Which insoles are best?

[HeXen]

For being on feet all day? The ones I have tried didn't seem much better than what the boot came with. I work construction so i'm on my feet all day, often lots of walking, squatting down with some occasional days where we "union work" (stand around all day doing nothing).
There are so many variations out there and they all say the same marketing crap. Impact Gel's seemed to have the best marketing (Billy Mays) but online order only and pricey.

Also, how often should they be replaced?

 

[The_Dude8]

i like the superfeet one:

http://www.rei.com/search?query=insoles

they're kind of pricey, but it's worth it if you're on your feet all day. I usually replace them when i replace my running shoes.

 

[exdeath]

The one that feels best for you.

There is no "best" when it comes to bio-mechanical needs, it varies between individuals.

To determine those best needs for YOU would have to be done through an orthopedic examination.

 

[lxskllr]

I used whatever I had, and I used them forever. When I wore a pair of boots out, the insoles went to the new pair. I never bought them. They were scavenged from old shoes/boots.

Edit:
Pro tip... Instead of spending money on insoles, buy expensive thick wool socks. They feel great on the feet, and they absorb sweat well. Don't worry bout heat. Your feet will be about 100F regardless of socks. Wear what's comfortable.

 

[HeXen]

Well those are Closed-cell polyethylene foam which makes me skeptical about the value of them costing $40 considering others out there use the same thing for far less. Also not sure how a firm cap of cheap polypropylene actually aligns the body to any significance nor can I seem to find any real studies done on any of the amazing claims made by insole makers.

Just trying to find the most legit ones for a legit price but it's hard to see past the marketing BS beyond looking at the materials it's made of or which of those materials do the better job of absorbing impact.
Though at least Billy Mays did run his hand over with a car using a sheet of whatever Gel they used for Impact Gel's, I may go with those but they don't use much Gel in the actual insole.

I used whatever I had, and I used them forever. When I wore a pair of boots out, the insoles went to the new pair. I never bought them. They were scavenged from old shoes/boots.

Edit:
Pro tip... Instead of spending money on insoles, buy expensive thick wool socks. They feel great on the feet, and they absorb sweat well. Don't worry bout heat. Your feet will be about 100F regardless of socks. Wear what's comfortable.

I'll pass. I have 80% wool socks for winter and once the temps get to 50F and higher, my socks are literally soaked and it's torture wearing those at work on such a day. I can't imagine doing it when it's 90F +. Wool doesn't really absorb impact anyway.

 

[lxskllr]

Though at least Billy Mays did run his hand over with a car using a sheet of whatever Gel they used for Impact Gel's, I may go with those but they don't use much Gel in the actual insole.

That's as sight gag. Unless that insole reversed gravity, a piece of leather over your hand would give as much protection.

 

[Wingznut]

My wife likes the Superfeet insoles... I prefer the Dr Scholls Orthotics (that you stand on the machine that maps your feet.)

 

[HeXen]

My wife likes the Superfeet insoles... I prefer the Dr Scholls Orthotics (that you stand on the machine that maps your feet.)

Yeah, This morning I went to the kiosk and it said I had low arches which I always thought they looked normal, so I never bothered with worrying about arch support before. I have a lot of pressure on my right in the heel and big toe mound. It recommended the CF420. $50 is very pricey for something that just bothers me on occasion, but I said the heck with it.

So far it's very comfortable, I'll put it to the test Tuesday. at work. Coupled with a new pair of boots, I should be in good shape, although I now wish I got a half size bigger boot as this insole is rather thick, but it's not intolerable. Debating if I should take the boots back to swap.

That's as sight gag. Unless that insole reversed gravity, a piece of leather over your hand would give as much protection.

You're probably right, the idea is that this particularly patented material does a good job at distributing the pressure. He also beats his hand with a 2lb hammer. Who knows I just wish to find some independent testing. I wonder if consumer reports ever did any?

 

[lxskllr]

Boots will stretch a touch. You also have to account for thicker socks if you wear them in winter.

