I would like to briefly introduce a couple of insoles for hiking boots that I plan to test more intensively over the coming weeks. They are two models from the US manufacturer Superfeet. Both insoles are foam insoles additionally reinforced with a plastic stabiliser cap to support the heel and arch. According to the manufacturer, this is meant to improve guidance, support, balance and comfort while reducing the strain placed on muscles and bones.
The following Superfeet models are available to me for the test:
The blue insole “Active”
The manufacturer describes it as a multi-purpose insole suitable for many uses. This model offers biomechanical support for a wide range of foot shapes. Flat feet, where the arch has collapsed and the whole sole of the foot rests on the ground even without load, are supposed to get the support they need from this insole. The Superfeet “Active” is recommended for feet with a low to medium arch. The base of this insole is made of closed-cell foam about 1.6 mm thick.
The green insole “Performance”
According to the manufacturer, it offers optimum support and shock absorption. It was developed for sports, work and mountain boots with a wide heel area and removable insoles. The Superfeet “Performance” is recommended for feet with a medium to high arch. The base of this insole is 3 mm thick closed-cell foam.
The surfaces of the insoles have been treated with the antimicrobial technology Agion. Its natural, silver-based antimicrobial properties are meant to guarantee long-lasting protection against bacteria.
The stated price for both models is 44.90 EUR.
Superfeet insoles in a lightweight trekking boot
Among other things, I want to test the insoles in a Hanwag Tatra trekking boot, which I have already been wearing for a while on day hikes and multi-day tours. They will also be used in a lightweight mid-height hiking shoe from Adidas. Since by my own estimate I have a medium-high arch, both insoles should basically fit.
At first glance you notice that, compared with the original Hanwag insoles, the insoles are considerably more rigid in the heel and midfoot area. Here the insoles are reinforced with a firm plastic. Because of this construction, the insoles are naturally also somewhat more voluminous in this area than the Hanwag insoles. In the forefoot area the Superfeet insoles are not especially reinforced, and the material thickness, i.e. the height of the insoles, does not differ much from the original insoles there either. Overall, the insoles naturally have more material, so the volume inside the boot is reduced somewhat.
Both insoles are easy to trim and can therefore be fitted well to the hiking shoe or trekking boot. The first time you slip into the shoe you immediately notice that your heel is held a little more firmly. So you don’t slide back and forth as easily with your heel, even if the shoes are a bit wider in this area. At least on first acquaintance, this does not feel uncomfortable.
Apart from that, you have the feeling of standing a little higher at the back. This too is not uncomfortable on the first short walks. Right from the start, in the already somewhat “worn-out” lightweight hiking shoes, I had the feeling that the lateral support improved considerably with both insoles.
These are only first impressions, though. The coming weeks will show how the insoles hold up. A detailed report will follow….
Dealer information:
MORE-Hohensinn GmbH
Tel. +43-62-46 72 150
info@more-hohensinn.com
www.superfeet.com
