Insoles

[Theresa Brandon]

I've worn several different brands of insoles on two Caminos, and then tried Superfeet for a year or so, but ended up with pain in my forefoot. I have been trying Tread Labs for about 500 miles of training now and really like them. Designed by Mark Paigen, who also designed the original Chaco sandals. They are available in 4 arch heights, three types of replaceable cushioned insoles (I use the Blue Pace) and three variations of depth to fit many different kinds of shoes. There is a million mile guarantee on the base plastic insole support. https://treadlabs.com

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I've worn several different brands of insoles on two Caminos, and then tried Superfeet for a year or so, but ended up with pain in my forefoot. I have been trying Tread Labs for about 500 miles of training now and really like them. 4 arch heights, three types of replaceable cushioned insoles with three different insole thicknesses and a million mile guarantee on the plastic insole support! https://treadlabs.com

They sound fantastic from what their website says and you sound like one very happy customer. It seems no price is mentioned, so I assume they must be quite expensive. If they indeed make all the difference for troubled feet, cost would be a moot point for most folks when walking the Camino.

 

[malingerer]

I've worn several different brands of insoles on two Caminos, and then tried Superfeet for a year or so, but ended up with pain in my forefoot. I have been trying Tread Labs for about 500 miles of training now and really like them. 4 arch heights, three types of replaceable cushioned insoles with three different insole thicknesses and a million mile guarantee on the plastic insole support! https://treadlabs.com

have always used superfeet but quite intrigued by the variations of the ones you mention. Have never heard of them in UK but then I haven't been looking!

Samarkand.

 

[malingerer]

have always used superfeet but quite intrigued by the variations of the ones you mention. Have never heard of them in UK but then I haven't been looking!

Samarkand.

checked out amazon and eBay and yes they are there but the price is stiff so sticking with superfeet

All the best.

samarkand

 

[Theresa Brandon]

They are more expensive (and cushier) than Superfeet, but the base insert is unbreakable, and the replacement tops are very reasonably priced. I buy the insole set which is one base with three different tops - thin, thick, and a three-quarter version so I can switch them between all my shoes. They are the only insole I've found that fits well with my high arch. The 30 day trial period is a good deal, too. Using these has eliminated the edge blisters/calluses I was getting from the Superfeet.

Here is one way to compare prices with Superfeet (quotation is from https://sectionhiker.com/tread-labs-stride-reusable-orthotic-insoles-review/): "For example, I go through four pairs of SuperFeet Carbon Insoles every year and it’s expensive to replace them at $55/pair and $210 for the year. Tread Labs sells their reusable orthotic insoles for $75/pair and replacement fabric top covers for $15/pair. If I purchased three pairs of replacement fabric top covers, my total annual cost would $120, which is over 40% less than using SuperFeet."

 

[C clearly]

I go through four pairs of SuperFeet Carbon Insoles every year

Tread Labs... , my total annual cost would $120

Is this typical? I thought my custom insoles were expensive - they are, at several hundred dollars. However, I wore my last ones almost every day for four years!

 

[Theresa Brandon]

I think the quote above is from a hiker who is putting in a lot of miles. I don't wear mine out that fast as I have several pairs that I alternate.

 

[lt56ny]

To all of you who have foot issues good luck and hope this works for you. I am so lucky that I do not have these problems. But my wife does and I see how she suffers. She has insoles that were fitted for her feet. She still had issues until I suggested Hokas. I had seen so many great reviews about them. She has not complained once on our hikes that her ankles or knees have hurt her. She says it is like walking on a cloud.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I

To all of you who have foot issues good luck and hope this works for you. I am so lucky that I do not have these problems. But my wife does and I see how she suffers. She has insoles that were fitted for her feet. She still had issues until I suggested Hokas. I had seen so many great reviews about them. She has not complained once on our hikes that her ankles or knees have hurt her. She says it is like walking on a cloud.

I love Hokas! It's like walking on marshmellows!

 

[lt56ny]

I

I love Hokas! It's like walking on marshmellows!

My wife has used the marshmallow metaphor once or twice too!

 

[Theresa Brandon]

I love Hokas, too! (Challenger ATR 4 or 5)

 

[RelEngOz]

I started out using custom moulded orthotics by my podiatrist after I got shin splints in my early running days. but these were horrendously expensive. I've since tried many off-the-shelf products and the best are by Vasyli Medical. In Australia they are only available through podiatrists who do the final fitting but you can get them from overseas using various websites. Many of the knockoff copies are terrible either because of their poor shape and /or a too compliant elastomer base. However I've never come across Hokas so can't provide a comparison.

 

[Iriebabel]

I started out using custom moulded orthotics by my podiatrist after I got shin splints in my early running days. but these were horrendously expensive. I've since tried many off-the-shelf products and the best are by Vasyli Medical. In Australia they are only available through podiatrists who do the final fitting but you can get them from overseas using various websites. Many of the knockoff copies are terrible either because of their poor shape and /or a too compliant elastomer base. However I've never come across Hokas so can't provide a comparison.

Hoka is a shoe not an insole...really comfortable and high padded for a comfortable walk/run.
worked for my extreme Case of Plantar faciatis and heel spur

Cushioned Running Shoes & Performance Wear | HOKA ONE ONE®

Shop HOKA ONE ONE® for maximum cushion and minimal weight in our top fitness, trail, hiking, and road running shoes. Time to fly™.

www.hokaoneone.com

 

[Natcats]

tried Superfeet for a year or so, but ended up with pain in my forefoot. I have been trying Tread Labs for about 500 miles of training now and really like them

This was my experience as well with the Superfeet, sadly. They were fine at home, I loved them, but when I started to train for my "bloody long walks" as I call my caminos, my feet started to hurt. I have Morton's neuromas in both feet (not in the same spot, though, funnily enough!). I went to see that website you linked to and THEY HAVE MET PADS! <3 Those are the one and only thing that has ever made a difference for my feet. For those who might not know, they are felt (sometimes foam, or insole material) little "domes" you wear right behind the balls of your feet. They take the pressure off your metatarsals. I wear them under my insoles as I don't like the sharp bump if I wear them over the insoles. It is GLORIOUS relief for me. So, thank you for the link! I'll go see if they ship to Canada.

 

[Rick Davidson]

Is this typical? I thought my custom insoles were expensive - they are, at several hundred dollars. However, I wore my last ones almost every day for four years!

I have probably 5-6 pair in shoes purchased over maybe 20 years and have never retired a pair. I did not think they really wore out. Also been using the same custom ski boot foot beds for 20 years