 

[shortylickens]

Working mans insoles are the best for me:
http://www.amazon.com/Airplus-Ultra-.../dp/B000H7781K

Nice and cushy for all day whatever the fuck you want.

Sr Scholls has some too. They cost a little more than regular insoles but I love them.

 

[BoomerD]

Spend your money on better quality boots.

http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=184

 

[HeXen]

Spend your money on better quality boots.

http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=184

Who said I don't? I have been in outdoor construction for almost 20 yrs and a dozen top brands and countless models per brand as my job is hard on boots. I do not put a price on a good pair, I spend several hundred each year on boots.

I now have a favorite one for summer and one for winter based on all those years of trying different ones. Both are extremely comfortable for me along with features I need like waterproofing that lasts..etc. However no boot/shoe out there is going to keep your feet from feeling tired once in a while at the least.

 

[EliteRetard]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ywords=walkfit

Was some stupid TV ad bullshit my sister bought, but I was surprised to find they were made of rigid plastic (with "adjustable arch"). Actually better than most "inserts" since they are all made of (batshit expensive) cheap shit foam. If your insert is not rigid it's a piece of shit. A floppy foam pad does not offer any arch support...no matter the claim. Obviously custom is best, because they can actually measure your foot, get you the size and and type of arch you need. But if you want low cost, find a rigid support product nearest your size, and get the highest arch that doesn't hurt. Some early discomfort should be normal, as you have now spread weight out to parts that never carried anything before.

I'm sure there are a few other brands out there, if you can find a rigid support product in store then try them out, find the one that best fits you. If not, then don't just "settle" for the expensive shit foam ones. It's amazing what real arch support can do (I have custom arch supports). I guess I should clarify rigid too, I don't mean hard as a rock...it needs to have some twist and flex, but only with notable force. The product should not conform to you, like all foam does...it needs to have the strength to hold your foot in a correct position.

 

[zerocool84]

Hmm maybe I'll have to try that Dr Scholl machine and see what it recommends. I'm on my feet all day as well and try many different walking shoes and most are uncomfortable after a while.

 

[Wingznut]

I never thought much of orthotics until I had issues with my Achilles tendon...

I had this issue where the top of my heel bone had a slight point to it. Because I have high arches, as I step, my foot rotates slightly downwards. My outstep hits the ground, and my foot rolls towards my instep. Like I said, slightly.

Well, this was enough for that bone to rub sideways on the Achilles tendon, kind of like strumming a guitar. I ended up having surgery to cut away that part of the bone. But, had I not had high arches, and my foot planted perfectly straight, it never would've irritated my Achilles.

Anyway, a podiatrist taught me a lot about orthotics. At one time, I even had some $500 inserts made specifically to my feet, that were pretty phenomenal. (Fortunately, insurance paid for most of it.)

I am 100% convinced that no shoe matches everyone's feet. And orthotic inserts will make up the difference, whether you have high or low arches.

 

[EliteRetard]

Hmm maybe I'll have to try that Dr Scholl machine and see what it recommends. I'm on my feet all day as well and try many different walking shoes and most are uncomfortable after a while.

NOOOOOOOoooooo.......

I never thought much of orthotics until I had issues with my Achilles tendon...

I had this issue where the top of my heel bone had a slight point to it. Because I have high arches, as I step, my foot rotates slightly downwards. My outstep hits the ground, and my foot rolls towards my instep. Like I said, slightly.

Well, this was enough for that bone to rub sideways on the Achilles tendon, kind of like strumming a guitar. I ended up having surgery to cut away that part of the bone. But, had I not had high arches, and my foot planted perfectly straight, it never would've irritated my Achilles.

Anyway, a podiatrist taught me a lot about orthotics. At one time, I even had some $500 inserts made specifically to my feet, that were pretty phenomenal. (Fortunately, insurance paid for most of it.)

I am 100% convinced that no shoe matches everyone's feet. And orthotic inserts will make up the difference, whether you have high or low arches.

Yes.

Fortunately most people don't have bad enough feet issues to need 500$ customs, you can find some "off the shelf" ones now that do have rigid arch support...and there should be enough sizes/shapes to find one that works.

