What To Look For
Look for insoles that matches your foot type. There are three basic types of insoles: flat, soft arch and rigid arch. Arched insoles are good for people who have flat feet and for hikers in general. Because of the high-impact nature of hiking, additional arch support is recommended. People with flat feet should consider rigid arch insoles and those with normal or high arches should look for soft arch support. You can also opt for custom insoles, created by heat-molding your exact foot shape and size to an insole that can be used in your hiking boot or shoe.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid buying insoles without trying them on. While an insole may feel soft, it may not support your foot. Your feet will be more comfortable walking on a hard, supportive insole than one that is soft and squishy. Many after-market insoles are meant to replace the factory insoles of your shoes. Remove your old insoles before inserting the new ones to ensure proper fit and function.
Where To Buy
The best place to purchase hiking insoles is at your local shoe store or camping and hiking store. Bring your hiking shoes or boots with you to try with various insoles. Ask the store employees for advice on which insole is best for your foot. You can also find insoles online at stores like Zappos and REI.
Cost
Insoles typically cost between $10 and $50. Flat insoles are the cheapest. Rigid arch insoles are usually the most expensive, along with custom heat-molded insoles. Other price differences come from material and brand name. If you are shopping online, consider the additional costs of shipping and handling.
Insider Tips
If you don't know your foot type, perform this simple test at home. Simply wet the bottom of your foot and step on a piece of paper. The resulting mark highlights your foot type. A footprint mark that shows just your heel, the ball of your foot and a thin line on the outside of your foot means you have a high arch. If your mark shows almost the entire foot, you have flat feet. A mark that shows half of your arch indicates a "normal" foot.
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