The 12 Best Insoles for Hiking to Stop Pain and Fatigue, So You Can Trek Longer

Best Overall

Obōz O Fit Plus II Insoles

View On Amazon $35 View On Zappos $35 View On REI $10

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Pain Relief
  5/5
• Breathability
  4.9/5
• Value
  5/5

Of all the hiking insoles we've researched and tested, Oboz' O Fit Insole is our favorite because it provides a range of impressive features at a solid value. Its thin, low-profile design makes it easy to slip into most shoes and boots, leaving plenty of room for your toes to spread out.

Designed for hiking, the O Fit Insole is made with soft layers of foam to help alleviate pressure and pain. Its medium arch is ideal for hikers with neutral feet, while additional pods under the forefoot and heel help absorb shock as you cover more miles.

In addition to the O Fit's thick padding, we also like how deep the heel cup is. Our tester, who has plantar fasciitis, noticed that this insole helped support and stabilize his heels, significantly reducing his foot pain.

We love that the relief this pair provides radiates up from our feet through our ankles, knees, hips, and lower back for all-day comfort. Although they didn't cause our feet to overheat, we wish they were slightly more sweat-wicking for long adventures in warm weather.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Foam | Sizes: 2X-Small to XX-Large | Arch Type: Neutral | Anti-Odor: No}

Best Cushioning

Spenco RX Comfort Insole

View On Amazon $15 View On Zappos $25 View On Theinsolestore.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Pain Relief
  4.8/5
• Breathability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

For soft insoles that absorb shock well, Spenco's RX Comfort Insoles are our top pick. On top of their simple, effective design, their budget-friendly price point is just an added bonus.

We love that this pair has earned the American Podiatric Medial Association's (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. This designation is only awarded to products that have been deemed to promote good foot health by a panel of podiatrists—meaning you can be confident these insoles are backed by experts.

In testing, the RX Insoles reduced the impact on our feet and joints, leading to a reduction in shin and knee pain. We're also fans of the coating and top fabric layer, which work together to prevent odors and bacteria from building up inside your shoes as you walk. However, since these insoles are so padded, they may not have enough arch support for some hikers.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Nylon | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 12.5, men’s 6 to 15.5 | Arch Type: Low | Anti-Odor: Yes}

Best for Boots

Timberland Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles

View On Amazon $30 View On Walmart $32 View On Tractor Supply Co.

Our Ratings

• Support
  4/5
• Comfort
  4.4/5
• Pain Relief
  5/5
• Breathability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Tired of your heavy hiking boots weighing you down? We recommend adding Timberland's Pro Anti-Fatigue Technology Insoles to your go-to pair. Similar to Spenco's RX Comfort Insole, these have also earned the APMA's Seal of Acceptance.

While most insoles are designed for use in many types of shoes, this pair was made for boots. We like that they're thin and flexible, meaning they won't take up too much room. They're also very cushioned, with some sturdy plastic added for better durability.

Since they're thin and feature so much padding, these insoles may not be supportive enough for some hikers. (Our next pick has much better arch support.) Even so, we were impressed by how well they helped relieve our foot pain after standing and walking all day.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Plastic | Sizes: Small to 2X-Large | Arch Type: All (high, medium, low) | Anti-Odor: No}

Best Arch Support

Sof Sole Unisex Insoles

View On Amazon $37 View On Zappos $44

Sof Sole’s FIT Insoles come in three different arch types, making them the best hiking insole with targeted support based on your individual foot shape. We like that they have pads in both the forefoot and heel area for enhanced comfort and shock absorption. 

A reinforced support plate at the back of each insole helps gently align your feet as you walk. And we love that these insoles feature deep heel cups for better stability while traversing uneven terrain. The foam padding varies in firmness depending on which arch type you select, for customized comfort.

You can choose from women's sizes 5 to 15 and men's sizes 3 to 14 to find your perfect fit. But while we like that these insoles provide impressive support at around a third of the cost of some of our other picks, some wearers have found that they tend to squeak.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Nylon, synthetic, foam | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 15, men’s 3 to 14 | Arch Type: All (high, low, neutral) | Anti-Odor: No}

Best for Heel Pain

Spenco PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles

View On Amazon $25 View On Zappos $25 View On Roadrunnersports.com

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Pain Relief
  5/5
• Breathability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

If you deal with heel pain while you hike, we recommend Spenco's PolySorb Cross Trainer Insoles. We love how responsive these are, with layers of soft foam that help propel us forward with each step. They also offer a moderate amount of support that's designed for neutral arches, meaning they strike a good balance between comfort and stability.

To combat heel pain, you need insoles with superior shock absorption. The PolySorb insoles have pads in the forefoot and the heel to spread out the impact that comes with trekking over hard, rocky ground. We noticed the effects not only in our heels, but also in our feet, knees, and lower back.

Some insoles are stiff and rigid, which can make it difficult to trim them to fit various shoes. But the PolySorb Insoles are flexible and easy to shape. However, it's worth noting that they may be too thick to fit in some shoes, especially if the existing insoles aren't removable.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, foam | Sizes: Women’s 7 to 8.5, men’s 6 to 7.5 | Arch Type: Neutral | Anti-Odor: Yes}

Best for High Arches

EasyFeet Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Insoles

View On Amazon $40 View On Easyfeet.store $40

Our Ratings

• Support
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Pain Relief
  5/5
• Breathability
  4/5
• Value
  5/5

Insoles aren't just for flat feet—if you have high arches, you can also benefit from some additional support. This pair from EasyFeet is our favorite for hiking because it utilizes two types of cushioning to keep you feeling light on your feet as the trails stretch on.