But please, avoid the massive ass ripping 50$ foam shit. Really I don't care so much that you're destroying your feet, I just hate that your supporting these fraudulent ripoff companies. If you think you need a little cushion after you get some proper arch support you can get those 2 for 1$, cut to fit, flat, anti odor, foam inserts.

 

[Wingznut]

Fortunately most people don't have bad enough feet issues to need 500$ customs, you can find some "off the shelf" ones now that do have rigid arch support...and there should be enough sizes/shapes to find one that works.

But please, avoid the massive ass ripping 50$ foam shit. Really I don't care so much that you're destroying your feet, I just hate that your supporting these fraudulent ripoff companies. If you think you need a little cushion after you get some proper arch support you can get those 2 for 1$, cut to fit, flat, anti odor, foam inserts.

Can't say as though I agree with ya... I've tried a lot of inserts, and the Dr Scholls Custom Fit Orthotics are my favorite. I think the quality is infinitely better than others. *shrug*

 

[HeXen]

NOOOOOOOoooooo.......



Yes.

Fortunately most people don't have bad enough feet issues to need 500$ customs, you can find some "off the shelf" ones now that do have rigid arch support...and there should be enough sizes/shapes to find one that works.

But please, avoid the massive ass ripping 50$ foam shit. Really I don't care so much that you're destroying your feet, I just hate that your supporting these fraudulent ripoff companies. If you think you need a little cushion after you get some proper arch support you can get those 2 for 1$, cut to fit, flat, anti odor, foam inserts.

They have rigid arch support. I certainly don't doubt however there are cheaper ones out there but it's a matter of finding the right arch support, buying each one to try would get expensive and I think this is where the Dr. schols kiosk comes in handy plus it does have a 30 day money back guarantee, so it's not like I'd be out anything if I don't like them.

Besides I bet I have spent over $50 in the past on different insoles and so far these custom fit ones beat them all, but again I'm certain there are plenty out there just as good...but I can't afford to try them all just to find them.

 

[LegendKiller]

Go custom or go home. I had the cheap ones for years. I finally got tired of them and started ordering my shoes in EEE and got a custom carbon-fiber insole made. If I wear shoes that cant fit them (sandals or some of my older dress shoes) I can tell the difference in my back, legs, and feet, for days afterwards.

It is a night and day experience.

 

[EliteRetard]

You don't have to buy them to try them. Just look for the packages that have already been raped by unscrupulous customers. Its pretty easy to tell if its painful or fits just about right. So you try it and if it doesn't work out you can return/exchange it for something slightly different.

 

[Miramonti]

Custom orthotics.

I bought ours from Ulysees123 on ebay, $110 for 2 pairs. Awesome, durable, and far better than anything you can get off the shelf.

 

[notposting]

I have generally bought the Dr. Scholls or generic equivalents -- whatever have a fairly firm arch support, for Dr. Scholls these are the "sport" kind (I also worked construction). Night and day difference for me. Somewhere along the 2/3 to full length range.

 

[Kneedragger]

I have tried a bunch of insoles. I have went from $125.00 - $9.99 and they are all different. For me I need some arch support since my right arch I guess is weak and near the end of the day it aches a little. I am also in construction and have one of those union jobs you speak of. I ended up settling with Spenco Total support originals. I run them in all my shoes and while they aren't amazing or perfect they seem to do the best for me. In my work boot I wish they were a little softer so I put another thin cushion on top of it. One thing I will mention is if you want to run insoles you want to always go a 1/2 size larger with your shoes. Otherwise they feel small and add to the discomfort.

http://www.spenco.com/products/footcare/total-support-insoles

Check out their Polysorb line, might be softer than what I use. http://www.spenco.com/products/footcare/poly-sorb

 

[dave-the-runner]

can I just say that I really don't like any of these "branded" insoles... they just don't do it for my feet! All you are really paying for is the name on the insoles when it comes down to it they are just made in the same Chinese factory as everything else. After trying loads of different pairs I got to say I prefer http://nuovahealth.co.uk/shop/plantar-fasciitis-arch-support-insoles
they seem best for my feet anyway!