We’ve all been there. You’re miles deep on a beautiful trail, the scenery is breathtaking, but all you can focus on is the throbbing, aching pain in your feet. That dull ache in your arch or the sharp stab in your heel can turn a dream hike into a painful limp back to the car. I’ve certainly had my share of hikes cut short by foot fatigue, wondering why the factory insoles in my expensive boots felt like little more than flimsy pieces of foam.
The truth is, the stock insoles that come with most hiking boots are an afterthought, designed to fit a generic foot shape. But your feet aren’t generic. The right pair of insoles for hiking is one of the most impactful and affordable upgrades you can make to your gear. It’s not just about adding squishy cushioning; it’s about providing the proper structure and support your foot needs to handle the stress of carrying you and a pack over miles of uneven terrain. This support can prevent common hiking ailments like plantar fasciitis, reduce blisters, and dramatically increase your overall comfort and endurance on the trail.
I’ve sorted through the overwhelming number of options—from cushy gel pads to rigid orthotics—and analyzed countless user reviews and expert opinions to find the absolute best insoles for hiking. We’ll break down what makes each one great, who they’re for, and exactly what you need to know to finally say goodbye to foot pain for good.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Hiking Insoles
Choosing an insole can feel more complicated than choosing a boot, but it doesn’t have to be. Focusing on a few key factors will help you find the perfect match for your feet and hiking style.
- Understanding Your Foot: Arch Type is Key
This is the most important factor. An insole that works for flat feet can be painful for someone with high arches. You can determine your arch type with a simple “wet test”: wet the bottom of your foot and step on a piece of cardboard.
- Flat/Low Arches: Your footprint will look like a solid foot. You need a supportive insole with a low but firm arch to prevent overpronation (your foot rolling inward).
- Medium/Neutral Arches: You’ll see a defined arch on your footprint. Most “neutral” or “medium” support insoles will work well for you.
- High Arches: You’ll see very little of your mid-foot in the print. You need an insole with significant arch support to prevent the arch from collapsing under stress.
- Support vs. Cushioning: Finding the Balance
- Supportive/Rigid Insoles: These often feature a structured plastic or carbon heel cup and arch support. They are designed to control motion, align your foot, and prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis. Superfeet is the leader in this category. They feel firm, not squishy.
- Cushioned/Accommodative Insoles: These are made primarily of foam or gel and are designed to absorb impact and provide immediate comfort. They are great for reducing general foot fatigue but offer less structural support. Spenco and some Dr. Scholl’s models excel here.
- Material Matters
- Foam: The most common material. Open-cell foam is soft and breathable but compresses over time. Closed-cell foam is denser, more supportive, and more durable.
- Gel: Provides excellent shock absorption, especially in the heel and forefoot, but can be heavy.
- Cork: Offers firm, natural support and can mold to your foot over time.
- Volume and Profile
This refers to how much space the insole takes up in your boot.
- High-Volume: Thicker and more supportive. They are best for hiking boots and shoes with removable insoles.
- Low-Volume/Low-Profile: Thinner and more flexible. They are designed for low-volume footwear like trail runners or casual shoes where space is limited. Always make sure a new insole fits without cramping your toes.
Editor’s Picks: The Best Insoles for Hiking of 2025
| Category | Product | Why It Wins |
| Best Overall | Superfeet Hike Support Insoles | It offers the perfect blend of structured, podiatrist-designed support and trail-specific cushioning that dramatically reduces fatigue for most foot types. |
| Best for Plantar Fasciitis | PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles | With its semi-rigid support shell and deep heel cup, it’s a podiatrist-recommended choice specifically designed to control motion and alleviate heel pain. |
| Best Cushioning | Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer | This insole provides unmatched shock absorption through its combination of foam and gel, making it ideal for hikers who prioritize plush comfort. |
| Best Value | Dr. Scholl’s Energizing Comfort Insoles | For a very low price, these insoles offer a significant comfort and cushioning upgrade over any stock insole, making them a fantastic entry-level choice. |
Top 7 Insoles for Hiking – Ranked for Comfort & Performance
1. Superfeet Hike Support Insoles
Superfeet Hike Support Insoles
- Best For: Hikers needing reliable, structured support to prevent foot fatigue on long trails.
