Superfeet - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1

so, on the advice of “everyone” i’ve talked to i got some superfeet insoles for my hike. i had never used them before, or any special insole for that matter, and my feet always felt fine (or as fine as they could for hiking). i’ve now worn them for 2 weeks around town to see how they feel and i’ve started to develop a hot spot on the arch of my foot near the heal. the info that came with them said this area would feel a little unusual at first due to the fact that most people don’t know that this is proper foot alignment, but is this normal? is there a break-in period for these? and would anybody suggest not using suprfeet? am i setting my self up for some nasty blisters when i’m actually out on the trail and not just tooling around town?

smoky

#2

You can always try a different brand of insole.

The risk is, if you’ve got any amount of arch in your foot, that not wearing insoles will cause your feet to flatten, which can cause other problems down the road.

0101

#3

There are at least 3 main types of superfeet, so be sure to pick the one that works best for you.

The green superfeet have the most pronounced arch support, and I’ve learned it’s too much for me - had the same type of blister problems.

The blue superfeet have worked excellently for me - they have a less pronounced arch support. However, these (as well as the green) have almost no padding in the toe area, and can leave the ball of your foot sore after a long walk. So, I put them on top of the existing shoe insole. This can work fine for many shoes, but does make it a little more crowded inside.

The orange superfeet are a newer version. These are like the blues for arch support, but have padding in the toe, so you don’t need an “extra insole”. These are now my new favorite!

My experience: When I hiked the PCT, I could barely feel my feet by the end - they were just numb… and otherwise painfully sore. I didn’t use any special insoles. When I hiked the CDT, I used superfeet (blue ones) the whole way, and my feet felt just fine the entire way - no foot pain at all. I was amazed. I now wear superfeet all the time, as I’ve noticed they make my knees feel better too.

Anyway, anyone’s experience will differ. Listen to your own body first, not “everyone”. I think that rigid/orthodic insoles are a good idea on a long hike, and can prevent many foot/leg ailments. However, you have to find a pair that fits well. If they feel “funny”, that’s normal, but they shouldn’t give you blisters. There are also some other brands out there that people like… I think Merril has introduced a version that you heat up & it conforms to your foot. I have a friend who swears by these. Good luck!

Jonathan

#4

Thanks Jonathan :wink:

No one’s ever explained those differences before. I also have a high arch and found out the hard way on my AT thru-hike that they weren’t for my feet. I have never tried any of the other ‘colors’ since, but your post has me thinking about the orange ones. I have been using regular Dr Scholl gel inserts the past few years just to give some additional cushioning. I find every time I try to go back to my leather boots for a longer hike (more than a weekend) I’m back in pain.

As you said, everyone has to figure out what works for them. Just because others love Superfeet doesn’t meet Superfeet will love you!!

Bluebearee

#5

yeah, thanks alot jonathan. even the salesperson at my local outfitter where i bought them didn’t explain the difference between the colors. they just said that the green ones gave the most support so they were good for hiking and the blue ones were better for everyday walking. of course she also admitted that she really didn’t know that much about them. i should have known better and researched them. thanks again

smoky

#6

I had orthodics professionally made for my hike. Problem is they had very little padding under the toes. Adding padding raised my toes causing blisters on the top. I switched to superfeet and to a hiking shoe with a lot more sole than my New Balance 807’s. The heavier sole and superfeet were great. No more blisters and a lot of material under my toes which made them stop hurting. Before that I could feel every rock. After the switch I could dance on the rocks. Sent my professionally made orthodics home. The dog chewed one of them up. Good Dog!!!

steady on

#7

Several different brands of footbeds out there now. I picked some up at Diamond Brand Outdoors in NC, brand name ‘Sole’. They moulded the footbeds right there in the store and I have never regretted the purchase. They came with a 90 day money back guarantee and a 2 yr warranty. Not sure how the warranty would be handled with a thru hiker but I would highly recommend this brand.

Boquack