Footbeds

[Frank66]

Hi, I'm walking the Camino next May/June and have read up on replacing the original footbeds on walking boots with 'Superfeet' footbeds. Is this worth doing? I've got Brasher Supalite II boots which seem comfortable enough. Having said that, I will be doing a lot more distance than I am used to on the Camino next year.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[Bajaracer]

Superfeet are not the only game in town, Superfeet colors are based on your type of feet, I've used them before, but now I use SOLE footbeds, heat them in the oven to custom form them to my feet.

 

[jmcarp]

Superfeet are not the only game in town, Superfeet colors are based on your type of feet, I've used them before, but now I use SOLE footbeds, heat them in the oven to custom form them to my feet.

I concur with @Bajaracer. I wore the blue Superfeet insoles on the Camino, but have now switched to the orange SOLE insoles, which as @Bajaracer said, can be heated and molded to your specific foot and arch configuration. Either way, I would get a knowledgeable salesperson to help you with your selection of a footbed/insole.

 

[Frank66]

Thanks for that. I've got plenty of time to experiment with different ones, as I plan on doing the Camino next May June

 

[jmcarp]

Thanks for that. I've got plenty of time to experiment with different ones, as I plan on doing the Camino next May June

Also, when buying an off-the-shelf replacement insole, be sure to try it outside the shoe first to verify that it conforms to your particular arch profile. Buy the one that fits your foot, not your shoe size. The shoe size should be considered a rough estimate only. The insole can easily be trimmed to fit your shoe.

 

[Kitsambler]

For the OP's basic point about whether to replace manufacturer's insoles: Replacing helped me hugely. The type of foam that is often used in original footbeds suffers compression fatigue and no longer offers support, when subjected to the lengthy daily pounding that is involved in training for, and walking, a Camino journey.

 

[LakeMcD]

Sometimes you can use whatever works or you have on hand to improve a situation. On a shoe rack in Astorga a resourceful pilgrim took to taping maxi-pads to his/her insoles for more cushion or...........

 

[mspath]

Works great by the way!

 

[Tia Valeria]

I have just bought insoles from Millets (UK) - they have interchangeable support sections so can be adjusted to fit as you wish/need at different times. Seem good so far. Take an insole as size guide and also hold against your foot for size so that the arch is in the correct place.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Go visit a podiatrist, they often have all sorts of insoles depending on the type of use you'll make of them and then adapt them to your feet.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Go visit a podiatrist, they often have all sorts of insoles depending on the type of use you'll make of them and then adapt them to your feet.

The whole point of the Millets insoles is that needs can change as we walk and custom insoles are not always the answer. (The alternative sections can be carried in a pack for that reason) Also we probably need a medical referral here in the UK the way our system works, or expensive private consultation, OK if in need of actual medical help but not otherwise.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

The whole point of the Millets insoles is that needs can change as we walk and custom insoles are not always the answer. (The alternative sections can be carried in a pack for that reason) Also we probably need a medical referral here in the UK the way our system works, or expensive private consultation, OK if in need of actual medical help but not otherwise.

I certainly would not play around fitting an insole. The ones that were suggested to me by my podiatrist were 50C$, so super inexpensive. Podologists can also sell you customisable insoles and you don't need a prescription to see them (nor the podiatrist in Canada).

 

[Tia Valeria]

In the UK we maybe do things differently. If there was a foot problem then professional advice of the right type is the way to go. However for a simple change of liner for boots then the knowledge and help of the sales person should be sufficient. After all we trust them with advice on the fit of the boots to start with, so why not with the different insoles too?
Personally I am very happy with my new insoles, the old ones had compacted, the new ones are just right, and can be adjusted if need be.