- My Rating: 4.9/5
Overview: Superfeet are the gold standard in supportive insoles, and their Hike Support model is specifically tuned for the trail. This is a high-volume insole featuring Superfeet’s iconic deep heel cup, which cradles the heel’s fat pad for natural shock absorption. The firm, high-density foam and supportive base structure are designed to stabilize your foot, reducing stress on your feet, ankles, and knees. A durable moisture-wicking top layer helps manage sweat and reduce blisters. While they feel firm, not cushy, their structured support is what truly prevents pain over long miles, making them the best all-around choice for serious hikers.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Exceptional structured support | Feels firm, not plush (by design) |
| Deep heel cup provides stability | Higher price point |
| Reduces foot fatigue effectively | High volume may not fit in all shoes |
| Durable and long-lasting |
📣 Real-World Insights: Users consistently report a massive reduction in foot pain. “I thought I needed more cushion, but it turns out I needed this support. My plantar fasciitis pain disappeared after two hikes with these,” one reviewer stated. Another noted, “These are a non-negotiable piece of my hiking gear. They make my feet feel fresh even after a 15-mile day.”
2. SOLE Active Medium Insoles
SOLE Active Medium Insoles
- Best For: Hikers wanting customizable support that molds to their specific foot shape.
- My Rating: 4.8/5
Overview: SOLE offers a unique advantage: they are heat-moldable. You can wear them right out of the box to mold gradually, or you can heat them in an oven for a few minutes for an instant custom fit. These insoles feature a supportive, density-mapped base, a deep heel cup, and zero drop, meaning your heel and forefoot are at the same height to promote natural foot alignment. They are also made with a recycled cork base, making them an eco-friendly choice. For hikers who have struggled to find the perfect fit, SOLE’s custom-moldable design is a game-changer.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Heat-moldable for a custom fit | Can feel stiff before break-in period |
| Excellent arch support and alignment | Molding process requires an extra step |
| Made with sustainable materials | |
| Podiatrist-approved design |
📣 Real-World Insights: The custom fit is a huge selling point for users. “Being able to mold these to my arches was a game changer. It’s like they were made just for me,” one user raved. Another commented, “My podiatrist recommended these for my flat feet, and they’ve made a world of difference in my hiking comfort.”
3. PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
- Best For: Hikers suffering from plantar fasciitis or those who need semi-rigid motion control.
- My Rating: 4.7/5
Overview: PowerStep Pinnacle is one of the most podiatrist-recommended brands for a reason. These insoles feature a semi-rigid support shell with a firm but flexible arch and a deep heel cradle. This design is clinically proven to combat overpronation and provide the stability needed to alleviate heel and arch pain, especially from plantar fasciitis. The top layer is a dual-layer cushioning system with a soft, anti-microbial fabric that reduces heat, friction, and perspiration. It’s less of a comfort insole and more of a therapeutic tool that delivers medical-grade support on the trail.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Excellent for plantar fasciitis relief | Firmer feel may not be for everyone |
| Semi-rigid shell offers great support | Arch can feel aggressive at first |
| Deep heel cup stabilizes the foot | |
| Podiatrist recommended |
📣 Real-World Insights: Many users call these a “miracle” for their foot pain. “I was about to give up hiking because of my plantar fasciitis. My doctor told me to try these and the pain is 95% gone,” one review says. Another notes, “The support is very firm and takes a day to get used to, but the pain relief is absolutely worth it.”
4. CURREX HikePro Insoles
CURREX HikePro Insoles
- Best For: Hikers looking for dynamic, semi-flexible support that moves with the foot.
- My Rating: 4.6/5
Overview: CURREX HikePro insoles are designed for dynamic support, meaning they provide structure without being overly rigid. They are available in three different arch profiles (High, Medium, Low) allowing you to choose the perfect match for your foot type. The design features a deep, decoupled heel cup that allows the heel to sink in and a flexible arch support plate that moves with your foot. Multi-layered foam construction provides targeted cushioning and shock absorption. For hikers who find traditional orthotics too stiff, the dynamic support of CURREX is an excellent compromise.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Available in three arch profiles | Premium pricing |
| Dynamic support is flexible, not stiff | Less motion control than rigid insoles |
| Deep decoupled heel cup for comfort | |
| Good shock absorption |
📣 Real-World Insights: Users love being able to choose their arch type. “Finally, an insole I could buy specifically for my high arches. The fit and feel are perfect,” one hiker mentioned. Another said, “They provide great support without making my boot feel stiff and unnatural. My feet feel less tired after long days.”
5. Oboz O Fit Insole Plus II
Oboz O Fit Insole Plus II
- Best For: Fans of Oboz boots or anyone wanting a well-balanced, supportive insole.
