Walking Boot Insoles

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Just out of curiosity.. walking boots are designed to be solid, sturdy & safe, but what about the inside of the boots? insoles for walking boots are inserted "literally" to save the day & your feet. With the right pair of insoles, your feet don’t have to suffer throughout or at the end of the day. I fully understand that different insoles cater to different conditions of the foot (existing conditions or prevention of) but there are also many insoles for walking boots on the market that universally cater to general discomfort from being on your feet all day, especially in walking boots. Insoles contain different technologies & a variety of materials. I know some of these branded insoles contain a squishy type glycerine material, some neoprene & shock-absorbing material, others use foam at various levels of firmness & not forgetting some kind of antimicrobial technology. What do NBCUK forum members look for in finding the best walking boot insoles? I've been offered "as a trial" insoles that are allegedly hard wearing contain some type of Kevlar technology, they're being cut to my foot size etc.. all I have to do is give feed back. We have a few Mountaineer stores in town that can produce similar insoles but at a cost. I do know how to look after my feet prevention of "hot spots" blisters etc.. in the Forces "blisters" = (censored) LOL.
Regards
David

[Pootle]

With my current (meindl) boots im still just using the insoles they came with. I get on really well with them with no tired feet even after very long days. They're not padded or anything and don't look very comfy but they are.

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[CheddarMan]

The insole surely depends upon the wearers feet and the boot (not all walking boots are designed to be 'solid, sturdy and safe') So, there is no point in a really firm insole in a very lightweight and flexible boot.

Anything made of sheepskin and purchased in The Factory Shop should be immediately binned! The best bet is to get your foot assessed by a podiatrist and get the right insole. Just because something is made of sobothane/kevlar/heaven knows what it doesn't make it inherently better than anything else. If you have high or low arches and the most expensive insole ever produced for the other foot condition, you will suffer.

Does anyone remember those weird insoles that came with DMS boots? Almost a woven plastic weirdy material! Eeuurgh

[Woody]

Hello David.
Interesting timing...
I'm following this thread attentively, as I've just got a new pair of work boots from a famous tool store , and boy are they uncomfortable...

The reason I got these were quite simply because ....
the boss paid for them!

Up until recently, I was self employed and always have bought my own work boots...
After years of trial and error, brands and models , mods and fails, these are the best damn safety boot a man can get
...
http://jallatte.com/en/products/jall...88-jalsiberien
Amazon and eBay sell them too...

They are like wearing slippers, honestly!
No breaking in time, winter heaven.
I used to wear them even out walking as they re more comfortable than my trainers!
They lasted 3 years of abuse , until last weekend they finally let water in....

So , they will be recycled ... maybe a pouch .


So , I've really noticed the difference in quality with the new ones and my legs are really tired after a days work.

So I thought about insoles the other day ( funny coincidence with this thread timing) , I've been reading and these seem to fit the profile
...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Superfeet-G.../dp/B00CR8RUTM

And they do kids sizes too , so no worries about them wearing wellies for long walks...

seem to be the mutts nuts in the insole realm , but there's just soooo much choice of colour/purpose/activity...
And they cost as much as the work boots anyway .... that's the only reason I haven't pressed " buy now."
But they do advertise what I'm looking for, arch support + shock absorption and general comfort.

Hopefully some folk will have good advice here, but ive resigned myself to the fact that I can't just ride it out. I'll have to invest in the insoles ....

and eventually a pair of decent walking boots , for the extra curricular activities.
Hopefully they will last longer if I don't wear them at work....

So , is superfeet any good ? Or is it all just hype and good marketing?

Thanks for starting this thread , and hope I'm not hijacking it , David.



Best regards

[CheddarMan]

I have used Scarpa SL2s for years. Pair number 3 are currently underway! They have changed a bit over the years, but fundamentally the same. They come in several widths, so if you buy a new insole, number one job is to make sure i fits width wise and length wise. Some of the very technical insoles may need trimming, make sure you trim the correct end! I know that sounds a bit odd, but if you trim a heel cup that is designed to hold some gel or other, the cup won't retain the gel!

Also, if you are getting some separate insoles, make sure you try them in the boot before buying them. Some are way deeper than others and can change a boot size and make them up to a size smaller.

Oh the can of worms that can be opened in the name of increased comfort!

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Interesting replies. Woody the jallatte boots a friend of mine had a pair of these with similar feedback on hard wearing comfort etc.. they stock them in the nearby iron monger suppliers I was looking at these last time I was in the store. The best boots I was issued with were the Scarpa Attak (brown leather) used on Arctic Warfare CADRE & other theatres of operations active service UK Northern Ireland & BFPO. My issue Danner boots these were very comfortable too. I GAW a pair I had spare last year having a clear out, never worn still in the original box. These were auctioned for a charity supporting British Veterans. As with issue boots on active service these need broken in by a good tab. The early British issue DMS (direct moulded sole.. cardboard inner) I only wore these for a parade & yes I do recall the yellow colour woven plastic "grater" insoles. One of my forum buddy's found a batch of these in the stores during a clearance dated from Gulf War I (Op Granby) 1990 he got in touch offered up a pair & sold a few on e-bay (proceeds went to the British Veterans charity). I'm actually being measured by a specialist podiatrist for the insoles, all I have to do is give feedback on use wear & tear. Wellies.. don't knock them I wear a shortened pair for the odd woodland walks activities or as we say "bog trotting". As with the kids Woody you'll no doubt be aware of the "chaffing" around the rim of the wellie boot towards the area below the knee leg calve. I was going to suggest also, maybe negotiate with your NEW boss over the safety boot aspect, they might let you purchase them as long as they're up to British Safety Standard spec. etc.. or reimburse you full or part cost of the boots? Comfort is paramount & if your meindl boots are fit for the job Pootle why change them?
Regards
David

[Woody]

Good , sound advice there my friend, but it's a take it or leave it with the work boot issue.
Everybody just gets on with them so it's just me being a spoiled brat...😒
However I think these insoles will improve the performance.

So I'll just do that, and report my findings soon... 😉

[David_JAFO]

hello Woody,
Nowt wrong with wearing "Gucci Gear" kit to work.
Regards
David

[Woody]

hello Woody,
Nowt wrong with wearing "Gucci Gear" kit to work.
Regards
David

Haha, yep but its an expensive habit.

I'll review the insoles soon ...
Cheers

[Ashmantle]

I have a good pair of Mammut boots, I have slender feet though and sometimes find that even if fully laced, boots are just not tight enough. I always use a good pair of Cork inner soles.