Should I use insoles?

[billbennettoz]

I will soon be doing my first Camino. I have two metal plates in my spine from a car accident many years ago, and because of this I need good cushioning in my boots, otherwise my back aches.

I understand a lot of the Camino will be on hard surfaces - tarmac, paving etc - and so cushioning becomes even more important.

Is there a particular brand of boot that has particularly good cushioning? And should I be using additional insoles?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Pieces]

I walk in solomon speedcross, most cushening I´ve come across...

 

[Ampolla]

I think that everyone's different. I like to have insoles for any of my shoes. I'll be on the Camino May/June and plan on taking 2 sets of insoles to change out every other day. I was on the Camino in 2011 and found that it was really important to have my feet in as good of condition as possible!

 

[billbennettoz]

I'll be on the Camino May/June and plan on taking 2 sets of insoles to change out every other day.

Thanks for the response. Hmmm - why do you need two sets? And what sort / brand of insoles do you use?

 

[scruffy1]

You may be at the wrong address, I was suffering from a heel spur three years ago and the insoles resolved the pain immediately, last two years I walked without and experienced no pain. HOWEVER, I didn't decide, my Podiatrist doctor did and I walked comfortably with custom made insoles. Over the counter insoles might and I emphasize might help you but if you need them get the real thing! They also assist in Achilles tendon problems, all to common on the Camino-do your stretching exercises before and after walking.

 

[billbennettoz]

-do your stretching exercises before and after walking.

Thank you for the advice - and yes, I've found that doing yoga stretches before and after helps the walk incredibly - makes the rhythm of walking much easier.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I replace the insoles that come with any footwear with these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SPENCO-POLY ... 4d08d0618b

I have flat feet, and these "stock" insoles improve the angle of my ankle, and they have sufficient cushion to make any shoe or boot much more comfortable. Spenco makes a gel version that also may be good, but I have not tried it. I have had custom orthotics, but they were not as comfortable!

 

[AJ]

Talk to your physio. I walked without and got tendonitis. I walked with and dind't

 

[Cicely]

Hey im in the same predicament, and i just was wondering whether custom ones or not are the best option? Im so confused because some people say get £100 insoles and other say that custom ones are just a big waste of money as gel ones mold to foot shape anyway so its pointless getting custom ones.... any ideas?

My thoughts at the moment are to buy gel ones like these