- My Rating: 4.5/5
Overview: Oboz is renowned for including high-quality, supportive insoles in their boots from the start, and their O Fit Insole Plus II is that same great design, available for any boot. It features a medium-arch design with a deep, supportive heel cup that positions the foot for stability. Targeted cushioning pods in the forefoot and heel provide comfort and shock absorption in key areas without adding unnecessary bulk. It’s a fantastic, well-rounded insole that provides a noticeable upgrade in both support and cushioning over almost any stock insole.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Great balance of support and cushioning | Medium arch may not suit very high or low arches |
| Pod-based cushioning is targeted and effective | |
| Deep heel cup provides stability | |
| From a trusted hiking footwear brand |
📣 Real-World Insights: Many users buy these to put in their non-Oboz footwear. “I loved the insoles that came in my Oboz boots so much that I bought a pair for my trail runners. They are the best,” one reviewer commented. Another said, “They offer the perfect middle ground—not rock-hard like some orthotics, but way more supportive than a simple foam insert.”
6. Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer
Spenco Polysorb Cross Trainer
- Best For: Hikers who prioritize maximum cushioning and shock absorption above all else.
- My Rating: 4.4/5
Overview: If you want your boot to feel like it has pillows inside, the Spenco Polysorb is for you. While not a “hiking” specific insole, its design is perfect for the trail. It uses a 4-way stretch fabric top layer to help prevent blisters, while the core is made of soft PU foam. The key features are the targeted Spencore material in the heel and a gel-like pad in the forefoot that provide exceptional shock absorption. It offers some light, flexible support, but its main purpose is to cushion your foot from relentless pounding, making it great for hikers with high arches or those who prefer a plusher feel.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Excellent cushioning and shock absorption | Offers minimal arch support |
| Reduces blisters with a smooth top layer | Less durable than firmer insoles |
| Very comfortable right out of the box |
📣 Real-World Insights: Comfort is the recurring theme in reviews. “It’s like walking on a cloud. My feet used to burn after 5 miles, but these have helped tremendously,” says one happy hiker. Another notes, “They don’t have a hard plastic arch, which I prefer. It’s all about soft, cushioned comfort.”
7. Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics
Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics
- Best For: Budget-conscious hikers seeking relief from plantar fasciitis pain.
- My Rating: 4.2/5
Overview: Dr. Scholl’s brings its pharmacy-aisle accessibility to the serious issue of plantar fasciitis. These orthotics are specifically designed with a reinforced arch and a shock-absorbing heel cup to counter the stress that causes sharp heel pain. The arch is structured to reduce pressure during the push-off phase of your stride, while the deep heel cup helps absorb impact upon landing. While they may not have the premium materials or custom-fit feel of more expensive brands, they provide effective, targeted relief at a very accessible price point.
| ✅ What We Loved | ❌ What to Watch Out For |
| Very effective for heel pain (plantar fasciitis) | Materials are less premium than competitors |
| Accessible and affordable | May not be durable enough for heavy, frequent use |
| Clinically proven pain relief |
📣 Real-World Insights: Many users report significant and immediate pain relief. “I was skeptical, but my morning heel pain is gone after wearing these for a week. They made hiking possible for me again,” one user wrote. Another commented, “For the price, the relief you get is unbelievable. A great first step before investing in expensive custom orthotics.”
Read more: Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2025 (Our Top 10 Picks)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I really need to buy insoles for my hiking boots?
For most people, yes. The stock insoles included with even high-end boots are typically very basic, flimsy foam inserts. A quality aftermarket insole provides superior support and cushioning, which helps align your body, reduce fatigue, and prevent common injuries like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and blisters. It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make.
2. How do I know my arch type?
The easiest way is the “wet test.” Get the bottom of your foot wet and step firmly onto a piece of cardboard or a dark towel. If the footprint shows your entire foot, you have low arches (flat feet). If you see about half of your arch, you have medium/neutral arches. If you see only your heel and the ball of your foot with a very thin line connecting them, you have high arches.
3. Should I choose support or cushioning?
Ideally, you want a balance of both, but you should prioritize support. Proper support from a structured insole is what aligns your foot and prevents the micro-traumas that lead to pain and fatigue. Cushioning provides immediate comfort and shock absorption but does little to correct underlying biomechanical issues. Brands like Superfeet and PowerStep focus on support, while Spenco focuses on cushioning.
4. How long do hiking insoles last?
This depends on the quality of the insole and how often you hike. As a general rule, most high-quality insoles from brands like Superfeet or SOLE should be replaced after about 500 miles of use or once a year. You’ll know it’s time when you can see visible compression in the foam or if your old foot pain starts to creep back.