Cushion Insoles

Hi mustbjones,

Everyone will have their view on this one.
My advice, when I bought boots for my first Camino, was throw away the insoles that come with your boots, as they are usually the cheapest element in them, and replace with dedicated footbeds.

Now, it could have been a sales gimmick. However, the guy was a deticated trekker and seemed sincere. He certainly didn't try and sell us the most expensive boots in the store, which was a dedicated trekking store, and spent hours fitting boots for my wife and I.

We took his advice and have used moldable Sole - Softec Response (My wife uses the thicker Sole -Insulated Ultra) on both Camino Frances walks.

We both liked these and found them extremely comfortable and will probably do the same for walk number three.

Buen Camino
Col

I use Motion Control inserts in my New Balance trainers.
I can tell a HUGE difference when I go without them.
They really absorb the pounding and the sharp rocks you will find on some sections.

I agree with Annie. The Motion Control are great, at least for flat feet, but I found the Spenco Total Support Semi-Rigid Arch Support Replacement Insoles just as good at a lower price (if you shop around). I have never gotten good support from the insoles that come with the shoe/boots. Maybe it is just me!

I either remove and replace the OEM insoles, or augment them with a cushion or gel heel insert.

Over the years, I have only had problems when I used a slightly thicker replacement insole, and they reduced the toe-box volume too much on those boots. I had to replace the insoles with a set that had a thinner forefoot. The thicker insoles were not a problem when I used them in boots with a slightly larger toe-box volume.

There are several different styles, some little more than a cloth covered strip of thin rubber padding. At that end of the market, they offer little protection and support to the heel. I prefer those which have a wedge and cup at the heel to give more protection and support. Most of these also offer some arch support, and if you don't need that, a heel insert might be sufficient.

I have tried gel inserts, and use them occasionally, but prefer the denser foam types for longer walks.

Regards,

I used the SuperFeet arch support inserts, until I replaced them with custom orthotics. The compressible foam on any of the inserts will suffer material fatigue and break down with use, so make sure you start your Camino with a fresh pair of whatever you're using.