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Sorry if this is a stupid question but are you CERTAIN that the current insoles of your shoes are not simply removeable (without any need to rip anything off)?
Most hiking/trail shoes (or even running shoes) have a cheap insole that they almost expect you to replace by something better.
HiHello all,
As I prepare for my camino, I have developed plantar fasciitis. I know I have low arches and in need of some arch support. All of the insole supports that I have seen require you to remove the current insoles of the shoes and replace with the new supports. I am hesitant to rip out the insoles of my shoes that I spent a lot of money on to replace them with something that may or may not work. Has anyone had a similar experience that could offer some advice? My shoes are Altra trail runners, which I really love. I just don't want to risk ruining them by ripping out the insoles. Thanks in advance!
I have tried on several pair of Altra shoes, abd they all had removable insoles.
Take them back to the store and ask them.I will try again, but I have not had much luck getting them out before without risking tearing them up.
I have used Altras on two Caminos and used the Dr Schools arch support for both. They are the ones that you have to stand on the machine to get the right fit. I have found that Altras are difficult to fit with new insoles due to the shape of the toebox but the Dr Schools fit over the current insole.
I use Superfeet in my Solomens but find that the Superfeet are to small for the Altra toebox. When I put them in my Lone Peak 4s I feel the edge of the Superfeet when I walk.I took out the insoles that came with my Meindl boots and replaced them with Superfeet insoles recomended by Cotswold Outdoor in the UK to resolve my pronation. Superfeet have a 30 day return policy, so you can get a full refund and there is no ripping involved. Why not try them, or something similar in your lovation, and see what works best for you.
Hello all,
As I prepare for my camino, I have developed plantar fasciitis. I know I have low arches and in need of some arch support. All of the insole supports that I have seen require you to remove the current insoles of the shoes and replace with the new supports. I am hesitant to rip out the insoles of my shoes that I spent a lot of money on to replace them with something that may or may not work. Has anyone had a similar experience that could offer some advice? My shoes are Altra trail runners, which I really love. I just don't want to risk ruining them by ripping out the insoles. Thanks in advance!
Hi, ricky....
As far as I know, all of the Altras should have removable insoles. The insoles do not fit loosely in the shoe; they are generally a snug fit so it may take some leveraged prying to take them out. If they fit too loosely, then they would slip around inside the shoe during use.
If they truly are glued or otherwise fastened to the shoe's bottom, they might not be a genuine Altra, but a knock-off. I am aware of some stand alone retail stores who have been fooled by gray market items, thinking that they have stumbled onto a bargain outside of authorized distribution channels. I am not saying that this is definitely the case, just something to check on if the insoles are not removable.
Third party insoles work best when they are a replacement to, not added on top of, the factory insole. Thinner third party insoles, as in the case of a manufacturer like Superfeet, are designed to better accommodate a "high volume" foot which some individuals have, especially those with high arches. Always try to completely replace an insole, rather than to add onto the one already in the shoe.
It can be as challenging to find a workable insole as it is to find a shoe that works for you. Do not be in a hurry. As a general rule, regardless of what some retailers may try to insist is the case, if you try out a pair of insoles and they feel uncomfortable, most of the time 'getting used to them' will not work. If an insole is not creating discomfort, but is just sort of weird feeling while still feeling pretty good, then that is when your feet will 'get used' to the different 'feel' of the new insole.
In any case, be sure to try on the insoles toward the end of the day, and while wearing the same amount of weight in a pack that you will be carrying, and while wearing the same socks you will be walking in. If you find that a pair of insoles really work well for you, make sure that your shoes are still within the needed size for a proper fit. Be prepared, if necessary, to get a larger and wider size of the shoe you plan to use should the new insoles take up too much volume.
Yeah, it is a dance to find a great shoe and match it to a good insole, but if you take the needed time to get a good fit with both, you will not regret it.
Thanks, I will definitely take another stab at trying to remove the insoles on my Altras. I don't know for sure that they are glued; I just made that assumption when I couldn't get them out easily. I just didn't want to force the issue, so to speak, and then risk damaging them. I do not believe they are a knock off, I bought them at REI which, as far as I can tell, is an authorized distributor.
I appreciate the suggestions and will definitely give them a go.
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I got home and, based on your advice, I took another look at the insoles on my shoes. Like many of you said, they were just in there snugly. With a bit more effort than I had given before I was able to remove them. Now, I feel pretty foolish for posing the question. Oh well, had I not asked, I would never have tried again to get them out. Thank you all also for the suggestions on what types of insoles I should replace them with. You all are a wealth of information and I always learn a lot every time I log on.
Hi
I went to a podiatrist and had my insoles custom made to offset two issues I have. One flat feet and the other loss of natural padding behind the toes, due to my age. The latter causes the toes to claw. The insoles have a raised section or bump to offset this. Need to have them sized for your footwear. I can swap between trail walking low cut footwear and boots.
Took them back several times for final adjustments and now have walked 2000+Km without problems.
In my opinion well worth the money.
After all we “travel on out soles”
Happymark
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