5 Best Hiking Boot Insoles to Wear for Plantar Fasciitis
Updated December 6, 2024.
As someone who enjoys hiking, you rely heavily on your hiking boots to carry you over challenging terrains. This makes proper foot support essential to avoid injury—and even more so if you have plantar fasciitis.
Wearing the correct orthotics in hiking boots, especially with plantar fasciitis, will help to optimize your gait by holding your feet aligned, stable, and in place. Insoles will also provide additional comfort, cushioning, and arch support for your feet to reduce foot fatigue and lessen the risk of developing inflammation in your plantar fasciitis while hiking.
Below we've listed the best hiking boot insoles to wear for plantar fasciitis.
» Getting calf pain from plantar fasciitis? Try these insoles
1. Upstep | Fitness Walking & Hiking Custom Orthotics
Pros
- Custom-made
- Designed by podiatrists
- Durable
- Addresses and manages plantar fasciitis symptoms
- Affordable
Cons
- Short waiting period before receiving your insoles
Upstep’s Fitness Walking & Hiking Custom Orthotics are custom-made by professional podiatrists to fit snugly in your hiking boots in an effort to reduce foot fatigue, improve foot mechanics, and provide you with optimum support as you hike.
The orthotics are durable and effectively reduce and manage plantar fasciitis symptoms, preventing it from progressively getting worse in the future. These insoles are affordable (available with FSA and HSA cards or through interest-free payments) and come with a 180-day money-back guarantee. Be sure to check out the best insoles for hiking with ample arch support.
2. Superfeet | Adapt Hike Max Insoles
Pros
- Flexible structure
- Adapts to your natural motion
- Durable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not custom-made and must be trimmed
- May not fit correctly or provide sufficient support
Superfeet Adapt Hike Max Insoles are designed to support and cushion your feet through its flexible structure. These insoles adapt to the natural movement of your feet, making them suitable for hiking activities. Apart from being affordable, these insoles also feature durable construction, an energizing heel cushion, and responsive forefoot zone, making it effective for managing plantar fasciitis.
Superfeet Adapt Hike Max Insoles are bought over-the-counter and must be trimmed to fit. Therefore, they may not address your foot needs as fully as custom orthotics.
3. Protalus | M-100 Elite Insoles
Pros
- Suitable for full-volume shoes
- Anti-slip ridges
- Heel cup corrects misalignment
- Odor control
Cons
- One fit for all arch types
- Improper fit may not provide sufficient support
Protalus M-100 Elite Insoles are affordable, over-the-counter insoles that feature a comfortable, durable, three-layered design. Suitable for full-volume shoes, the heel cup keeps your ankle in a neutral position in an effort to correct misalignment while the anti-slip ridges work to prevent the insoles from slipping or moving in your hiking boots, giving you more stable footing.
The top coat manages any moisture and bacteria, providing odor and slippage control. However, the insoles have a universal fit only for all arch types. This may not provide you with the necessary support and may aggravate your plantar fasciitis.
4. SOLE | Performance Wide Thick Insoles
Pros
- Suitable for shoes with wider toe-boxes
- Sustainable
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Cons
- Not custom-made
- Fit and support may be incorrect
SOLE Performance Wide Thick Insoles are made from recycled wine cork and feature a wider toe-box for maximum comfort. The insoles are designed to reduce strain placed on the plantar fascia by reducing foot fatigue, improving balance, and redistributing weight equally across your feet.
While these insoles are affordable and available in multiple sizes, they're not custom-made and you may not find the perfect fit or support (especially your arches).
5. Tread Labs | Pace Thin Insoles
Pros
- Medical-grade insoles
- Extra firm support
- Deep heel cup improves stability
Cons
- Better suited for low-volume shoes
- Choices of arch heights may not provide sufficient support
- Different sizes may not fit perfectly
Tread Labs Pace Thin Insoles are affordable medical-grade orthotics, designed for those with plantar fasciitis, severe over pronation, and are heavy on their feet. The insoles provide extra firm support to lessen plantar fasciitis symptoms, while a deep heel cup decreases the impact of your feet with the ground and improves stability.
While these insoles are available in multiple sizes, they're better suited for low-volume shoes and not necessarily hiking boots. You also have your choice from 4 different arch heights, however, this doesn't guarantee you'll find one that fits perfect and provides the necessary support.
Final Verdict
Not having insoles that fit correctly and provide adequate support in your hiking boots can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis and can aggravate symptoms you currently have.
Custom orthotics are the best option to manage any symptoms related to plantar fasciitis because the source of your condition is not necessarily the same as the next person. Custom insoles are made based on your foot shape, activities, and lifestyle. Therefore, it's best suited to address your specific foot needs as opposed to a universal, over-the-counter insole that provides generic support.