Most insoles on our list use foam or gel to pad your shoes. But EasyFeet's insoles have a combination of both, with fabric on top that wicks away moisture and rubber underneath for durability. We love that this unique construction helps relieve lower back pain and numbness in our toes.

Similar to some of our other top picks, these insoles also have a deep heel cup that helps keep you stable as you tackle steep hills. Even better, the brand will take your insoles back even after you've trimmed them to fit your shoes, so you don't have to worry about being stuck with a pair of inserts you don't like. Just note that these insoles aren't as breathable as others we've tested, even with the moisture-wicking top layer.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Foam, gel | Sizes: Women’s 5.5 to 15.5, men’s 4.5 to 14.5 | Arch Type: High | Anti-Odor: No}

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

SOLE Thick Shoe Insoles

View On Amazon $59 View On REI $59

SOLE’s Active Thick Insoles are our recommendation if you deal with plantar fasciitis pain regularly. The sturdy yet flexible support prevents plantar fascia strain while allowing you to use your feet’s natural range of motion. A deep heel cup helps stabilize the feet, and we like that it offers superior comfort by repositioning the natural padding under your heel.

Made with recycled EVA foam, the Active Thick insoles offer good shock absorption and can hold up to long, tough hikes for months to come. They mold to your feet over time or can be heat-molded for a customized fit. And they're available in wide sizes, unlike many of our other top picks.

These insoles are easy to put in and remove if you want to swap them between shoes. Plus, they have a coating to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria, keeping your feet smelling fresh. Although SOLE's Active Thick Insoles are more expensive than other pairs on our list, we think you get what you pay for when it comes to comfort and pain relief.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Recycled foam | Sizes: Women’s 5 to 16, men’s 3 to 14 | Arch Type: All (high, low, neutral) | Anti-Odor: Yes}

Best for Overpronation

PowerStep Hiker Insoles

View On Amazon $50 View On Walmart $55 View On Powerstep.com

PowerStep’s Pinnacle Hiker Insoles have a contoured arch support that we highly recommend for hikers who overpronate. If your feet tend to roll inward, you need a firmer insole that will gently realign your feet and ankles to the correct position. PowerStep's Pinnacle Insoles are stiffer than most, but still have a little flexibility to keep you going on longer hikes.

With plenty of shock-absorbing cushioning in the heel area, we love that they also offer protection against plantar fasciitis and other heel pain. Plus, the top layer of fabric is antimicrobial to minimize moisture and odors.

While they’re ideal for hiking boots, they may be too high for shoes that aren’t as deep, so keep that in mind if you like to use your insoles for multiple pairs of shoes. It's also worth noting that although this pair comes in a wide range of men's sizes, the women's selection is much more limited.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, foam | Sizes: Women’s 7 to 11.5, men’s 5 to 13 | Arch Type: Neutral | Anti-Odor: Yes}

Best Gel

Sof Sole Performance Insoles

View On Amazon $35 View On Dick's $35

With polymer gel in the forefoot and an encapsulated air chamber in the heel, Sof Sole’s AIRR Performance Insoles offer plenty of cushioned comfort and shock absorption when you hit the trails. They also feature a moisture-wicking layer treated with anti-odor technology to keep your feet feeling cool, fresh, and dry.

It’s worth noting that these AIRR Performance Insoles don’t have much arch support, so they may not work for those looking for a very firm insole. They’re also on the thicker side, so they’re best for shoes that have a removable insole.

Designed with active people in mind, these insoles are ideal for impact protection when hiking but also work well for running, walking, and other activities. They’re especially helpful for those who have a history of heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, since there’s extra cushioning in the rearfoot.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Gel, fabric | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Arch Type: All (high, low, neutral) | Anti-Odor: No}

Best Carbon Fiber

Superfeet Hike Support Insoles

View On Amazon $55 View On Zappos $55 View On REI $55

Designed with hikers in mind, these durable Hike Support insoles are our favorite carbon fiber pick. The shape securely supports your feet in hiking boots, minimizing fatigue and eliminate sliding that can lead to blisters and irritation. A deep heel cup provides even more stability, preventing slipping on uneven surfaces.

We like that the foam cushioning and impact pad in the heel help evenly distribute pressure and shock. Even better, Superfeet's Hike Support Insoles have an anti-odor coating, so you won’t have to worry about smelly feet after a long day of walking.

They come in a wide range of men’s and women’s sizes and can be trimmed for a more precise fit. But they may be too narrow, especially in the midfoot, which could cause some irritation and rubbing for those with wide feet.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Carbon fiber, polyester | Sizes: Women’s 4.5 to 14, men’s 2.5 to 13 | Arch Type: Neutral or high | Anti-Odor: Yes}

Best for Sweaty Feet

Superfeet Blue All-Purpose Insoles

View On Amazon $55 View On REI $55 View On Dick's $55

Another one of our top picks from Superfeet, the brand's Blue Insoles earn our top spot for their excellent support and comfort. Constructed using a durable, high-density foam, they have a thin profile and a firm, medium arch shape that works for a variety of foot types and shoes.

A stabilizer cap provides support and comfort under the heel, making these insoles a nice choice for those who are prone to plantar fasciitis or other heel issues. The insoles also have a wide, deep heel cup for increased stability as you’re hiking on uneven terrain. Even better, they’ll keep your feet smelling and feeling fresh, thanks to an all-natural, organic coating that prevents bacterial growth.

We like that the Blue insoles can be trimmed for a custom-like fit, although some with very wide feet might find them too narrow. Superfeet stands behind its products with a 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, which means you can return the insoles for a refund if you’re not satisfied.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Polyester, synthetic, foam | Sizes: Women’s 4.5 to 14, men’s 2.5 to 15 | Arch Type: Neutral | Anti-Odor: Yes}