A few weeks ago we introduced two different insole models from the US company Superfeet. The green model, the Superfeet “Performance” insole, has now been put through an extensive field test. Among other things, the insoles were used in a Hanwag Tatra trekking boot and in a Merrell Moab Mid GTX lightweight hiking shoe. On hikes in the USA (Maine, Vermont) and hikes in the Harz, the insoles had to show on long tours whether they could withstand the strain and whether they offer any real added value.
Why would you need different insoles in a trekking boot?
There is, of course, no blanket answer to this question. Strictly speaking, the question should really be: do you need an insole other than the one supplied “as standard” by the renowned shoe manufacturers at all?
In principle, all hiking boots from the big manufacturers are made for a “standard foot”. At the same time, each manufacturer uses slightly different lasts, which then serve as the basis for making the shoes. But since very few people actually have a standard foot, all you can do is choose the shoe that fits your foot best. This choice, however, is always a compromise – sometimes a good one, sometimes a less good one. Ultimately, the same applies to the insoles the shoes come with as standard. Apart from the fact that, for cost reasons alone, shoe manufacturers certainly don’t choose the most elaborate option as a “footbed”, the insoles also have to “fit” a great many different feet.
Burning feet on long hikes
The reason I started looking into insoles at all is that on long hikes I almost always get a burning sensation, especially in the heel, but also somewhat in the forefoot. It is definitely not down to the shoes alone, since the problem has occurred with many different pairs. I had already tried several different insoles – including various gel insoles (some from discount stores) and aftermarket insoles, e.g. from Globetrotter. Unfortunately, I wasn’t particularly happy with any of them. Only the Globetrotter insoles held up on longer hikes at all – but they didn’t solve the problem.
Good and expensive?
The green Superfeet “Performance” insoles, which I have had for a few weeks now, are in a different class – unfortunately in price as well: a pair costs around 40 EUR in specialist shops and online. A detailed description of the insoles can be found in our introduction).
Fitting the insole to the shoe is done quickly, but you should work very carefully according to the enclosed “instructions”. The insole is easy to slide into the shoe because it is relatively stiff.
When you step into the shoe, you immediately feel that the heel is “cupped” a little more tightly than with the original insoles. This also gives the shoe a little more lateral support. After a few hundred kilometres on sometimes very difficult mountain trails, including Mt. Katahdin in Maine, this first impression has been confirmed. Most importantly, though – even after 8 hours on my feet: with these insoles I no longer get the burning in my heel!
Less fatigue with good insoles
In the front part of the insole there is a relatively firm, flat foam layer, which is comparable to the original in shape and “hardness”. As expected, the insole therefore can’t bring any improvement at this point in my case. Perhaps a somewhat softer insole would be better here. But since the burning occurs less often here and is not as intense as in the heel area, I am very happy with the result. Purely subjectively, I also have the feeling that fatigue in my feet and legs sets in a little later since I started using the Superfeet insoles.
Good durability of the Superfeet insoles
After many kilometres in different shoes, the Superfeet insoles show hardly any signs of wear. The fabric at the cut edges is slightly frayed and the print has rubbed off. But these are only superficial – otherwise there is no damage at all to the insole surface. The “stink factor” of the insoles is also very good. The antimicrobial surface coating Agion does its job as hoped and as promised by the manufacturer.
Verdict on the Superfeet insoles:
The Superfeet insoles are not exactly cheap – but the quality is convincing! The insoles are durable, show hardly any signs of wear, and odour is kept within limits. The Superfeet insoles improve the walking feel and lateral support thanks to the reinforcement in the heel and midfoot area. In my case, they also helped me avoid that annoying burning in the heel on longer hikes!
