custom orthotics. Should I consider wearing Superfeet instead of them? If I should consider the Superfeet, I’m confused about which color to get?
Great to hear it Jennifer! Keep on hikin’ 🙂
I agree about the Superfeet. My right foot has tendon problems, and gets injured really easily. I had just started hiking and was almost going to give it up due to foot pain until I tried Superfeet. I’m able to hike twice as far as before and I rarely feel pain in my foot!